Heisman Watch Week 9: It’s time to give Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott his due
The college football season is through Week 9, which means we have enough data to start thinking about legitimate Heisman contenders.
Every week, Dr. Saturday will name its five Heisman contenders in order with our favorite on top. As we saw last year, the list can change pretty quickly depending on the week.
Fournette didn’t play last week, but that did little to hurt his standing as Heisman frontrunner. However, this week’s contest against Alabama will be his biggest test to date.
Fournette has ran for no fewer than 150 yards in any game this season, but No. 4 Alabama is third in the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 78.5 yards per game.
Boykin slayed one of his 2014 demons after completing 68.1 percent of his passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-10 victory over West Virginia. He also ran for 84 yards and a touchdown in the win.
He’ll have a chance to really make a case for the trophy this week against No. 14 Oklahoma State, especially if Fournette struggles.
Coleman also had the week off, but it did give him an extra week to get in a groove with new quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who will be thrust into the Big 12 fire in a Thursday night contest against Kansas State.
Coleman is coming off his least productive game of the season, but has the ability to put up large numbers against a reeling Wildcats defense.
McCaffrey struggled some against an inspired Washington State defense last week, but he still managed to rush for 107 yards, and his 30-yard run late in the game set up the Cardinal’s game-winning field goal.
McCaffrey should find a little more rushing room this week against a Colorado rushing defense that is allowing 201.6 yards per game.
While Ohio State has been dealing with an ever-spinning quarterback carousel, Elliott has been nothing but consistent. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in every game this season and has scored in all but one contest.
As Ohio State moves back to quarterback Cardale Jones this week, the Buckeyes will rely on Elliott to keep the offense moving forward.
