2022 Heisman Trophy Watch: Top 5 candidates heading into Week 8
T1. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
Stroud might lead college football in QBR but Hooker is right behind him at No. 2 overall and so far, the schedule hasn’t been quite as soft as the Buckeyes, who haven’t played anyone, especially since Notre Dame is nothing but mediocre.
Tennessee, on the other hand, has been part of four AP top-25 matchups this season and in each of those games, Hooker has been nearly flawless. At the very least, the Vols would have a loss or two without him.
I get that Notre Dame was ranked too but even if that game, Stroud only tossed two touchdowns and didn’t throw for 300 yards.
Hooker accounted for 441 and five touchdowns against Alabama, as well as 461 yards of total offense in the overtime win over Florida. He had over 300 yards passing (352 total yards) against Pitt and also had 295 total yards and two touchdowns in a romp of LSU.
dark. Next. College Football Playoff and Bowl Projections after Week 7
The game-winning drive against Alabama might be his Heisman Trophy moment. But he’s probably going to need to beat Georgia. Otherwise, it’s hard to see him overcoming Stroud if he’s able to lead the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title and puts up huge numbers in the process.