Ohio State football: Justin Fields has competition for Heisman
Through the first few weeks of the season, it seems as though Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields has some competition for the Heisman from some unlikely sources.
Several non-Ohio State Heisman hopefuls have emerged so far this season with new faces and non-quarterback players. One of the biggest characteristics that I think should be a heavy factor in the Heisman is winning. If you want to be awarded the most outstanding player in college football, you and your team must win.
Fields was the odds on favorite to win the Heisman before the season started. Now with him not playing until October 24th, it has opened the door for other contenders to jump into the fray.
Two star-studded quarterbacks are on the outside looking in for this year’s race after suffering early season losses. Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler was a pre-season favorite especially considering Oklahoma’s quarterback Heisman track record.
But, with 2 losses in back-to-back weeks against Kansas State and Iowa State, experience seems to be the factor hindering Rattler to stay in the conversation throughout the remainder of the season. Despite throwing for over 600 yards and 6 touchdowns the past 2 weeks, Rattler’s combined 4 interceptions hurt the Sooners in both losses.
Just when you thought Texas could get over the hump, the Longhorns face a devastating loss to TCU 33-31. QB Sam Ehlinger has started the season off strong throwing for almost 1,000 yards with 14 touchdowns. Although the Longhorns proved their inability to be playoff contenders again this season, Ehlinger will continue on his Heisman campaign.
Here are the top 3 Heisman contenders heading into week 7:
3. Justin Fields – Ohio State QB
With three weeks to go before the Buckeyes QB can begin his Heisman campaign and a national championship run, Fields will remain in this conversation due to his high expectations coming in to this season. After placing 3rd last season, Fields will have all the weapons needed on offense to have another dominant year.
2. Trevor Lawrence – Clemson QB
Through the Tigers first 3 games, Lawrence has thrown for 848 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Lawrence was 25 of 38 with 329 passing yards and 3 touchdowns in a 41-23 win against Virginia on Saturday. Clemson has a huge matchup on Saturday when they take on the 7th ranked Miami Hurricanes. This performance will be key to Lawrence’s Heisman campaign.
1. Kyle Trask – Florida QB
Kyle Trask and the Florida Gators are serious CFP contenders this season. Through the first 2 weeks of the Gators’ season, Trask has led the Gators to a 2-0 start with wins against Ole Miss and South Carolina. In the Gators win over South Carolina on Saturday, Trask finished the game 21 of 29 with 268 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
This Gators offense could be one of the most dynamic offenses in the country with the leadership of Trask and the playmaking ability of the John Mackey Award favorite, Kyle Pitts. Trask is off to a hot start so far with 684 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and 1 interception. The Gators will face Texas A&M on Saturday.
Next. Ohio State adds O-line depth with Michalski. dark
Justin Fields will have a lot of ground to make up by the time the Buckeyes kick off their season on October 24th, but there is no doubt that these three quarterbacks will remain atop of the Heisman conversation throughout the duration of the season.