Heisman rankings Week 7: Joe Burrow makes the case to be front-runner

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MADISON, WI – OCTOBER 12: Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) celebrates a touchdown during a Big Ten college football game between the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the Michigan State University Spartans on October 12, 2019 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

By his standards, Jonathan Taylor did not have one of his best games of the 2019 season in Wisconsin’s shutout victory over Michigan State. The prolific running back averaged just 3.1 yards per carry on the day while having a long run of only 13 yards. Yet, he still finished the day with 86 yards rushing and two touchdowns while chipping in 22 yards receiving, adding to what’s been an incredible year with a fine showing against a good defense.

On 129 attempts this year, the Badgers star now has 825 yards (6.4 yards per carry) with 14 rushing touchdowns, which is just two behind his career high for a single season. Moreover, Taylor has also already set career highs in receptions (15), receiving yards (136) and touchdown receptions (4). He’s been on another level this season and, even in his mediocre games, he’s still going to add to his big numbers.

3. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

Going up against the toughest defense and matchup he’s seen all season, Joe Burrow looked the part of a true Heisman candidate and perhaps a winner. He finished the win over Florida going 21-of-24 for 293 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions while also adding 43 rushing yards to the cause. Against a legitimately great defense, he still managed to look great, which is highly impressive.

For the year now, Burrow has thrown for 2,157 yards, 25 touchdowns and only three interceptions while also rushing for two scores as well. He comes in at No. 3 in the Heisman rankings still but don’t let that make you think this isn’t close. Burrow and the top two in the rankings are almost interchangeable at this point. Any swings, positive or negative, from any of these three players down the stretch could determine who gets the hardware.

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