Heisman Watch: Week 6

The Heisman Trophy race this season has been one of the most interesting races in the most recent history. Not only are there some solid quarterbacks in the race, but there’s a generational two-way player and a potential generational-type running back that lead the way.

What makes this crazier is the top two players are not at schools that typically produce players of the caliber that these superstars are playing at.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

If the answer for the Heisman is not Jeanty then the answer has to be wrong. Jeanty is putting up numbers that have rarely been seen ever.

He’s played in five games and is already over 1,000 rushing yards on the season. Not only is he putting up the stats, but some of the big runs are just absurd to watch. He is not easy to bring down and has breakaway speed.

He’s entering generational running back territory in the college game and continues to shine right before the world’s eyes.

The biggest argument for the star running back is the strength of the opponents. However, he gashed No. 3 Oregon for 192 yards and was the reason the Broncos were even in the game.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Hunter is Jeanty’s biggest competition at the moment. The country gets to witness two generational talents do what they are best at. For Hunter, he’s able to dominate on both sides of the ball.

The ability to be a shutdown corner in college football is extremely impressive, but to also be a wide receiver that can take over a game is something special.

The Buffaloes were on a bye week, so Hunter will have to wait a weekend to be able to show his talents once again.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Ward has still been one of the best quarterbacks in the country but it’s some lazy mistakes that have dropped him from the top spot. He has the ability to make some really impressive plays, but when defenses bring pressure, he tends to force passes or make an unforced error.

The numbers look incredible in the comeback victory to prevent an upset against Cal. He threw for 437 yards with two touchdowns to upset Cal and shock the country with a late-night improbable comeback victory.

He’s eclipsed the 2,000 passing yard mark in his first season as a Hurricane and has Miami up to No. 6 in the country.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Milroe still remains in the conversation despite one of the biggest upsets of the season. Alabama was ranked No. 1 and traveled to Vanderbilt to take on the historically worst team in the SEC.

However, the Commodores pulled off the upset. Milroe only had six incompletions while throwing for over 300 yards. Despite this, it was not enough to take down Vanderbilt.

He has plenty of games remaining to make up for this upset, especially in a conference like the SEC which has a plethora of ranked teams and high-quality opponents.

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

Klubnik has quietly been very good for a Clemson team that has somehow flown under the radar. After an opening-game loss to Georgia, Clemson and Klubnik have bounced back tremendously and are back in the conversation for some major awards and a potential College Football Playoff berth.

He’s completed 64 percent of his passes while limiting turnovers. A touchdown-to-turnover ratio of seven has made this bounce-back even more impressive for the quarterback.

If Clemson wins out, it’s likely a matchup with another Heisman candidate and the Miami Hurricanes in the ACC Championship Game. If that is the matchup, there could be major implications for the most prestigious trophy.

Andrew Deal is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email asd5765@psu.edu.