Heisman Trophy 2017: Ranking the Top 10 Candidates Ahead of Week 12
Two of the nation's top three college football teams fell, but the No. 1 contender in the Heisman Trophy race solidified his spot.
Baker Mayfield guided Oklahoma to a critical victory over TCU, and the quarterback is now almost certainly headed to New York as a finalist. No other player can say that, although Stanford running back Bryce Love is getting close.
Another running back—Auburn's Kerryon Johnson—put together a similarly productive game in an upset of a Top 10 opponent as Love did. Notre Dame standout Josh Adams, however, slipped from the rankings when Miami contained him and destroyed the Irish.
Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett slipped out this week, but he's certain to return soon if the Buckeyes keep winning.
Factors used to determine the rankings include total production, key performances and historical trends, such as position and team record.
10. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn
1 of 10By the numbers
Following Auburn's demolition of top-ranked Georgia, Kerryon Johnson has edged his way into the conversation. He accumulated a career-high 233 yards from scrimmage in the 40-17 victory. Despite missing two games earlier in the year, Johnson has accumulated 1,035 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.
Signature moment
Johnson scored five touchdowns against Missouri in Week 4 and topped the 200-yard mark opposite Ole Miss in Week 6, but he punctuated the rout of Georgia with a 55-yard score. Without question, a huge performance and game-shaping touchdown against Alabama in Week 13 are a must for any Heisman hopes.
Week 12 prediction
This coming Saturday brings the annual "several SEC teams smack an overwhelmed opponent" weekend. Given that the Tigers should have no issues with Louisiana Monroe, they ought to rest Johnson as soon as possible in preparation for Alabama. He should top 80 yards with a touchdown or two.
9. McKenzie Milton, QB, UCF
2 of 10
By the numbers
The quarterback of a 9-0 UCF team, McKenzie Milton has steadily remained near the top of a few national categories. He ranks second in both yards per attempt (10.8) and rating (184.63), as well as ninth in yards per game (302.2). Milton has accounted for 26 touchdowns and tossed only five interceptions.
Signature moment
After a 49-24 triumph over UConn, the Knights have now recorded eight victories of 10-plus points. In terms of winning margin, it's tough to dominate more than UCF has in 2017. Nevertheless, for Milton have a chance at garnering Heisman votes, he must excel against South Florida in Week 13.
Week 12 prediction
Temple has an average defense. Not great, certainly not bad. Milton should put together another quiet 250-yard, three-touchdown week to snatch a road win. That'll set up the sophomore for a possible signature moment on Black Friday.
8. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
3 of 10
By the numbers
Mason Rudolph is back on the edge of the discussion thanks to a terrific day against Iowa State. The senior completed 80.6 percent of his 31 passes for 376 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Rudolph leads the country with 369.0 passing yards per game and is third in rating (174.22) and fourth in touchdowns (30). He's also run for seven scores.
Signature moment
Oklahoma State needed a victory at Iowa State last week to stay alive in the Big 12. Rudolph helped the Pokes rally from an early 14-point deficit to win a 49-42 thriller on the road. Additionally, two of his three touchdowns happened in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter.
Week 12 prediction
In both 2015 and 2016, Rudolph eclipsed the 400-yard mark against Kansas State. That impressive streak will end, but 350 is still pretty good. Running back Justice Hill will steal some of those yards from Rudolph, who will guide Oklahoma State to its ninth win of the campaign.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Khalil Tate, QB, Arizona
4 of 10
By the numbers
Khalil Tate continues to climb the Heisman list thanks to his running ability. After slicing Oregon State for 206 yards, he's up to 1,293—which is No. 7 nationally—for the year. Tate only has 998 passing yards and six interceptions in just 105 pass attempts, so it's best to temper voting expectations. Still, Arizona's surge with Tate behind center shouldn't be ignored.
Signature moment
Propelling the Wildcats to an upset of Washington State is noteworthy, but unexpected performances can hardly be more stunning than Tate's explosion against Colorado in Week 6. As an injury replacement, he obliterated Colorado for 327 yards on the ground, threw for 154 more and totaled five scores.
Week 12 prediction
Oregon coach Willie Taggart told reporters QB Justin Herbert is "really close" to returning. His availability will determine Tate's ceiling since the Ducks are a disaster on offense without Herbert but could sustain a few possessions if he's back. Expect another 150 rushing yards from Tate regardless.
6. Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama
5 of 10
By the numbers
Alabama's 10-0 record is the primary appeal for Jalen Hurts since his numbers don't compare favorably to most other candidates. But with 2,304 yards of total offense, 19 touchdowns and just two turnovers, it's easy to argue Hurts belongs on the third tier of the Heisman chase.
