Heisman 2016: 5 reasons Deshaun Watson should win

By John Buhler | Dec 7, 2016

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field after a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Watson has risen in November, while Jackson has faded

For as parochial and quarterback/running back centric as the Heisman Trophy voting has been forever, it has almost always been a “What have you done for me lately?” type of accolade on college football.

Voters tend to put more stock into how players perform in crucial rivalry games, often coming late in the season after Halloween. While Jackson was clearly the best player in college football in September and October, Watson was by far and away the better player in November.

Here are Jackson’s November numbers: He completed 55.9 percent of his passes for 868 yards, eight touchdowns, four interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 138.1. As a runner, Jackson had 87 carries for 542 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Here are Watson’s November numbers: He completed 75.7 percent of his passes for 1,298 yards, 12 touchdowns, four interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 168.2. As a runner, Watson had 24 carries for 113 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Add in Watson’s marvelous performance in the 2016 ACC Championship Game where he carried Clemson on his back to beat the Virginia Tech Hokies by a touchdown and the Heisman voters have their ideal “What have you done for me lately?” candidate.

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