Heisman Trophy watch 2021: Top 5 contenders heading into Week 8

Oct 16, 2021; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) reacts after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

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Heisman Trophy Candidate No. 4: Kenneth Walker, RB Michigan State

Michigan State is one of the biggest surprises of the 2021 college football season so far and Kenneth Walker is one of the biggest reasons why.

Walker has 997 yards rushing and has gone over 100 yards four times in seven wins for the Spartans. He’s had a 75-yard score and a 94-yard touchdown run against Rutgers a few weeks ago.

Last week though, he was held to just 84 yards on 23 attempts against Indiana and while the Spartans won, his chances probably took a hit.

As I said a couple of weeks ago about Walker and all running backs really, they are at a disadvantage. He’s put up big numbers so far with 12 touchdowns and is averaging 6.6 yards per carry but he needs to keep those coming.

Walker will have chances to impress voters against Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, but he will need gaudy numbers to hoist the Heisman. He’s off this week but the Wolverines are up next so we’ll know more about his candidacy soon enough.

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