Heisman Race Heats Up: A battle among 4 quarterbacks

The race to claim the award for the best player in college football is officially underway. There are four quarterbacks who lead the race for the Heisman Trophy and they play for some of the best teams in the nation.

Following a dramatic upset and a high ankle sprain injury to a Heisman front-runner, the race for the prestigious trophy will begin to be fascinating to watch. Especially with primetime matchups against the nation’s top ranked teams in the weeks ahead.

Here is how the Heisman race is shaping up through Week 8. First a look at two players in the Big Ten who are in contention.

No. 5:  Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin RB

Taylor’s Heisman hopes took a major blow this past weekend following a 24-23 upset against Illinois. Perhaps one of the biggest upsets of the season as Wisconsin was a 30-point favorite

However, Taylor was still able to eclipse the 100-yard mark. The RB will have a big opportunity to bounce back as the Badgers head to Columbus this weekend to face the Buckeyes, who have one of the top defenses in the nation.

No. 4:  Justin Fields, Ohio State QB 

Justin Fields is the only first-year starter who is in the hunt for the Heisman Trophy. With 98 completions to just 1 interception, Fields’ decision making with where to throw the ball and when to make plays on his feet has made Ryan Day’s offense arguably one of the hardest to stop in the country.

After a 4 touchdown performance in a blowout 52-3 win against Northwestern, Fields has totaled 30 offensive touchdowns this season, the most by an Ohio State player through the first 7 games in the last 15 seasons.

The sophomore QB will lead the Buckeyes against at least three ranked teams to close out the season, Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan. With his biggest test so far coming this Saturday, Fields will have the opportunity to make a huge statement to become a Heisman front-runner when he takes on the nation’s No. 1 ranked defense.

Now for SEC quarterbacks and another who was one.