It's Time to Acknowledge LSU's Joe Burrow as a Serious Heisman Contender
By Scott Rogust
When bringing up the Heisman race this year, college football fans usually keep it limited and answer with two names: Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma.
While both have made their case to win the prestigious trophy, it's time that everyone throw LSU signal caller Joe Burrow's name into the hat.
Burrow had a superb performance in LSU's 42-28 win over the Florida Gators on Saturday night. The senior quarterback completed 21-of-24 pass attempts for 293 yards and three touchdowns, to not only give the Tigers the win, but pole vault them to the No. 2 ranking in AP Top 25 Poll.
The Week 8 AP Poll is here ?
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 13, 2019
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Clemson
4. Ohio State
5. Oklahoma
6. Wisconsin
7. Penn State
8. Notre Dame
9. Florida
10. Georgia
This Saturday's game isn't the only reason why Burrow should be a top contender from the Heisman. Just look at his overall season statistics.
Through six games this year, Burrow has accumulated an absurd 79.6 completion percentage. The only other quarterback to accomplish such a feat was Colt McCoy in 2008 at Texas, whom emerged as a Heisman finalist.
Joe Burrow completed 54% of his passes through his first 6 games at LSU.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) October 13, 2019
He’s completing 79.6% of his passes through 6 games this season. Only other QB who’s done that since 2000 was Colt McCoy.https://t.co/Ovuwi9e3Zs
In fact, his 79.6 completion percentage is the highest ever by a quarterback since 1956.
With his 21-for-24 night, Joe Burrow's completion percentage for the season GAINED more than a percentage point in the quest for the most accurate passing season in college football history @thejasonkirk pic.twitter.com/mkDB3l6Brk
— PodKATT (@valleyshook) October 13, 2019
Not to mention, Burrow's play throughout the year has created an increase in his NFL Draft stock, as he's obviously eligible at the conclusion of this season. The Ohio State transfer moved down to the Bayou, and has resurrected his collegiate career, redefining a team generally known for its defense.
It's time to put respect on Joe Burrow's name and place him into the Heisman race. Let's see what happens to him when he head to Tuscaloosa in early November. It could be a watershed moment for his candidacy.