After his performance in the Bedlam game, Baker Mayfield should be at the top of the Heisman lists.
If nothing else, the 2017 Heisman race is shaping up to be one hell of a battle down the stretch. A few weeks ago, it was a certainty to many that Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley had the whole thing locked up. However, the craziness of the college football season since then has played itself out, and here in Week 10, there should be a new name firmly at the top of everyone’s lists — Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield has been in contention throughout the season for that top spot but after his performance in the crucial Bedlam game on Saturday against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, he should be the top pick for everyone for the time being.
In the thrilling 62-52 win over Oklahoma State, Mayfield put on one of the most incredible individual performances we’ve seen this season. The former Texas Tech walk-on threw for 598 yards and five touchdowns while adding one touchdown rushing. Accounting for six total touchdowns is definitely a stat you want from your top Heisman contender.
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Maybe more important than stats, though, is the fact that Mayfield pulled through for his team when they needed him the most, showing off once again the leader he truly is for this Oklahoma team. Still in the thick of the Big 12 race and College Football Playoff hunt, this was a must-win game for the Sooners, and once again, Mayfield made sure he’d do everything in his power to let his team come away with the win.
For comparison, Penn State has had two crucial games the past two weeks, and in both of those, Barkley has been somewhat underwhelming.
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All season long, Mayfield has proven he is one of the best players in the nation with his outstanding performances not just throwing the ball, but his ability to make plays happen with his legs when he needs to. Saturday afternoon in Stillwater, as he tore apart rival Oklahoma State consistently, he proved that he is the best player in the country through 10 weeks of the college football season.
Mayfield has seen the Heisman elude him the past two seasons, not coming away from New York City with the coveted bronze trophy. Right now, though, it’s his to lose the rest of the way.