2019 Heisman Trophy watch Week 3: Tight race heading into conference play
Who leads the race for the 2019 Heisman Trophy after three weeks?
There have been some excellent individual and team performances throughout the first three weeks of the college football season. The race for the Heisman Trophy has already started to become clearer as these players have set themselves apart with a string of solid performances to start the season:
Honorable Mentions
Chase Young, DE, Ohio State
Last Week at Indiana: 3 Total Tackles| 2.5 TFL| 2.0 sacks
Season Stats: 11 Total Tackles| 5.5 TFL| 5.0 sacks| 1 Pass Defense
Let me start by saying, as a defensive end Chase Young has virtually no chance of actually winning the Heisman Trophy, but with the start he has had to the year he at least deserves to be mentioned in this space. Young has played both the run and pass very well while tallying 5.0 sacks in the first three games. He has been so impressive, in fact, that he has an argument as being the most impressive player in the nation right now.
Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas
Last Week vs Rice: 23-for-27 (85.2%)| 279 yards| 3 TD| 0 INT| 5 rushes| 27 yards| 0 TD
Season Stats: 82-for-112 (73.2%)| 956 yards| 11 TD| 0 INT| 32 rushes| 121 yards| 1 TD
Sam Ehlinger has put up some efficient passing numbers at the beginning of the season. That continued versus Rice with another three touchdown passes and an 85% completion rate. On the season, he has thrown an incredible 11 touchdowns and has yet to throw an interception. Expect Ehlinger to start being utilized in the run game more as the Longhorns enter conference play.
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio St.
Last Week at Indiana: 14-for-24 (58.3%)| 199 yards| 3 TD| 0 INT| 4 rushes| 11 yards| 1 TD
Season Stats: 52-for-74 (70.3%)| 657 yards| 9 TD| 0 INT| 25 rushes| 114 yards| 4 TD
Justin Fields had his least efficient passing game of the season on Saturday with less than 200 yards passing and under a 60% completion rate for the first time this year. That being said, he still accounted for four total touchdowns including one on the ground. He will need to step up his game as the conference slate gets tougher for the Buckeyes, but as long as he continues to put up impressive scoring numbers and leading his team to victory, Fields will be in the Heisman conversation.