We're more than 3/4 of the way through Season 24 and there are a few guys who have separated themselves from the field and emerged as contenders for the Heisman. Here's a look at some of the notables (in no particular order):
Driskel might be the clear front runner if it weren't for those three losses already. Granted, two of those have come against the current #4 and #5 teams in the polls but the other was against a Kentucky team that hasn't quite proven itself yet. Twelve of his 16 interceptions came in those losing efforts. Regardless, Driskel leads the league in completions, attempts, yards and touchdowns (6 more than the next closest, Dominique Davis). He's completing 60% of his passes but will still need to prove he can lead his team to victory against any team of value if he wants any consideration for the award at the end of the season.
Yes, he plays in Conference USA, but if it weren't for a heart-breaking triple overtime loss to Arizona State early in the season, Davis would have his team at 8-0. Davis and the Pirates have already knocked off perennial C-USA powerhouse Houston and look poised to run the table the rest of the season. Although realistically, Davis' only chance at Heisman gold is getting his team to a BCS game, and even then it's a long shot.
McEntee has looked strong all season, except for the two losses where he threw 7 of his 12 interceptions. A distant third in total passing yards, McEntee is a valuable asset to a team that passes the ball 75% of the time. The Big East has been real competitive in recent seasons but McEntee will be looking to lead his team back to BCS glory after a sub-par season last season.
What's notable about Cousins is that with an insane 74% completion percentage, he's the most accurate and efficient quarterback in the league. He has the highest QB rating and has led his team to a very impressive 7-1 record, knocking off 2 ranked teams already with their only loss coming to #1 Wisconsin. Something tells me the Spartans will be getting a rematch with the Badgers and Cousins will get a huge chance to raise his Heisman stock in that one.
White is only averaging about 5 yards per carry but no one can deny the role he plays in his currently undefeated team. The Badgers rank 7th in rush yards per game and that is in most part because of White, stealing the spotlight from backfield-mate Montee Ball. White has 4 games of 200 yards or more rushing and has yet to fumble the ball this season. If the Badgers continue to win, White's name will continue to come up in the Heisman conversation.
Clark leads the league in yards and yards after contact and is tied with 3 others in touchdowns. He's a more efficient back than White, averaging over 7 yards per carry, and is the only back in the league to rush for over 100 yards in every game he's played this season. Clark also holds the record this season for most rush yards in a game with 334 in a 35-8 win over Buffalo.
Of the three backs on this list, Thompson's got the highest per rush average with 7.8. The Seminoles were stunned by Maryland this week for their first loss in which Thompson was held to just 68 yards but they've already knocked off division-leading Clemson. If Thompson can continue to average 165 rushing yards per game, he should vault his team into the ACC title game as well as vaulting himself atop the Heisman leaderboards.
There is absolutely no question that Lance Lewis is the best receiver in the league right now. Lewis leads the league in all receiving categories and leads the next closest receiver by nearly 200 yards. He is Dominique Davis' favorite target and also serves on his team as the primary kick and punt returner. Lewis will be a long shot just like his gun-slinging QB but will have plenty to brag about once this season is over.
-UnTouchable8
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Jeff Driskel QB Florida Gators
Dominique Davis QB East Carolina Pirates
Johnny McEntee QB Connecticut Huskies
Kirk Cousins QB Michigan State Spartans
James White RB Wisconsin Badgers
Asher Clark RB Air Force Falcons
Chris Thompson RB Florida State Seminoles
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