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Did Max Duggan steal the Heisman Trophy from Caleb Williams in the 11th hour?

By Alicia de Artola

Dec 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan (15) runs down the sidelines for a first down against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan (15) runs down the sidelines for a first down against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Max Duggan put his team on his back against Kansas State, but was the losing effort enough to take the Heisman Trophy out of Caleb Williams’ hands?

Max Duggan should have been one of the Heisman Trophy favorites long before the national media started to give him his due credit.

The TCU quarterback has been a handful to deal with all season. His relentless effort on the ground and outstanding passing drove the Horned Frogs to a 12-0 record and very nearly got them a comeback against Kansas State in the Big 12 title game.

Sadly for Duggan and TCU, his efforts in the conference championship tilt weren’t enough. Or, if you agree with the college football media, Sonny Dykes let him down by not giving him the ball on key plays in OT.

Even with the loss, some wondered if Duggan’s 251 yards passing, 110 yards rushing and impressive effort might have been enough to snatch the Heisman Trophy away from USC’s Caleb Williams.

Caleb Williams should still win the Heisman Trophy over Max Duggan

Duggan is an outstanding player and absolutely worthy of going to New York as one of the Heisman Trophy finalists. However, Williams should still have the edge in voting after championship weekend because assessments shouldn’t change all that much based on how each performed.

On the season, Williams finished with 37 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns with just four interceptions. Duggan had 27 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns with just four interceptions.

What Duggan did against Kansas State, especially late, was awesome. But Williams played three quarters against Utah on an injured hamstring while tossing three touchdowns and putting up 363 yards. The USC star was also awesome in his own way.

Both quarterbacks showed extreme heart in the conference title losses and throughout the season. Williams was ahead after last weekend, dropping him now because he popped his hamstring on a Heisman-esque 59-yard scamper and his defense couldn’t tackle Utah doesn’t make any sense.

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