The playoff bubble cleared up a bit, some top programs went down, and we saw breakout games from several of the nation’s best. Who lived up to the hype, and who came crashing down?
Who Shined?
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Coming off what felt like a “Heisman moment” last week, Mendoza looked poised for a letdown. Clearly, he didn’t get that memo. The Heisman hopeful threw for 299 yards and four touchdowns, keeping Indiana perfect and firmly in the mix. It wasn’t flashy, but it was the kind of efficient, composed performance that matters most this time of year.
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
If we were judging him on the first half, Reed would be in the “worst” category. Thankfully for him and Aggie fans, there was a second half to play. Reed exploded for 298 yards and three touchdowns after halftime, erasing a 27-point deficit and delivering one of the wildest comebacks of the season and the largest in program history.
Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
It’s rare one player completely carries a team to victory, but Hardy did just that. The Mizzou back racked up 300 yards and three touchdowns in a game where the passing attack went quiet. It’s not hyperbole to say Missouri doesn’t win that game without him.
Who Struggled?
Hollywood Smothers, RB, NC State
Coming off an injury, Smothers’ return was a disaster. Seven carries for negative two yards in a 41-7 loss to Miami tells the story. The Wolfpack offense never got going, and Smothers’ struggles were a big reason why.
Baylor’s Front Seven
The Bears got bullied. Utah ran for 380 yards and five touchdowns in Waco, exposing a defense that has looked lost for much of the season. If Baylor wants to salvage a bowl berth, this unit has to show some fight down the stretch.
Mason Heintschel, QB, Pittsburgh
The freshman looked overwhelmed against a strong defense, completing less than half his passes with one interception. Growing pains are expected, but this one was rough. On the bright side, at least Pat Narduzzi says this game really didn’t matter. Thanks coach.
My Heisman Four As Of Today:
This race remains razor-thin. Every week, one or two guys separate, only for someone else to climb back in.
1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Finally takes over the top spot. The Hoosiers are 11-0 for the first time in program history, and Mendoza’s leadership and production (30 touchdown passes, most in the nation) have been the driving force. He’s efficient, clutch, and now the clear front-runner.
2. Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
His comeback against South Carolina was as gutsy as it gets. Even if it wasn’t perfect, Reed showed elite poise and resilience. That kind of performance defines a Heisman contender.
3. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
He drops from the top after a solid, but not spectacular, outing against Oklahoma. Simpson remains right in the mix, but he’ll need a statement game soon to stay there.
4. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
The stats are elite, but the schedule is not. Sayin hasn’t had his signature “Heisman moment” yet, but with Michigan up in two weeks, the opportunity will be right there for him in Ann Arbor.
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