Saturday was one of the best days of college football in recent memory. We had a top five matchup, three losses in the top ten, and some wild finishes. Without fail, our weekly officiating malpractice directly changed the result of a game. This time, it was Michigan State who lost their unblemished record after an obviously incorrect call, that even stood after a replay review.
In the Heisman hunt, there was a shakeup as well. With so many key games, players had chances to make a big impact on a national stage. Some rose to the occasion, while some disappointing. This is your look at how each contender’s stock rose and fell on Saturday.
Stock Up: Derrick Henry
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Meet your new frontrunner, Derrick Henry. The Alabama running back absolutely dominated the defense of the second ranked LSU Tigers, considered to be one of the best in the country. Not only did he rush for 210 yards and three touchdowns, he wore down the Tiger defense, carrying the ball 38 times. Lane Kiffin’s biggest criticism as Alabama offensive coordinator has been that he doesn’t run the ball enough. Look for that to change, as we just witnessed the full potential of the Alabama power running game, led by Henry.
Stock Down: Leonard Fournette
Leonard Fournette had been highly touted as the second coming of Bo Jackson and Herschel Walker, after great early season performances against teams like Auburn and Syracuse. Despite already being a lock for the Heisman in September, LSU had a relatively backloaded schedule. On Saturday, we saw Fournette get exposed, rushing for 31 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. As he ran into the endzone for his sole score, he was met with chants of “overrated” from the Alabama student section.
Stock Up: Deshaun Watson
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The leader of the first ranked Clemson Tigers had a great performance on Saturday, against a very good Florida State defense. Going 28 of 42 for 297 yards and a touchdown, Deshaun Watson led his team to their first defense of the number one ranking. The Heisman voters, for a quarterback, take into account leadership and wins, more so than a running back or receiver. Watson has that, along with great statistical performances, to be rising in the Heisman contention.
Stock Down: Trevone Boykin
Trevone Boykin may have put up some big yards on Saturday, but that was partially due to TCU having to play behind for the entire second half. After only scoring nine points in the first half, the Horned Frogs were playing catch up for most of the game. While going 35 of 57 for 445 yards, Boykin only threw for one touchdown and made some very poor throws. Part of the credit should go to the Oklahoma State defense, but Boykin’s stock definitely saw a dip after Saturday’s performance.
Stock Up: Deshone Kiser
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On Saturday, Deshone Kiser led the fifth, and likely fourth after LSU’s loss, ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a commanding win over Pittsburgh. Kiser went 19 of 26 for 262 yards, but it was the five touchdowns that made this such an impressive performance. While the Irish have been plagued by injuries, the “next man up” mentality has enabled them to remain in the playoff picture. Kiser, filling in for injured quarterback Malik Zaire, is having a Heisman caliber season.
Stock Up: Dalvin Cook
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Even in a loss, Dalvin Cook continues to be, arguably, the best running back in the country. He opened the scoring against Clemson on Saturday with a 70+ yard touchdown run. On the day, he was only six yards shy of the 200 mark, going for 194 yards on 21 carries, along with a touchdown. Cook should be a lock for New York, but has been in the shadow of Fournette this year. While Cook has been consistently great, week after week, Fournette’s miserable performance against Alabama opens the door for Cook to take hold of the Heisman race.
Stock Down: Ezekiel Elliot
Historically, the Heisman is a quarterback award, and even more so in recent years. There is only so much room for running backs, and Elliott is on the outside looking in. His 114 yard performance against Minnesota was not enough to make a strong statement. While he still has a case for the award, Elliott lacks a defining Heisman moment that will launch him to the top. Fortunately for him, he still has games against Michigan State and Michigan, so there is sufficient opportunity.
