2022 Heisman Watch: Hendon Hooker Firmly in Conversation
By Reed Wallach
We are still waiting for players to make a run at C.J. Stroud, the Heisman Trophy favorite, but one may be emerging as SEC play heats up.
Hendon Hooker took Tennessee to LSU as 2.5-point favorites and emerged with one of the most impressive victories of the Saturday slate, winning 40-13. The Vols will enter a home game with Alabama next week as a top seven team in hopes of bolstering their College Football Playoff legitimacy and in turn further Hooker's Heisman case.
Here is the full list of Heisman Trophy candidates and their Week 6 performances:
1. CJ Stroud, Ohio State (-140) - Last Week (+150)
It's going to be tough to keep up with Stroud statistically if he is going to put up performances like he did on Saturday, carving up the Michigan State secondary to the tune of 361 yards with more touchdowns (6) than incompletions (5).
2022 Stats: 113-160, 1,737 Passing Yards, 24 TDs, 3 INT
Next Week: BYE
2. Caleb Williams, USC (+1200) - Last Week (+500)
It wasn't the prettiest outing from Williams, but the Trojans undefeated record keeps him in the mix for the award. The USC signal caller passed for two touchdowns in a victory over Washington State, but only accumulated 214 total yards.
2022 Stats: 122-188, 1,590 Passing Yards, 14 TDs, 1 INT
Next Week: @ Utah
3. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee (+1400) - Last Week (+1400)
Hooker made the biggest jump in the rankings, surpassing Alabama's Bryce Young, who missed the team's game vs. Texas A&M last week.
The Vols quarterback was electric, combining for 300 all purpose yards and two touchdowns.
All eyes will be on Hooker next week against Alabama to see if he will stay in the mix
2022 Stats: 81-113, 1,432 Passing Yards, 10 TDs, 0 INT
Next Week: Alabama
4. Bryce Young, Alabama (+1600) - Last Week (+1000)
Young didn't play in the Crimson Tide's win over Texas A&M, making it tough to keep up statistically with his peers. It's not a fatal blow to his Heisman Trophy case, but given the uphill battle he was facing considering there's only been one back-to-back winner, Young has little value at this number.
2022 Stats: 90-134, 1,202 Passing Yards, 14 TDs, 3 INT
Next Week: @ Tennessee
2022 Heisman Trophy Odds
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.