2016 Heisman: Don’t Sleep on Deshaun Watson
It’s been a crazy few days for Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson. Last Saturday, Watson completed 23 of 34 passes and ran 85 yards for five touchdowns to secure the Tigers’ second consecutive ACC Championship. On Sunday, Watson and his teammates woke up early to watch the Committee determine who they will play in the College Football Playoff. And on Monday, Watson was selected as a Heisman Trophy finalist for the second consecutive year.
Heisman Hopeful
For the second straight year, Watson heads to the ‘city that never sleeps’, not as a favorite but as a contender, in hopes of surprising those who have slept on him this season. In his last three games, Watson recorded 988 total yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions. Both of his interceptions though, one against South Carolina and one in the ACC title game, came off tipped passes. Following the Tigers’ sole loss to PITT, Watson completed 73% of his passes to win their final three games.
But don’t expect Watson to make a case or argument for himself now. The entire season, Watson has ignored criticism for an increase in turnovers and close games against opponents. Watson is used to having the odds stacked against him, both on the field and in New York hotel ballrooms. Last season, Watson experienced what it feels like to be a dark horse; ranking third in the 2015 Heisman voting and then defying odds on their way to the National Championship.
“All I can do is influence and focus on the way I’m performing and playing on the big stage and winning games,” said Watson. “You know, I really don’t have much say-so in who wins it. That’s up to the voters. I finished up last year and thought I did enough to win it last year, but I guess I didn’t. At the end of the day it’s all in guys’ hands, to the voters, and who they feel like really deserves it.”
“He might not have been the best player in September, but he’s been the best player in October and November and December,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.
Swinney complimented fellow contender Lamar Jackson, but not without making an argument as to how Watson is more deserving than the Louisville quarterback.
“Lamar’s a great player too, but we went head-to-head,” said Swinney. “They lost three games and we lost one by one point. And in that game, our quarterback threw for 580 yards.”
Swinney, bias aside, makes a valid point.
Four weeks ago, even after their 42-36 loss to Clemson, it was clear that the Louisville quarterback was a shoe-in for the Heisman. After what many called a “Heisman Performance” against Florida State, it seemed no other contenders could catch Jackson. That was until Louisville’s 36-10 loss to unranked Houston Jackson struggled, throwing 20-43 for only 211 yards. A week later, in his final chance to impress voters, Jackson recorded 4 turnovers in Louisville’s 41-38 loss to unranked Kentucky.
The Race is On
The race for Heisman isn’t just between the two ACC quarterbacks, but it’s hard not be to appreciate this moment. Two of the best players in college football competing to have their name called in New York. This is only the second time the conference had two finalists competing for the award in the same year.
On one side, you have Deshaun Watson. His experience, not only in the awards category, but in conference and national championships, is unmatched. Watson’s completion is better, ranked 9th in the country. Leading the Tigers to consecutive ACC Championships and College Football Playoffs, his record is also hard to argue against. It’s clear that Deshaun Watson is the more accomplished quarterback with the accolades to show.
On the other hand, Jackson’s athletic talent cannot be overlooked. With unmatched speed and throwing ability, the Louisville quarterback has earned the designation as a “freak” athlete. Despite only playing in six games all season, Lamar Jackson finished with the 2nd best total offense in the country, averaging 410.7 yards per game.
Never before in the ACC have two quarterbacks each registered more than 4,400 yards of offense in the same season. Lamar Jackson remains the favorite, but it’s unmistakable that Deshaun Watson finished the season stronger as he and the Tigers head into the College Football Playoff.
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