Heisman Watch 2018: Week 9 offers chance to overtake Tua Tagovailoa

2018 Stats: 800 Rush Yds, 8.16 YPC, 14 TD, 47 Rec. Yds, 1 Rec. TD
Next Game: @ FSU

With all the quarterback talk going on at Clemson over the past few weeks, running back Travis Etienne has been the rock for Dabo Swinney‘s offense. He’s not exactly the flashiest runner in the country but is the one the Tigers have counted on to keep them winning close games.

Things got out of hand so quickly against NC State last week that Etienne was hardly needed. That didn’t stop him from punching the ball into the end zone three times on just 15 carries for 39 yards.

This week is a throw-out-the-records game when the Tigers travel to face the improving Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, and it will probably be a tough game for Etienne as well.

Florida State boasts the number ten rush defense in the nation, giving up only 103 yards per game, and shutting down a bell cow like Etienne is something they’ve excelled at this year. Clemson will have to pass the ball well against the weak FSU secondary to open up some space for Etienne to do his thing.

If Etienne can have a big game against the Seminoles and lead the Tigers to a huge road win late in the season, he’ll really solidify himself as a serious Heisman contender.