Ranking Heisman Contenders' Performances After Week 11 of College Football
Not only did LSU's trip to Alabama determine the SEC favorite, but the showdown also provided some clarity in the Heisman Trophy race.
And it's officially Joe Burrow's award to lose.
The following rankings are a reflection of how Heisman contenders performed in Week 11. The order is a snapshot of their season, not necessarily an indication of the order in which we expect they'll finish.
Factors used to shape the list include individual production, key plays, team success and competition level. All odds (via Caesars) are accurate as of Monday.
Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert (40-1) and Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard (75-1) are not highlighted because both neither team played in Week 11.
The Long Shots
1 of 6
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State (40-1)
Dobbins couldn't reach even 100 rushing yards against Maryland. What a shame. Jokes aside, the junior scampered for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a 73-14 rout of the Terps. Dobbins has 1,340 yards from scrimmage and 13 total scores this season. He's headed toward All-America honors but will probably be short of a Heisman finalist spot.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson (50-1)
All of that early-season concern over Lawrence is looking sillier by the week. After a mediocre start to this season, the sophomore has steadily improved. He torched NC State for 276 yards and three touchdowns, which marked his third straight game with three passing scores and zero picks. Lawrence won't win the Heisman, but he's heating up at the perfect time.
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson (75-1)
Similar to Dobbins, Etienne had an efficient day in a blowout. He rushed for 112 yards, caught three passes for 31 yards and totaled three touchdowns. He's up to 1,429 yards from scrimmage and 15 scores, so he's likely to follow in Dobbins' footsteps as an All-American who falls outside of the Heisman finalists.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin (150-1)
The Badgers survived a late charge from Iowa to earn a 24-22 win. Taylor was unquestionably the player of the game. He racked up a season-high 250 yards, reaching that massive mark for the third time in his career. Taylor has 1,410 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
5. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
2 of 6
Last Week's Heisman Odds: 10-1
Current Heisman Odds: 100-1
Stats (W 73-14 vs. Maryland): Did not play
Chase Young surged into the Heisman conversation with a tremendous day in a marquee win over Wisconsin in Week 10. He racked up five tackles for loss and four sacks among his six total stops.
And then, that happened.
Ohio State announced Young wouldn't play against Maryland in Week 11 because of a potential NCAA issue. The discussion revolves around a loan―which Young said has since been repaid―to help send family to the Rose Bowl last season.
We can yell and scream about the absurdity of the rules, but that isn't going to change anything in this specific circumstance.
Kyle Rowland of the Toledo Blade reported Young is facing a maximum two-game suspension. Young still deserves unanimous All-America status, but he isn't going to win the Heisman if he remains sidelined.
4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
3 of 6
Last Week's Heisman Odds: 3-1
Current Heisman Odds: 12-1
Stats (L 46-41 vs. LSU): 21-of-40, 418 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT
It was a tale of two halves for Tua Tagovailoa.
During the first 30 minutes against LSU, he lost an unforced fumble in a goal-to-go situation. Alabama uncharacteristically had a pair of three-and-outs and a turnover on downs near midfield. Tagovailoa threw a last-minute interception that led to LSU's 33-13 halftime lead.
That half basically ruined Alabama's chances at a win, but Tagovailoa sure made it interesting after the break. He led four straight touchdown drives to end the game.
If you're looking for somewhere to place the blame, Tagovailoa's productive second half against the Tigers shouldn't overshadow his initial mistakes. With regard to his Heisman candidacy, though, he still played well enough to merit another trip to New York.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
3. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
4 of 6
Last Week's Heisman Odds: 2-1
Current Heisman Odds: 7-1
Stats (W 42-41 vs. Iowa State): 18-of-26, 273 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT; 22 CAR, 68 YDS, 2 TD
Jalen Hurts' final numbers look strong. However, his final pass almost ruined Oklahoma.
Clinging to a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Sooners faced a 3rd-and-7 from their own 28-yard line. Hurts dropped back to pass, saw nobody open, scrambled right and tried to force a pass.
Instead of that game-sealing play he sought, Hurts found an Iowa State defender.
The Cyclones ended up scoring a touchdown with 24 seconds remaining in regulation. Oklahoma survived because Parnell Motley intercepted ISU's two-point attempt.
Fortunately for OU, we're only thinking about a what-if regarding a potential last-second drive trailing 43-42. The Sooners' dreams of a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth are alive.
But Hurts' Heisman candidacy took a considerable hit Saturday night.
2. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
5 of 6
Last Week's Heisman Odds: 10-1
Current Heisman Odds: 7-1
Stats (W 73-14 vs. Maryland): 16-of-25, 200 YDS, 3 TD, 0 INT; 5 CAR, 28 YDS, 1 TD
While calling him a victim of Ohio State's own success is a bit strong, Justin Fields' numbers could be much higher. For example, he didn't play a single snap in the second half Saturday against Maryland.
But he's still producing at an elite level anyway.
Fields totaled 228 offensive yards and four touchdowns during his brief action, raising his season outputs to 2,206 yards and 37 scores. He's thrown a single interception in 211 attempts, only 54 of which have come after halftime.
Fields likely won't win this year's Heisman if Joe Burrow stays healthy and LSU goes at least 12-1. But if the Buckeyes keep rolling, Fields should be headed to New York for the ceremony.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
6 of 6
Last Week's Heisman Odds: 5-4
Current Heisman Odds: 1-7
Stats (W 46-41 at Alabama): 31-of-39, 393 YDS, 3 TD, 0 INT; 14 CAR, 64 YDS
The accompanying picture says it all, right?
On the biggest stage of the season, Joe Burrow carried LSU. And as the scoreboard read "LSU 46, Alabama 41," the Heisman Trophy front-runner's teammates carried him off the field.
"He's one of the best we've had here," LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said after the win. "But we've still got four games left and we're going down the road, we're going to try to win every game and we're going to bring a championship back to Louisiana."
That is the ultimate goal. But as long as Burrow stays healthy, he's on track to bring the Heisman Trophy back to Baton Rouge for the first time in 60 years.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
