Heisman watch: Mac Jones closing on Kyle Trask but Trevor Lawrence lurks

Heisman watch candidate No. 8: Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo

Because the MAC just got started about a month ago and because they aren’t a Power 5 conference, it did seem hard to believe that anyone from that league would be able to insert themselves into the Heisman Trophy race. But after a video-game-like performance from Buffalo Bulls running back Jaret Patterson in addition to an already impressive early body of work, he deserves a debut in these rankings at No. 8.

Patterson’s numbers on Saturday against Kent State honestly look fabricated. The running back carried the rock 36 times on the day for 409 yards and eight touchdowns — yes, that’s not a typo. His yardage was just 18 shy of the FBS record while his scores tied the record mark. Just as impressively, Patterson now has 920 yards and 16 touchdowns in only four games. Even if he doesn’t have any more 400-yard outings left in him, his production can’t be ignored.

Heisman watch candidate No. 7: Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Despite the success of the Cincinnati Bearcats this year, there was a time when it would’ve been blasphemous to include quarterback Desmond Ridder in the Heisman Trophy conversation. He was playing well overall but the numbers weren’t there for him. That has changed as of late, however, with Ridder putting up elite dual-threat numbers.

Though his Week 13 matchup against Temple was canceled, Ridder still has at least 270 yards passing in three of his last four games with nine touchdowns and only two picks over that span. Most importantly, Ridder’s 11 rushing touchdowns give him 27 total scores on the year. While it may not be enough to make him a finalist, his individual and team success combine to make him a top-10 candidate.