Signature moment
In Week 11, the sophomore led a game-winning drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to edge Mississippi State. Hurts found Calvin Ridley for a 31-yard gain on 3rd-and-15 and tossed a 26-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith on the following snap for the go-ahead score, lifting Alabama to 10-0.
Week 12 prediction
Mercer put a scare into Auburn earlier this season, but the Crimson Tide won't have trouble dispatching the visitors. Hurts will register 200 total yards before taking an early seat on the bench and resting for the Iron Bowl.
5. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
6 of 10
By the numbers
Saquon Barkley is starting to slide down the rankings, yet he's averaging the second-most all-purpose yards at 184.6. The junior has 899 yards on the ground, and Virginia's Olamide Zaccheaus is the only running back with more receiving yards than Barkley's 524. He's contributed on a total of 17 scores.
Signature moment
During a 42-13 rout of Michigan in Week 8, Barkley scampered 69 yards for a touchdown on his first touch. He collected 176 all-purpose yards and three scores. Considering what has happened since then, yes, Barkley needs a new moment. That can't happen unless Ohio State gifts Penn State a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, but he'll a lock to receive some votes.
Week 12 prediction
Saturday brings an enormous stat-padding opportunity for Barkley. Nebraska just surrendered 409 yards and six touchdowns to Minnesota's rushing attack. Barkley will tally 150-plus yards on the ground and reach 200 all-purpose yards for the fifth time this season.
4. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
7 of 10By the numbers
Louisville is a not-so-great 6-4 on the year, but Lamar Jackson is putting up huge numbers. He's one of 11 quarterbacks averaging 300 passing yards and ranks 16th with 1,176 rushing yards. Jackson leads the nation in total offense with 417.9 yards per appearance and has 36 total touchdowns.
Signature moment
In Week 11, the junior became the first player in NCAA history to record 3,000 passing and 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons. This only adds to Jackson's legacy as one of the most dynamic college football quarterbacks ever.
Week 12 prediction
Wake Forest's John Wolford recently thrashed Syracuse for nearly 500 yards of total offense and six touchdowns. Have mercy on the Orange, Jackson. He'll pick apart the ACC program for at least 400 yards and four scores.
3. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
8 of 10
By the numbers
Jonathan Taylor just had the second-least efficient outing of his college career. He also ran for 157 yards. The six-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week ranks No. 3 in the country with 1,525 yards and has crossed the goal line 12 times on a 10-0 Wisconsin team.
Signature moment
Unfair as it may be, Taylor will no longer gain any traction with his 249-yard performance at Nebraska. That shouldn't diminish his consistency. Taylor has posted three 200-yard outbursts (with seven total of 100-plus) heading into his team's final three contests, including the Big Ten Championship Game.
Week 12 prediction
Both the Badgers and Michigan will attempt to rely on the running game, so prepare for a bunch of punts. There will be plenty of volume for Taylor to handle, however. He'll slowly pound out 100 yards against a stout Wolverines defense.
2. Bryce Love, RB, Stanford
9 of 10
By the numbers
In nine appearances, Bryce Love has scampered for fewer than 147 yards once. He stands atop the Football Bowl Subdivision with 180.2 rushing yards per game and 1,622 overall. The junior is tied for fourth nationally with 15 rushing touchdowns.
Signature moment
Love's 301-yard display against Arizona State is worth mentioning, but he provided a much-needed update in Week 11. During a 30-22 upset of Washington, the speedster collected 166 yards and three scores on the ground. It's exactly what he needed to lock down an invitation to the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Week 12 prediction
While Cal isn't a slouch defensively, the unit is susceptible on the road. The Golden Bears have ceded 227.3 yards per contest away from Berkeley compared to 133.0 at home. Love will break off a pair of long runs en route to 150 yards and two scores.
1. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
10 of 10
By the numbers:
The unquestioned Heisman favorite entering Week 12, Baker Mayfield is a master of combining efficiency and production. He ranks first nationally in completion percentage (71.2), yards per attempt (11.9) and rating (202.1), second in yards per game (355.9) and third in touchdowns (31).
Signature moment
Rather than pick a singular moment against a key opponent, let's consider what Mayfield has accomplished in three showdowns with ranked foes. He registered 386 yards and three scores at Ohio State, 598 yards and six total touchdowns at Oklahoma State and 333 yards with three scores against TCU. It doesn't get much more impressive than that.
Week 12 prediction
Out of 130 FBS teams, Kansas ranks 129th in opponent completion percentage, 127th in yards per attempt allowed and 127th in touchdowns allowed. Mayfield will cruise to 300 yards as long as the running game doesn't make it a blowout before Oklahoma inevitably pulls him.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
