Heisman Race 2014: SEC West Quarterbacks Make a Move
By Ty Duffy
Things happened in the SEC west this weekend. Those things have impacted the Heisman race. Here is a power ranking after week six.
Marcus Mariota [QB – Oregon] The Ducks lost, well after midnight ET. Mariota, completing 20/34 for 276 yards and two touchdowns, did not have a crippling performance. He will still post numbers. He still has a 15-0 TD-INT ratio. He will have more moments to shine. Mariota is assailable, though no one has yet climbed the mountain with a sword.
Todd Gurley [RB – Georgia] Gurley had 187 yards and two touchdowns on 27 touches against Vanderbilt. He also threw for a 50-yard pass. That’s the type of performance that will get him to New York. But, to win the Heisman, he needs to have them in the few Georgia games folks will be watching.
Dak Prescott [QB – Mississippi State] He had an excellent performance in Mississippi State’s blowout of Texas A&M. He completed 20/26 for 268 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 77 yards and an additional three touchdowns on the ground. His candidacy will be inflated or deflated depending on how the Bulldogs finish.
Everett Golson [QB – Notre Dame] Golson struggled a bit, completing fewer than 50 percent of his passes against an excellent Stanford defense. Moments like this wipe out a lot of struggles.
Nick Marshall [QB – Auburn] Marshall had a better day throwing the ball, completing 14/22 for 207 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for more than 100 yards for the the third time this season. The production will be there in Gus Malzahn’s offense. With five regular season games remaining against Top 15 teams, he can make a major move. Same issue as Prescott over the back end of Auburn’s schedule.
One name to keep on eye is Clemson freshman Deshaun Watson. He’s first nationally in yards/attempt and second in passer rating. Somehow, he was not the starting QB entering the season and has only played the bulk of three games. The trouble is Clemson is already out of the playoff picture. Their best game remaining is South Carolina? Georgia Tech? Definitely on the watch list for next year.