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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Heisman Trophy Candidate No. 2: Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Matt Corral didn’t put up huge numbers last week against LSU. Yet, he led Ole Miss to a 31-17 victory and the Rebels are up to 10th right now in the polls.

Not only that, but Mississippi is still right there in the SEC West with Alabama losing to Texas A&M. The fact that Ole Miss was able to beat Arkansas and held on at Tennessee has the team in position for a New Year’s Six Bowl, as well as the SEC title.

If Ole Miss wins out which means beating Auburn this weekend, as well as Texas A&M and the Egg Bowl, plus Alabama loses a game at some point, then the Rebels should be playing for the SEC title and a shot at the playoff.

We are a long way from that point, but with Corral, anything seems possible right now. With A&M coming to Oxford, Saturday’s game at Auburn could be the toughest test remaining.

Corral needs a big game and he needs Ole Miss to win. Other quarterbacks such as Stroud, Pickett, and Caleb Williams, who is in my top 10 — just not my top five — and as long he keeps doing special things, he could be in the conversation, although it’s hard to judge him on a short season.

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