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 /

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Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch /

Heisman Trophy Candidate No. 3: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

C.J. Stroud seemed to be fading in the Heisman trophy race earlier this season but after returning from injury, he’s been a different quarterback and that trend continued over the weekend in another win for Ohio State over Indiana.

Last season, the Hoosiers played Ohio State pretty tough and actually made some plays against Justin Fields but Stroud was basically flawless.

Stroud completed 21-of-28 pass attempts for 266 yards and four total touchdowns. That’s a 75-percent completion rate and the big plays have been particularly effective.

Stroud has an elite arm in terms of throwing the ball down the field and Ohio State is so talented, it’s just hard to stop the Buckeyes offense.

But Stroud is surging in this race and in his last three games, he has thrown 14 touchdowns and for an average of 334 yards. The Buckeyes host Penn State Saturday and the Nittany Lions desperately need a win to save their season.

Penn State also might have the best defense Stroud has seen this season and if he balls out again, he will have more staying power in the Heisman race.

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