Heisman Watch: Alabama teammates Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith separate from the pack
Alabama continues to show the myriad ways it can dominate a college football game. This is creating a dilemma for Heisman electors who must determine which Crimson Tide playmaker to put at the top of the ballot. Quarterback Mac Jones retook the lead in our Paste BN Network weekly Heisman survey, but teammate DeVonta Smith has been gaining ground steadily and is now in second place.
Jones was named first by 15 of 22 official Heisman electors who work for Paste BN Network properties. He didn’t add to his season total of 27 touchdown passes in the Tide’s 52-3 romp against Arkansas, but then again he didn’t need to. He’s averaging 332 passing yards per game while completing 76.4% of his attempts.
Smith had no scoring catches on Saturday, but his electrifying 84-yard punt-return TD set the tone for the rest of the game. At his usual position of wide receiver, he has amassed 1,327 yards on 83 catches with 15 scores. Oh yeah, he also has a rushing touchdown. Five survey participants named Smith first this week. Tide running back Najee Harris, who increased his season total of rushing touchdowns to 22, is also getting votes.
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Florida quarterback Kyle Trask dropped from first to third, his candidacy taking a hit with the loss to LSU. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is in fourth but could make a move with a strong showing against Notre Dame in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. Final ballots are due next Monday.