Heisman Trophy watch 2021: Top 5 contenders heading into Week 9

Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy (98) tries to get to an elusive Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) despite being held back by Pitt offensive lineman Carter Warren (77) during the second quarter at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Saturday, October 23, 2021.Ncaa Football Clemson At Pitt /

2 of 5

Syndication: Detroit Free Press /

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

Kenneth Walker III has been one of the best running backs in college football this season and his 997 yards and 10 total touchdowns are an important reason for Michigan State’s 7-0 start.

The Spartans were off last week, so Walker stayed in the same spot. However, his candidacy is reaching a key stretch. Michigan State hosts Michigan on Saturday and games against Ohio State and Penn State also loom for the Spartans.

For Walker, this is a good thing. He needs big games against high-profile opponents because fair or not, running backs have to have eye-popping numbers.

And not just against Rutgers. He needs to do it against Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State. If he does and the Spartans win even two of those games and get, say, a Rose Bowl berth, then it’s certainly possible for Walker to be in the mix.

To win it? He’s going to need Michigan State to reach the Big Ten title game and in those six games, he will need to get about 800-1,000 total yards. That’s asking a ton but this award is weighted against running backs.

Home/College Football News