Did LSU QB Jayden Daniels clinch the Heisman on Friday night?
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels may have locked up the Heisman Trophy on Friday night.
The sensational Tigers quarterback is an overwhelming favorite following the Pac-12 championship game, which saw College Football Playoff No. 3 Washington (13-0, 10-0 in Pac-12) defeat No. 5 Oregon (11-2, 8-2 in Pac-12), 34-31.
Ducks quarterback Bo Nix was Daniels' biggest rival for the award but had his worst game of the season in Oregon's loss. He finished 21-of-34, his 61.8 completion percentage the first time this season he completed less than 70 percent of his passes, for a season-low 239 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception while adding 69 yards on six carries.
Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. improved his case for the Heisman, although he emerged a distant third in recent weeks and probably didn't do enough to sway voters in his direction. He was 27-of-39 for 319 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Despite the Pac-12 quarterbacks having one extra game than Daniels, the LSU quarterback still accounted for the most offense this season. He had 4,946 yards (3,812 passing, 1,134 rushing) compared to 4,373 yards (4,145 passing, 228 rushing) for Nix and 4,200 yards (4,218 passing, -18 rushing) for Penix Jr.
It's already been debunked, but it's worth reiterating LSU's 9-3 record isn't disqualifying, nor is Heisman voters' apparent amnesia.
The idea that Daniels didn't have a memorable game this year is laughable. He was the difference-maker in wins against No. 9 Missouri and Florida while keeping the Tigers competitive in losses to No. 11 Ole Miss and No. 8 Alabama.
Quarterbacks Tim Tebow, Robert Griffin III and Lamar Jackson won the Heisman after three-loss regular seasons, and Daniels' 2023 numbers comfortably stand next to their Heisman-winning campaigns.
Tim Tebow (2007): 234-of-350 (66.9 percent) for 3,286 yards, 32 touchdowns, six interceptions, 895 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns
Robert Griffin III (2011): 291-of-402 (72.4 percent) for 4,293 yards, 37 touchdowns, six interceptions, 699 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns
Lamar Jackson (2016): 230-of-409 (56.2 percent) for 3,543 yards, 30 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 1,571 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns
Daniels (2023): 236-of-327 (72.2 percent) for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, four interceptions, 1,134 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns
The Heisman race is likely over. On Saturday, Dec. 9, Daniels should hear his name called when the winner is announced.
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