Heisman Trophy Watch 2017: A new contender rises in Week 5

After a loss in Week 4 to TCU, the Cowboys barely survived their trip to Lubbock this weekend in a 41-34 shootout against the Red Raiders. Mason Rudolph was the catalyst for the victory. It is hard to believe that Oklahoma State would be anywhere near contending for the Big 12 this season without their senior quarterback.

Against Texas Tech, Rudolph accounted for all five of Oklahoma State’s touchdowns in the narrow victory over their Big 12 counterpart. The quarterback finished the day with 376 yards and three passing touchdowns on 27-of-38 passing. He added another 50 yards and two scores on 11 carries, keeping drives alive against a Red Raiders defense keying in on him.

Through five games, Rudolph has thrown for 1909 yards and 16 touchdowns against four interceptions. He is completing 67.6 percent of his attempts and is averaging 11.04 yards per passing attempt. Rudolph ranks third nationally in passing efficiency and total offensive production, and has added four rushing touchdowns to date.

Mike Gundy’s team still harbors hopes of winning the Big 12 and putting its name in the hat for a spot in the College Football Playoff. To have any chance of realizing either or both of those goals, they will need Rudolph to continue playing at a Heisman-contending level.