Clemson QB Deshaun Watson Slowly Building Heisman Campaign

Entering the 2015 season, serious Heisman Trophy buzz surrounded Deshaun Watson, and with good reason. Clemson’s sophomore quarterback had impressive size and skills, and piloted a high-powered offensive system. 

But after some sluggish efforts against Louisville and Notre Dame, that buzz died down.

Now, as the Tigers prepare for a final College Football Playoff push, Heisman hype is building around Watson, and deservedly so. Clemson’s offense is hitting a high gear, and so is Watson. Saturday that offense picked up a weak defensive effort in a 56-41 victory at N.C. State, and Watson had the most impressive game of his sophomore season.

While Watson remains on the periphery of the Heisman Trophy race, he is making his case for inclusion as the chase for the stiff-arm trophy enters its final month. Saturday, he completed 23-of-30 passes for 383 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

It was Watson’s best game since his first career start, which saw him throw for 435 yards and an ACC single-game record-tying six touchdowns against North Carolina.

Although the Tigers defense wasn’t sharp, Watson was always there to pick them up and give the team a little separation. With Clemson trailing 20-19 late in the first half, a missed field goal gave the Tigers the ball at their own 27 with 48 seconds left.

Two plays later, Clemson was in the end zone, courtesy of a 31-yard strike to Artavis Scott and a 42-yard touchdown toss to Charone Peake. After the teams traded touchdowns to start the second half, Watson uncorked his best pass of the day, a 40-yard pill down the left sideline to Deon Cain. Clemson’s lead never slipped under two touchdowns the rest of the way.

It was an impressive effort, given that N.C. State entered the game No. 3 nationally in total defense, allowing 251.3 yards per game (albeit against a schedule that included Troy, Eastern Kentucky, Old Dominion, South Alabama and Wake Forest).

After failing to hit the 300-yard passing mark in his first five games this fall, Watson has done it twice in his last three, coupling Saturday with a 420-yard effort against Boston College.

And after throwing 14 touchdowns against seven interceptions in his first six games, Watson has thrown six touchdowns with no picks in his last two games.

Despite losing returning 1,000-yard receiver Mike Williams to a neck fracture in the season opener, he has developed chemistry with a wide range of wideouts, including Cain, Scott, Peake and walk-on Hunter Renfrow.

He is also showing increased confidence in running on a surgically repaired knee, carrying 14 times Saturday for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

Does Watson have the stats of Heisman frontrunners like TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin (2,927 yards, 28 touchdowns against five interceptions, 524 rushing yards and six touchdowns) or LSU tailback Leonard Fournette (1,352 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns)? Not yet.

But a matchup against Florida State will be a major showcase for his abilities, and a closing stretch of Syracuse, Wake Forest and South Carolina could also help Watson pad his stats. A strong November would certainly help him make his case for the Heisman, especially if Fournette or Boykin stumble.

At the very least, Watson has made it clear he’ll be a legit contender for the Heisman Trophy as long as he’s in a Clemson uniform. The next month will tell us how quickly his candidacy will unfold.