2018 Heisman Watch (Week 8)

The leader in the Heisman race remains in the top spot despite his team falling in a ranked matchup, but the race is extremely tight in the middle of October.

 

1. Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin RB | Sophomore | Last week:1

Even Michigan’s stingy defense couldn’t contain Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 101 yards on 17 attempts in Wisconsin’s Saturday night loss. Another loss would probably knock the star sophomore running back down a notch in the Heisman race, but he holds the top spot as someone on the hunt for a 2,000-yard season.

 

Season stats:

143 ATT | 950 YDS | 8 TD | 6.6 AVG

5 REC | 20 YDS | 4.0 AVG

 

2. Tua Tagovailoa | Alabama QB | Sophomore | Last week: 2

Tua Tagovailoa has yet to throw an interception this season, and he’s up to 21 touchdowns while rarely getting a full slate of snaps like most players in the nation. Last week, it was a knee injury that knocked Tua out of action early, but thankfully he’s thought to be OK. Tagovailoa should put up numbers this week against Tennessee.

 

Season stats:

71.5% | 1,760 YDS | 21 TD

25 ATT | 117 YDS | 2 TD | 4.7 AVG

 

3. Dwayne Haskins | Ohio State QB | RS Sophomore | Last week: 4

He hasn’t been quite as flawless as Tagovailoa, but Dwayne Haskins has been putting up huge numbers each week. A late score against Minnesota put him at 412 passing yards and three passing touchdowns as the Buckeyes remained unbeaten. Haskins is clearly near the top of the Heisman discussion as we approach the third weekend in October.

 

Season stats:

72.3% | 2,331 YDS | 28 TD | 4 INT

30 ATT | 49 YDS | 1 TD | 1.6 AVG

 

4. Trace McSorley | Penn State QB | RS Senior | Last week: 3

It’s unfortunate that Penn State is almost certainly out of the College Football Playoff race already in Trace McSorley’s senior season. The overall team success puts a dent into McSorley’s Heisman candidacy, but he remains in the mix as perhaps the best player in the nation. The Nittany Lions still have a few ranked matchups coming up this regular season, so McSorley can climb back near the top of the Heisman watch.

 

Season stats:

54.4% | 1,242 YDS | 11 TD | 2 INT

79 ATT | 447 YDS | 6 TD | 5.7 AVG

 

5. Kyler Murray | Oklahoma QB | Senior | Last week: NR

With Will Grier and West Virginia losing against Iowa State, Kyler Murray takes the final spot of the top-five for the Heisman watch. Laviska Shenault Jr. is also right here in the discussion and should get strong Heisman consideration if he keeps playing this well. Murray returns to the field Saturday when the Sooners face TCU after they had off this past weekend.

 

Season stats:

71.1% | 1,764 YDS | 21 TD | 3 INT

57 ATT | 377 YDS | 5 TD | 6.6 AVG