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2022 Heisman Trophy Watch: Top 5 candidates heading into Week 8

By Chris Peterson

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) smiles after a Tennessee touchdown during Tennessee's game against Alabama in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.RAnk 1 Kns Ut Bama Football Bp
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) smiles after a Tennessee touchdown during Tennessee's game against Alabama in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.RAnk 1 Kns Ut Bama Football Bp /
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Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Bryce Young, Alabama

Bryce Young’s team didn’t win on Saturday as Alabama had its 17-game winning streak against Tennessee snapped, but it certainly wasn’t the fault of the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner.

Young, who was a game-time decision, was incredible for the Crimson Tide. Tennessee grabbed a 28-10 lead at one point and many thought the Tide were dead on arrival.

However, with Young, that was far from the case. He completed 35-of-52 passes for 455 yards and two touchdowns. He didn’t throw an interception and was only sacked once.

What’s truly crazy to think about is how the accuracy of a kicker is impacting the 2022 Heisman Trophy race. If Alabama’s had connected, Young might be near the top of his list again.

As it stands, Hooker is still trending up. Team results matter but that’s also why Young still has a shot. You never know, Bryce and Alabama could get another shot at Hooker and the Vols in the SEC title game, but at the very least, it will be another showdown with Georgia if they can win the SEC WEST which would require taking out a currently-unbeaten Ole Miss.

Young’s SEC title game performance was enough to win over voters a year ago and if he wills this team back to a second SEC title and another playoff appearance, he’ll have as good a chance as anyone of winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy.

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