The Clemson Tigers are the unquestioned No. 1 team in the country, largely thanks to the play of sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson. A Heisman favorite coming into this season, Watson has delivered in his first season as a full-time starter - but will he beat out the other contenders to win the award?
Case For Watson
Watson's biggest sticking point is the fact that he's the best player on the best team in the country, and is the biggest reason why they're undefeated. Heisman voters have shown in the past that team success does play a role in their decision, giving Watson a major leg up on the competition.
However, that's not to say Watson doesn't have the stats to back it up - far from it. He's passed for 2,944 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding another 642 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, showing his outstanding ability as perhaps the best dual-threat QB in the country.
Case Against Watson
Watson's critics can point to his turnovers, Clemson's schedule, and his unspectacular performances in big games as reasons to give the award to someone else. He has thrown 10 interceptions this year, only four games without a turnover, and three games with multiple turnovers. Those aren't totally awful numbers, but remember, we're splitting hairs here.
Clemson has also played just two ranked teams this year, meaning Watson hasn't had a lot of opportunities to impress against top teams and talented defenses - and hasn't had that coveted "Heisman moment" voters look for, along with the 84 passing yard clunker of a performance against Notre Dame.
Verdict: Fiction - Watson won't win the Heisman
Watson has had a great season, but I think he'll finish second to Alabama running back Derrick Henry in the voting. Watson's performances against ND and FSU were spectatcular, particularly on the ground, but there's no moment from those games that stand out. He'll have his chance to make up ground against UNC in the ACC Championship Game, yet Henry has the Iron Bowl and the SEC Championship Game to further his lead in the minds of voters.
The vote will be close, but Watson will ultimately lose out to Henry.
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