Are Spencer Rattler’s Heisman hopes already dashed?

Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 carries against Missouri State defenders Ferrin Manulelua #5), Michael Pope #97 and Von Young #54 in the first half of an NCAA college football game on September 12, 2020, in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Sue Ogrocki-Pool/Getty Images)
Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 carries against Missouri State defenders Ferrin Manulelua #5), Michael Pope #97 and Von Young #54 in the first half of an NCAA college football game on September 12, 2020, in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Sue Ogrocki-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Spencer Rattler’s three interceptions cost Oklahoma a win vs. Kansas State, but did it also cost him a chance at the Heisman Trophy?

Sorry, Spencer Rattler, the Heisman race is over.

That’s what happens when you throw three interceptions in an upset loss to a four-touchdown underdog who is missing multiple players in their secondary because of COVD-19.

Oklahoma fell to Kansas State, 38-35, on Saturday, suffering the first major upset of the year in college football. Recovering from that is unlikely for the Sooner’s quarterback.

Spencer Rattler will inevitably fall out of the Heisman race.

Is it unfair to write off Rattler in the Heisman race so soon? Sure, but Heisman races usually aren’t built on fairness. Results do matter.

It’s not that Rattler was horrible. He threw four touchdowns and completed 73 percent of his passes. Nor was he helped much by his defense, who gave up 38 points to the Wildcats.

However, 14 of those points came off of turnovers. The defense also gave him a chance late to create a bit of a Heisman moment by leading his team to victory.

Instead, he threw a bad interception to end the game.

Particularly in this unusual season, a three-interception outing on national television will have consequences in the minds of voters. The condensed nature of the campaign means there will be fewer opportunities to make up for it. One loss could be enough to keep Oklahoma out of the playoff entirely. Saturday’s result was a big deal.

Plus, he’ll have to contend with Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence who is off to a perfect start for the Tigers and the return of Ohio State’s Justin Fields who was the preseason Heisman favorite.

It’s worth remembering Rattler is a redshirt freshman seeing his first competitive action at the college level. It shouldn’t surprise people that he had a rough outing. His four touchdowns and 303.30 passer rating in Week 1 came against Southwest Missouri State.

Rattler will have time to prove himself as a Heisman contender down the line. It’s just not going to happen this year.

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