Brett McMurphy’s Heisman Ballot: Could Alabama’s Dominance Hurt Tua’s Chances?

Could Alabama’s dominance actually hurt quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s Heisman chances? At least this week, yes.

While Alabama is a 24-point favorite against rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl Saturday, Tagovailoa’s four biggest contenders all have more intriguing and compelling matchups that could bolster their standing with Heisman voters.

Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray and West Virginia’s Will Grier face off in Morgantown on Friday with the winner earning a berth in the Big 12 title game and also would get a late-season boost to their Heisman profile.

Washington State’s Gardner Minshew faces rival Washington in the Apple Cup on Friday, a win away from a berth in the Pac-12 title game. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins and the Buckeyes host Michigan Saturday with the winner headed to the Big Ten championship.

The fact Murray, Grier, Minshew and Haskins are all involved in games that – at least according to the point spreads – should be more much competitive, each of those quarterbacks have the opportunity to make a late-season push to get to New York City.

I will update my list each week. However, I will not reveal my official Heisman ballot in the first week of December. The Heisman trust prohibits Heisman voters from disclosing their ballot until after the Heisman ceremony on Dec. 8.

My current top three:

1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Because Tagovailoa has rarely played in the fourth quarter this year, his season totals don’t compare as favorably to some of the other Heisman contenders. His 260 yards passing per game ranks only 23rd nationally. However, he does lead the nation in quarterback efficiency rating (212.22) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (31-to-2).

Up next: Alabama hosts Auburn Saturday.

2. Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
Murray has exceeded all expectations this season and is making a real run at giving Oklahoma consecutive Heisman winners. He ranks third in total offense (368 yards per game) and is second nationally in yards per play (10.57). Tagovailoa is first at 10.97 yards per play. Because the Heisman has become a team award for a lot of voters – best player on the best team – Murray and the Sooners must win Friday to keep alive Murray’s chances to topple Tua.

Up next: Oklahoma visits West Virginia Friday.

3. Gardner Minshew, Washington State
Minshew’s magical season continues in Pullman. Last week, Minshew threw for a career-high 473 yards and seven TDs in the Cougars’ rout of Arizona. He remains the nation’s leader in passing yards (393), total offense (401), completions (37) and attempts (52) per game. He is also tied as the national leader with 36 TD passes.

Up next: Washington State hosts Washington Friday.

If the Heisman would expand its ballot to five players (something I’ve been a proponent for to get more players to New York and asked the Heisman trust to consider – unfortunately they said no):

4. Will Grier, West Virginia
Grier remains ranked among the top five in yards per game (332) and TD passes (33). West Virginia’s College Football Playoff hopes ended with last week’s loss at Oklahoma State, but the Mountaineers can still make the Big 12 title game with a win against Oklahoma. A win vs. the Sooners also would do wonders for Grier’s hopes of getting an invite to New York City. Grier has been nearly mistake-free the past four games, throwing 11 TDs and only one interception.

Up next: West Virginia hosts Oklahoma Friday.

5. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
Haskins is tied for the national lead with 36 TD passes and ranks third in passing yards per game (339). Of the top five players on my Heisman list, Haskins has the chance to make the biggest statement Saturday with a monster game against Michigan and the nation’s top defense. Haskins has thrown for more than 400 yards in four of his last six games.

Up next: Ohio State hosts Michigan Saturday.

Others who could move into my top five (in alphabetical order):

Travis Etienne, Clemson
McKenzie Milton, UCF
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

My Heisman winner for last week:
QB Taylor Cornelius, Oklahoma State (338 yards passing, five TDs; 106 yards rushing, one TD vs. West Virginia)