Heisman Watch Week 7: Top Contenders, Biggest Movers, and Surprising Flops

Another hyped-up weekend delivered plenty of marquee matchups and primetime stars. The slate largely lived up to expectations, with several game-changing performances but it also featured a few costly flops from top names around the country. So let’s take a look at who showed up strong, who flopped, and where this year’s Heisman race currently stands.

Who Shined? 

Cameron Dickey, RB, Texas Tech

Texas Tech looks like a team on a mission in the Big 12. The Red Raiders dismantled Kansas 42–17 behind a dominant showing from Dickey, who rushed for an incredible 263 yards and two touchdowns on just 21 carries, averaging 12.5 yards per attempt. Texas Tech is separating itself from the rest of the conference, and Dickey will remain the driving force as long as their momentum continues.

Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

Indiana finally earned its signature win, knocking off Oregon to climb into the national spotlight. Sarratt was the difference maker, hauling in eight receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown. QB Francisco Mendoza also played well, but without Sarratt, it’s hard to imagine the Hoosiers pulling off the upset.. When it mattered most, he delivered.

Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech

King had been playing well all season, but his stats didn’t jump off the page until the past two games. He followed up a strong showing at Wake Forest last week with another statement performance, accounting for three total touchdowns. King rushed for 60 yards and completed 20 of 24 passes for 213 yards. Georgia Tech is 6–0 and officially part of the CFP conversation, and a big reason why is King.

Who Struggled?

John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma

There is no question that his injury affected his performance, whether physically or through limited preparation. Regardless, he did not look sharp and played a major role in Oklahoma’s crushing loss to Texas in the Red River Rivalry. Mateer completed 20 of 38 passes for 202 yards, a respectable total, but his turnover issues told the story. He threw three interceptions and had several other passes that could have easily been picked off. Normally, Mateer’s rushing ability helps elevate his game, but it was a nonfactor on Saturday.

C.J. Bailey, QB, N.C. State

It was far from the Wolfpack’s best showing against Notre Dame, and much of the blame falls on Bailey. The offense is designed to run through the quarterback, but it never found any rhythm. Three of Bailey’s passes ended up in the hands of Notre Dame defenders. He did manage to throw one nice touchdown pass in the second quarter, but the offense was otherwise lifeless.

Kiael Kelly, QB, Ball State

A 42–0 shutout says everything you need to know about Ball State’s performance this weekend. Their quarterback struggled mightily, finishing with just 68 passing yards on 13 completions. Averaging 3.1 yards per attempt will never get it done unless you’re a service academy with a dominant ground game, and Ball State is anything but.

My Heisman Rankings After Week 7

1. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Simpson didn’t exactly light it up against Missouri in Alabama’s 27–24 win, but he played a key role in the victory. Since the Week 1 loss to Florida State, he has steadily climbed the Heisman ladder to reach the top spot this week. Simpson has thrown for 1,678 yards with 16 touchdowns and just one interception, showing impressive command of the offense. He has been excellent at protecting the football while still pushing it downfield with confidence.

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

I overlooked Mendoza earlier in the season, but not anymore. Much like Simpson, he didn’t post an eye-opening performance against Oregon, but he did enough to strengthen his résumé with a crucial victory. Mendoza has thrown for 1,423 yards with 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions. His ability to read defenses and pick them apart with precision makes it easy to believe he can sustain this level of play for the rest of the season.

3. Carson Beck, QB, Miami

Miami’s rivalry matchup with Florida State last week came sandwiched between two bye weeks. Beck has been surgical for the Hurricanes, throwing for 1,213 yards and 11 touchdowns. He may not have the gaudy numbers of some other contenders, but his résumé includes some of the most impressive wins in the country.

4. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Oregon didn’t have its best offensive showing, and it started with Moore. He wasn’t particularly sharp, but not poor enough to fall out of contention. The Penn State win that once looked like a signature moment has begun to lose value as the Nittany Lions have stumbled. Even so, Moore remains one of the nation’s most impressive players, throwing for 1,396 yards and 15 touchdowns. Before the loss to Indiana, he had just one turnover all season. The two this weekend were unfortunate,, but it’s still fair to stay optimistic about his overall campaign.

Want more Sandman? Come connect with us here at sandmansports.com/onestopshop