Heisman watch 2020: DeVonta Smith is the best player in college football

Heisman watch candidate No. 6: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

For much of Saturday’s crucial clash with the Virginia Tech Hokies, Trevor Lawrence was not as good as many expected him to be. And in truth, his final numbers fall well short of what we often expect from the Clemson Tigers quarterback. Subsequently, he doesn’t make up any ground that he needed to in the Heisman race after missing games due to his COVID-19 diagnosis.

However, Lawrence’s performance on Saturday did speak to how much of a leader and gamer he is. Throwing the ball, he was shockingly pedestrian as he went just 12-of-22 for 195 yards with a touchdown and a pick. However, he fought tooth and nail in a game that was tight early, evidenced by his 41 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Even with 26 total touchdowns and over 2,500 total yards, Lawrence is likely still behind the 8-ball, though his talent and moxie are still undeniable.

Heisman watch candidate No. 5: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

With the impromptu matchup with undefeated Coastal Carolina being added to the schedule, quarterback Zach Wilson and the BYU Cougars at large had a massive opportunity to prove themselves. The signal-caller, in particular, had the chance to make his strongest case for the Heisman Trophy yet. Instead, he and BYU fell short of that mark as they suffered their first loss of the season.

Wilson wasn’t bad by any stretch and was seemingly playing through a minor shoulder injury but his production wasn’t what it needed to be to vault him up these rankings. He finished the game completing 19-of-30 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and one interception while rushing for 55 yards. He still had 35 total touchdowns in 10 games with just shy of 3,000 yards passing but this performance in the biggest game of the year for him knocks Wilson down a peg.