‘Bama’s Young took a dip with the loss at A&M, and Ridder remains a high-flyer in Cincy. That said, I’ll like Corral at the mid-point. Here’s why.
The 2021 season has seen some exciting football so far, but no clear-cut choice has emerged for the most coveted trophy in college football, the Heisman. Here are the players I believe have put themselves in a good position to win.
#1. Matt Corral, Ole Miss, QB. No surprise here. Corral has been the most consistent gunslinger of the 2021 season. That didn’t change in a Week 6 against the Arkansas Razorbacks. In an SEC showdown in Oxford, the two teams fought it out in a thriller, with the Rebels ultimately prevailing in the final seconds. Corral threw for 287 yards on 14-21 passing and two TDs. He also added 93 yards on the ground with three more TDs.
Corral’s consistent play and production should keep his name in the Heisman conversation.
#2. CJ Stroud, Ohio State, QB. Production. That’s what this Ohio State signal-caller has done, and Saturday was no different. Stroud and the Buckeyes lit up the scoreboard in a matchup with the Maryland Terrapins that ended in an OSU blowout, 66-17. Stroud threw for 406 yards (to seven different receivers) and five touchdowns, and he didn’t have a single turnover. Expect to see Stroud’s name on the Heisman shortlist.
#3. Bryce Young, Alabama, QB. Even with a stunning loss to Texas A&M this weekend, Young is still in contention for the coveted trophy. But make no mistake about this: the loss did not help Young as the Crimson Tide fell to an unranked opponent. It’s the first time that has happened since 2008 when Oregon State knocked off USC. Young still had his moments, though, throwing for 369 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Playing from behind most of the night, Young piloted the Tide all the way to a tie, showing grit and determination as he did it.
Expect Alabama to bounce back, and Young will rebound, too.
#4. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati, QB. Ridder led his Bearcats to a Friday night 52-3 rout of Temple. Ridder threw for 259 yards and three TDs, going 22-30 in the air. The Bearcats are on a roll, knocking off ND convincingly, and are looking to make the College Playoff this year. Ridder is the straw that stirs the drink in the Queen City, so look for him to remain on the Heisman shortlist.
Corral all the way man