Trevone Boykin vs. Texas Tech: Stat Line, Heisman Impact and Reaction

Anyone who wasn't taking Trevone Boykin's Heisman candidacy seriously better start now.

The TCU quarterback continued his renaissance Saturday against Texas Tech, throwing for 433 passing yards and seven touchdowns through the air. In addition to setting a school record, as noted by ESPN Stats & Info, those seven scores matched his season output as a sophomore:

He didn't even need the entire game to produce those eye-popping numbers. After posting all those stats and 68 points through three quarters, Boykin basked in the glory from the sideline during the final period.

CMP/ATT	Pass YDs	Pass TDs	INTs	YPA	Rush YDs
22/39	433	7	0	11.1	28

Following the 82-27 onslaught, the Horned Frogs are now 6-1, with their lone loss coming in a 61-58 shootout against Big 12 rival Baylor. Both schools are now fighting for positioning inside the Top 10 and for one of the four playoff spots.

Boykin capitalized on a feeble Texas Tech defense that has now surrendered 45 or more points four times this season. Still, 82 is a lot more 45. This game will teleport him into the heart of the Heisman race. How strong is his case, and can he remain at the forefront of the top contenders throughout the season?

Through seven games, the junior has 21 passing touchdowns and three interceptions, compiling consecutive 400-yard performances. The Dallas Morning News' Ryan Gerbosi analyzed the game's impact on Boykin's national outlook.

"Any whispers you heard about Trevone Boykin being considered for major awards in the last few weeks are about to turn into screams," Gerbosi said.

Nobody would have given the TCU signal-caller any thought to begin the season, but he has already tripled his touchdown tally from last year with five games left to go. Just last season, Boykin had to avoid a slew of criticism, per College GameDay's Chris Fowler:

Two weeks ago, before the peak of his breakout, Boykin described his progress to The Associated Press' Stephen Hawkins, via NCAA.com.

"I guess you can say I'm going in with a lot more confidence," Boykin said. "We're going in on a roll as a team, not just an offense. Right now we just have to click on all three phases, and my performance will be based on what the other 10 guys without the ball do, and my decision-making."

While he needs to be mentioned as a prominent threat, he's still not the favorite despite Saturday's outburst. As great as he's been, his 58.7 completion percentage is actually a slight downgrade from last season. Maybe it's picking hairs, but lofty standards are necessary when comparing him to the nation's top college football standouts.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

While Dak Prescott didn't hurt his chances with 304 total yards and three touchdowns against Kentucky, he didn't bolster them either as it was one of his worst passing days of the season. Whether it's fair, Mississippi State's success will sway voters in Prescott's direction.

Unfortunately for both men, Marcus Mariota is still operating at another stratosphere. On Friday night, the junior tallied 362 total yards along with five passing touchdowns during a 59-41 victory over California.

Aside from his sterling 24-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Oregon's star also beats the other contenders in key efficiency measures, making him the most deserving quarterback by a sizable margin.

Player	CMP %	Pass YDs	Pass TDs	INTs	YPA	Rush YDs	YPC	Rush TDs
Trevone Boykin	58.7	2,306	21	3	8.1	374	4.4	3
Dak Prescott	60.3	1,694	15	5	9.0	664	5.4	10
Marcus Mariota	68.8	2,283	24	1	10.5	325	5.2	5

Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper, however, are also contenders in a stacked field. So one scintillating effort doesn't guarantee Boykin can remain in the discussion. But he's certainly a part of it right now, even though he still has ground to make up. 

Two stark tests await him over the next two weeks. First he'll face West Virginia, which limited Baylor to a season-low 27 points in an upset last weekend. After that, Kansas State awaits, averaging 29.3 points allowed per game after shutting out Texas.

Given his previous two seasons under center, simply emerging as one of the Heisman finalists would be considered a huge success story for Boykin. With a strong finish, that's a feasible goal.