Heisman Watch Week 11: Top Performers, Biggest Letdowns, and Updated Projections

Separation was expected this week among the Heisman hopefuls, but instead nearly every contender played at an elite level. They were not alone, either. Here is a look at some of the best and worst performances from Week 11, followed by an updated look at the Heisman race.

Who Shined?

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

No, that is not a typo. A linebacker makes the list. And this is not just to be different. Rodriguez has been one of the best defensive players in the country, and the Heisman buzz around him might start to get real.

The star linebacker was the focus of ABC’s broadcast and ESPN’s College GameDay. Fans and even band members were sporting fake mustaches in his honor, and he lived up to every bit of the hype. Rodriguez was everywhere, finishing with 14 tackles (9 solo), a fumble recovery, a tackle for loss, and a clutch interception that helped the Red Raiders pull away.

Jake Retzlaff, QB, Tulane

The race for the Group of Five bid in the College Football Playoff just got tighter, and Retzlaff is the reason why. He accounted for four total touchdowns, throwing for 332 yards on just 16 completions and posting a 95.5 quarterback rating. Retzlaff started 16 of 17 before cooling off and added 43 rushing yards, including a 10-yard run to seal the win.

Tulane’s victory essentially eliminated Memphis from playoff contention, dropping their odds from 19% to just 3%, according to the Allstate Playoff Predictor.

Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt

Pavia has received plenty of attention this season, but he had yet to deliver a true breakout game. That changed in an overtime thriller against Auburn.

He threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns while adding 112 rushing yards and another score. It was easily the best game of his career and the type of performance that keeps his name in the Heisman conversation.

Who Struggled?

DJ Lagway, QB, Florida

If you told Florida fans that Lagway would not play in the fourth quarter against Kentucky, they might have assumed it was because the Gators were up big or he was injured. Instead, it was because he was benched.

Lagway threw three first-half interceptions in what turned into a nightmare performance. For a player once viewed as the program’s savior, this was a serious step back. His starting job may now be in question.

Rickie Collins, QB, Syracuse

Collins had a golden opportunity against a desperate Miami team but could not take advantage. He threw two interceptions, completed less than half of his passes, and finished with only 85 yards. It was a forgettable afternoon in what could have been a statement game.

The Entire Quarterback Room, Wisconsin

A win is a win, but when your kicker leads the team in passing yards, there is reason for concern. The weather was rough, but Washington managed just fine.

Three quarterbacks played in the upset win over Washington, and none found a rhythm. Danny O’Neill went 0-for-2 before being pulled. Carter Smith completed only 3 of 12 passes. Hunter Simmons looked the most capable, completing 2 of 3 attempts. It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless.

My Heisman Four as of Today:

It is rare to see the same four players hold their spots this late in the season, but all of them delivered again. Nobody separated, but nobody fell out either.

1. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Simpson probably had the weakest game of the group, but he still led Alabama to a comfortable win over LSU. His value to the team cannot be overstated. Alabama cannot run the ball effectively, and Simpson is carrying nearly the entire offense every week. Without him, the Crimson Tide would almost certainly have several more losses, which puts him firmly at the top of this list.

2. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

Sayin continues to be one of the most overlooked players in college football. His 80.9% completion rate leads the nation by a wide margin, well ahead of second place at 75%.

The Buckeyes have slowly opened up the playbook for him, and the results are impressive. He just needs a defining performance on a big stage, which could come against Michigan on Thanksgiving weekend.

3. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Mendoza slips one spot, but not because of anything he did wrong. He was outstanding in Indiana’s road win over Penn State, one of the toughest environments in the country.

He led the Hoosiers on a clutch, game-winning drive that ended with a highlight-reel touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. Those are the kinds of moments Heisman voters remember, and Mendoza has a legitimate chance to become the first Hoosier ever to hoist the trophy.

Indiana will close the regular season with Wisconsin and Purdue, and then likely advance to the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State. That matchup could go a long way in deciding both Sayin’s and Mendoza’s Heisman hopes.

4. Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M

Reed led the Aggies to a dominant win over Missouri, throwing two touchdowns and keeping A&M’s undefeated season rolling.

Texas A&M continues to look like a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, and Reed is a major reason why. His poise, consistency, and leadership have elevated this team well beyond preseason expectations. With a marquee matchup against Texas still ahead and a likely appearance in the SEC Championship on deck, Reed will have multiple chances to strengthen his case and climb higher on this list.

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