The Buzz: Heisman news and views
The 2015 Heisman race now enters its sixth week. Continuing our traditional weekly feature on Heisman.com, we’ve rounded up the latest news and updates from around the media world to help keep you posted on what’s happening with current contenders and past winners.
(Disclaimer — The Heisman Trophy Trust and Heisman.com does not endorse any college football player for the Heisman Memorial Trophy. The information contained here serves as a platform of information for fans and media, and is not intended to contain a definitive and comprehensive list of possible contenders.)
The Buzz…
Heisman Watch Watch
Another week has gone and LSU running back Leonard Fournette continues to lead most of the various Heisman Watches, though TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin is closing in. Fournette rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries against South Carolina, bringing his season total to 1,022 yards and 12 touchdowns after five games and remains atop Sports Illustrated, ESPN and the USA Today (which calls it a ‘two-man race’ between Fournette and Boykin)… Fournette also leads with the Palm Beach Post and in Vegas, where betting on the Heisman is being allowed for the first time … Meanwhile, Boykin leads with FoxSports.com after throwing for 301 yards, rushing for 124 and totaling four touchdowns in yet another dramatic victory for TCU, this time against Kansas State … Boykin has already compiled 25 touchdowns running and passing … SBNation mused that, after three straight shutouts, perhaps Michigan’s entire defense deserves the Heisman … ChopChat says that Fournette should watch out for FSU running back Dalvin Cook, who logged his second 200-yard rushing game of the season against Miami … Is Houston quarterback Greg Ward a Heisman contender? asks the Daily Cougar … Pac-12.com says that Utah running back Devontae Booker made a big statement with his game against Cal.
Injury Watch
Another great player went down this past Saturday as Georgia running back Nick Chubb suffered a knee injury on his first play against Tennessee. The sophomore will undergo surgery and will be lost for the season. Get well, Nick!
NFL Heisman Update
It was like 1997 all over again on Sunday, except this time that year’s Heisman winner, Charles Woodson, got to go up against that year’s Heisman runner up, Peyton Manning. Woodson intercepted Manning twice, but Manning’s team won the game.
An interception by a 39-year-old of a 39-year-old was an N.F.L.-first and it was the first time in their long careers that Woodson had intercepted Manning.
“He’s eluded me for 18 years,” Woodson said in an interview with the N.F.L. Network last week when asked how none of his 62 career interceptions had been of a Manning pass.
* Jameis Winston had the best game of his young career, throwing for 209 yards and a TD on 13 of 19 passing as Tampa Bay beat Jacksonville, 38-31.
* Sam Bradford was 32 of 45 for 333 yards and two TDs (with 2 INTs) as Philadelphiabeat New Orleans, 39-17.
* Mark Ingram had 57 yards on 12 carries for the Saints against the Eagles.
* Marcus Mariota was 21 of 32 for 187 yards with one interception, plus 47 yards on five carries in Tennessee’s 14-13 loss to Buffalo.
* Carson Palmer was nearly flawless, going 11 of 14 for 161 yards and three TD passes as the Cardinals crushed Detroit, 42-17.
* Cam Newton and Carolina had a bye week.
The Desire Cup is coming
The fifth annual Desire Cup takes place on Oct. 30 at the Ponte Vedra (Fla.) Inn and Club. The event benefits Desire Street Ministries, started in 2005 by 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel to revitalize blighted urban areas. Former Georgia running back and Heisman winner Herschel Walker leads a strong contingent of former ‘Dogs and Gators who are scheduled to play. Among them are Walker’s coach at Georgia, Vince Dooley, plus ex-‘Dogs John Lastinger, Kevin Butler and Jon Stinchcomb. Scheduled to represent the Gators are Shane Matthews, Errict Rhett, Wilber Marshall and Reidel Anthony.
There are still playing spots available. Visit www.desirestreetgolf.org for more info.
Odds and Ends
John Lujack — the oldest living Heisman winner — returned to Notre Dame Stadium and tossed the coin at the pregame coin toss when the Irish played Navy. He was one of two former ND Heisman Trophy winners in attendance, with Paul Hornung being the other.
Video of the Day: Dancing Heisman
A young LSU fan was a big hit at Tiger Stadium on Saturday after dancing and doing the Heisman pose. LSU proudly posted his performance.
