Clemson Tigers

Deshaun Watson needs to be at the top of the Heisman list

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

After an explosive game against previously-undefeated Louisville, Clemson QB Deshaun Watson needs to be on top of everyone’s Heisman list. Yes, Florida State RB Dalvin Cook is a force of nature; but with the ‘Noles defense struggling Cook may not be able to get the numbers he needs. Lamar Jackson of Louisville is the clear favorite at most media outlets-yet he doesn’t have the Zen efficiency of Watson, and that may prove to be a failing.

In the interest of impartiality let’s explore the few other viable candidates and then drop the hammer in favor of Watson. Christian McCaffrey, an early favorite, may already be out of contention after the Stanford Cardinal’s woeful performance on Saturday. Jake Browning, QB of the Washington Huskies, had a flawless performance last week against Oregon. Browning has improved every season, and his 6 TDs on Saturday were the highest in the country.

This is not to malign Browning’s performance-his statistics were indeed impressive. Nonetheless, Oregon doesn’t have half the talent that Louisville does. Lamar Jackson is a dynamic QB, and Coach Petrino has put together one of the best defenses in the country. I say this to make the point that Clemson’s sound defeat of Louisville carries more weight than that of Washington’s rout of Oregon.

Watson’s composure and his ability to complete key drives proved more efficient than Lamar Jackson’s dynamic energy. With 1,568 yards already this season and a 61% completion rate, Watson’s season is already one of the best in the nation-and 2016 started off slowly for the junior QB.

If Clemson finishes the season undefeated again, Watson will be the best player on one of the best teams in the country. The Tigers have two more hurdles-the NC State Wolfpack and the Seminoles, but the remainder of the season should be smooth sailing. Expect Clemson in another Playoff matchup this season, and expect Deshaun Watson at the front of the Heisman candidates.