Heisman rankings Week 9: Joe Burrow leads, Chase Young enters mix

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 26: Chase Young #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes takes down Jack Coan #17 of the Wisconsin Badgers during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 26, 2019, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

6 of 6

MANHATTAN, KS – OCTOBER 26: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass against pressure from defensive back Wayne Jones #4 of the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

2. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

Outside of Michigan thumping Notre Dame, the most surprising result of Week 9 was Jalen Hurts and the Oklahoma Sooners suffering their first loss of the season, dropping one on the road to Kansas State. As good as the Sooners offense and Hurts are, it’s hard to ask a team to win against one of the best defenses in the Big 12 when you give up 48 points on the road, which was the situation on Saturday.

Make no mistake, Hurts did everything in his power to keep Oklahoma alive. He finished the game going 19-of-26 for 395 yards and one score while rushing for 96 yards and three touchdowns. That now gives him 34 total touchdowns (21 passing, 13 rushing) and over 3,200 total yards on the season. However, the loss matters in a tight race and he drops to No. 2 — though the door is still open for him to climb back up.

1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

As great as Joe Burrow has been this season, I’ve been hesitant to anoint him the Heisman Trophy favorite in these rankings. That’s partially because of how well Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa have been playing and also partially due to waiting on him to falter. But after Hurts couldn’t lead OU past Kansas State and Burrow passed another huge test for the LSU Tigers, it’s time to give the Ohio State transfer the top spot.

Burrow’s numbers in the 23-20 victory over Auburn weren’t necessarily staggering as he went 32-of-42 for 321 yards, one touchdown and one interception while rushing for another score. Having said that, the way he performed under great pressure and on another big stage was at a Heisman level. And when you then factor in his 2,805 yards, 30 passing touchdowns to only four interceptions and that he’s captaining the No. 2 team in college football, it’s impossible to ignore him now.

Next. Best college football QB's of the 21st century. dark

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.

Home/Heisman Trophy