Updated Heisman Odds after Week 11
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This is exactly what the Big Ten desired to start the season: two elite QBs, one a redshirt freshman, the other a transfer veteran, leading the way for the conference and delivering compelling cases for the Heisman award. While Julian Sayin has displayed a level of ease at the QB position that one can only call incomparable in such a young player, Fernando Mendoza added an element of flair to the race, perhaps having the biggest of Heisman moments to maintain Indiana's unbeaten status. This all sets up for a potential Big Ten Championship not just for the No. 1 ranking, the No. 1 overall seed in the CFP, and Big Ten bragging rights…but for the most prestigious award in college football. Here are the top five candidates for the rest of the way.
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State(+160)
Stats: 27-33, 303 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 12: vs UCLA
Julian Sayin continues to pass every test that has been thrown his way with flying colors. While he hasn't faced a top 10 opponent since the season opening victory over then No. 1 Texas, he still has been sterling for the Buckeyes, still maintaining his stellar 80% completion percentage and 124.9 QBR, both 1st nationally. The only problem may be the ease with which he has executed the Buckeyes offense with all the weapons around him. That could change when Ohio State ends the season with the Michigan Wolverines on the road, looking to avoid a fifth straight loss to the bitter rivals. That could set up a mouthwatering encounter that could decide the Heisman race with the man behind him.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana(+170)
Stats: 19-30, 218 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6 carries, 20 yds, 1 TD
Week 12: vs Wisconsin
In all reality, Mendoza looked largely mortal for the first time all season, as he was constantly harassed by a passionate Penn State defensive front. However, if anything will cement his status as the potential Heisman winner, it will be his stunning 80 yard drive that won the Hoosiers the game to maintain their perfect record. It essentially erased all that had come before and put the entire country on notice in a race that hadn't yet had such a dramatic moment. He's going to need some more Mendoza Magic should he face Ohio State in the championship game.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama(+500)
Stats: 21-35, 277 yds, 1 TD
Week 12: vs Oklahoma
Ty Simpson's Heisman chances took a major hit after a somewhat uneven performance against a struggling LSU team that had fired Brian Kelly just two weeks before. Still, his achievements this season cannot go ignored. He and Alabama achieved something in one of the toughest conferences in college football that may never happen again: they are the only team in college football history to win four straight games against ranked opponents without the benefit of a bye week. And with Oklahoma coming to Bryant-Denny Stadium, they have a chance to vanquish a fifth. Should that happen, Simpson could position himself for a late surge to challenge the two Big Ten guys at the top.
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M(+700)
Stats: 20-29, 221 yds, 2 TDs
Week 12: vs South Carolina
Maybe the quarterback that everyone should be considering in this race is Marcel Reed. After all, he and his undefeated Aggies have largely gone under the radar and yet, have exceeded everyone's expectations, including my own. While his stats are not as impressive as the others in this top 5, he has swept aside all in his path and now has his squad positioned for their first ever SEC conference championship. The only roadblock is a season-ending game against the rival Longhorns, who themselves could be playing for their playoff lives. Last year ended in a whimper for the Aggies in that game at home. Now Marcel Reed and Co. have a chance to return the favor.
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt(+2000)
Stats: 25-33, 377 yds, 3 TDs, 18 carries, 112 yds, 1 TD
Week 12: BYE
The good news for Diego Pavia is that he had yet another incredible performance. He had another 300 yard, 3 TD day through the air and also dazzled on the ground like everyone knows he can. The bad news is that the Commodores needed all of that production and more against a 4-5 Auburn squad. While a win is a win, and Pavia certainly can't be docked for stat-padding to keep his team in a game, there is little margin for error in his Heisman campaign should the Commodores obtain a 3rd loss. While it's not impossible to win the Heisman with a subpar record(i.e Travis Hunter), the four QBs in front of him have more compelling narratives. Still, it's nice to know that Pavia is giving it all he has after the trials and tribulations he has been through to even get to this point.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Updated Heisman Odds after Week 11
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