Heisman rankings, Week 3: Trevor Lawrence barely breaks a sweat

Heisman rankings, Week 3: Trevor Lawrence extends lead without breaking a sweat

Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

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Ian Book, Notre Dame football (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

6. Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame

Looking at the passing line for Ian Book in their Week 3 victory over South Florida, you’d be right to question why he makes these rankings. After all, the veteran Notre Dame quarterback only completed 12 of his 19 passes for 143 yards and no touchdowns. But then you go down to the rushing column and see that he amassed three rushing scores and it starts to make more sense.

Book didn’t have the greatest game a week ago in the Fighting Irish’s season-opener, throwing for 263 yards and one touchdown but with one interception. Furthermore, he needs to be more consistent with his arm and legs. Having said that, as competition ramps up for Notre Dame, Book is the heart of the offense. So if he can continue to carry his team to wins, he’ll have a Heisman case.

5. Dillon Gabriel, QB, UCF

Full disclosure, I was a bit skeptical of Dillon Gabriel coming into this season. He was good as a freshman for UCF last season but not a player who truly made me turn my head. What he showed in the Knight’s 2020 season-opener in Atlanta against Georgia Tech in Week 3, however, was wholly impressive. When his team needed him to be a start, he unequivocally delivered.

Gabriel finished the 49-21 victory going 27-of-41 for 417 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Those numbers are nice, sure, but the game itself was even more impressive. Despite the expected rust from this offseason and an ACC defense putting pressure on him, Gabriel kept coming and kept making plays to maintain control of the game. As he now heads into AAC competition, he’s going to be a real dark-horse for this award.

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