Heisman Hot Board after Week 11: Kenneth Walker III heads the lists
This week’s Heisman picks are in. Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III continues to lead the Heisman list for On3 college football writers Matt Zenitz and Charles Power.
Matt Zenitz’s list
RB Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
After rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-21 win over Maryland, Walker has run for more than 125 yards in seven of the Spartans’ nine games against FBS teams
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LB Will Anderson, Alabama
Anderson added two more sacks during a win over New Mexico State and is No. 1 nationally in sacks (12.5) and tackles for loss (23).
QB Bryce Young, Alabama
In Alabama’s past four games, Young has completed 73 percent of his passes (96-of-131) for 1,291 yards with 15 total touchdowns and no interceptions.
QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
During Ohio State’s 59-31 win over No. 19 Purdue, Stroud was 31-of-38 for 361 yards and five touchdown passes.
DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
In Michigan’s 21-17 win over Penn State, Hutchinson had seven tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Hutchinson is tied for fifth among Power 5 players with 10 sacks.
Charles Power’s list
RB Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
Walker holds the top spot in what remains a tight race. He had another big game for the Spartans, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries in a 40-21 win over Maryland. He also caught two passes for 29 yards. Walker is leading the nation in rushing with 1,473 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 147.3 rushing yards per game is 11 yards better than the next back. Walker and the Spartans face what likely will be their toughest test of the season this week, with a trip to Columbus to take on Ohio State. The game will help decide the winner of the Big Ten East — and could play a role in sorting out the Heisman, as well.
QB Bryce Young, Alabama
Young had the best statistical game of his young career Saturday, going 21-of-23 for 270 yards and five touchdowns and no interceptions in a 59-3 win over hapless New Mexico State. All five touchdowns came in the first half. Young continues to look accurate as a passer while showing the ability to make plays outside of structure. He’s fourth nationally in QBR and passer rating, hitting nearly 71 percent of his passes for 3,025 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions. The Crimson Tide can clinch the SEC West with a win over Arkansas this week.
QB C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Ohio State’s offense looked like a buzz saw against Purdue, thanks in large part to Stroud and the Buckeyes’ loaded receiver group. Stroud was 31-of-38 for 361 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave and TreVeyon Henderson created mass confusion within the Boilermakers’ defense and Stroud did a nice job of quickly finding the open targets. He leads the nation in QBR and is fifth in passer rating. He faces off against Kenneth Walker III in a huge game this week.
LB Will Anderson, Alabama
Anderson continues to keep a seemingly unsustainable pace, adding two more sacks in the win over New Mexico State. Anderson’s length, athleticism and pass-rush skills are buoyed by a hellacious motor. On Saturday, he had 13 quarterback hurries in addition to the sacks, affecting the quarterback on more than one out of three pass rushes. The total is the most from an SEC player this season. Could he be the rare defensive Heisman finalist? Remaining games against Arkansas, Auburn and a likely matchup with Georgia in the SEC Championship Game will provide ample opportunities.
QB Kenny Pickett, Pitt
Pickett led Pitt to a 30-23 win over North Carolina on Thursday, going 25-of-43 for 346 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He’s sixth nationally in QBR and seventh in passer rating; he has completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 3,517 yards, 32 touchdowns and four interceptions. Pickett carries a disproportionately large load for a Pitt program that is having its best season in more than a decade. The Panthers face Virginia this week in what should be a high-scoring affair.