Heisman rankings – Week 4: Race of the quarterbacks

8. Benny Snell, RB, Kentucky

It’s safe to say that not many people saw a 4-0 start overall and a 2-0 start in SEC play coming for the Kentucky Wildcats. Yet, after a 28-7 upset win over Mississippi State on Saturday, that’s where they sit as one of this year’s undeniable early sleepers in the country. At the heart of Kentucky’s success to this point has been junior running back Benny Snell, and he’s now inserted himself into the Heisman race.

In the massive victory over Mississippi State, Snell was lights-out and the catalyst behind the victory. Even against the phenomenal front seven of the Bulldogs, the junior back couldn’t be stopped. Snell finished the game with 25 carries for 165 yards and all four touchdowns that the Wildcats scored in the upset. With 540 yards and seven scores through four games on an unbeaten team, Snell deserves to be in the mix here.

7. Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii

Because few college football fans have the stamina to stay up and watch the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors play into the early hours of Sunday morning each week, quarterback Cole McDonald continues to not get all of the credit that he deserves. After five weeks, including this week’s 42-21 victory over Duquesne, though, it’s clear that McDonald is putting up numbers that are too impressive to be ignored.

In the Week 4 win, McDonald went 24-of-40 for 273 yards with five touchdowns and his first interception of the year, while also adding 56 rushing yards. As crazy as it sounds, that’s his worst game of the season to this point. Through five games, that leaves McDonald with an absurd 1,759 yards, 20 touchdowns and just the one interception. He may have to lead Hawaii to winning out to truly get recognized, but with his production, he deserves any shine he receives.