2017 Heisman Watch (Week 8)

1. Saquon Barkley | Penn State RB | Junior | Last week: 1

The toughest test of the season was a huge pass for Saquon Barkley, as he completely dominated against Michigan from the start. On the second play from scrimmage, Barkley took a direct snap 69 yards after one cut. Barkley’s ability is simply unmatched in college football (and maybe even including the NFL), and he’ll be handful for Ohio State this Saturday.

 

Season stats:

117 ATT | 757 YDS | 6.5 AVG | 8 TD

32 REC | 448 YDS | 14.0 AVG | 3 TD

9 RET | 273 YDS | 30.3 AVG | 1 TD

100% | 16 YDS | 1 PASS TD

 

2. Baker Mayfield | Oklahoma QB | Senior | Last week: 2

Mayfield actually threw an interception (his second of the season) for the second game in a row, but he also racked up four total touchdowns and helped lead the Sooners to a hard-fought win at Kansas State. He also put up his biggest passing yardage performance of the season, tossing for 410 yards in the victory.

 

Season stats:

73.8% | 2,347 YDS | 19 TD | 2 INT

48 ATT | 170 YDS | 3.4 AVG | 3 TD

 

3. J.T. Barrett | Ohio State QB | Senior | Last week: 3

The Buckeyes had off last week, but the senior leader J.T. Barrett has a chance to make his huge Heisman statement in what might be the game of the year against Penn State. Ohio State’s captain has been on an absolute roll as of late, and he and the offense will try to keep it going against the Nittany Lions and their athletic defense.

 

Season stats:

66.7% | 1,838 YDS | 21 TD | 1 INT

70 ATT | 359 YDS | 5.1 AVG | 5 TD

 

4. Lamar Jackson | Louisville QB | Junior | Last week: 4

Perhaps he shouldn’t be considered the Heisman favorite or anything, but Lamar Jackson somehow continues to be undervalued after winning the prestigious award last year. He’s a human highlight reel every time he takes the field, and Jackson helped lead Louisville to a victory over Florida State in two consecutive games—something Louisville has never done.

 

Season stats:

60.3% | 2,478 YDS | 17 TD | 5 INT

136 ATT | 868 YDS | 6.4 AVG | 11 TD

 

5. Bryce Love | Stanford RB | Junior | Last week: 5

Like Ohio State, Stanford had off—but that doesn’t mean Bryce Love should go anywhere in the Heisman conversation. Love should keep it going as he looks to run wild once again for a Stanford team that’s leading the Pac-12 North.

 

Season stats:

135 ATT | 1,387 YDS | 10.3 AVG | 1 TD

4 REC | 19 YDS | 4.8 AVG