According to a report from ESPN, Trevor Lawrence of Clemson is no longer the overwhelming favorite to win this year’s Heisman Memorial Trophy per multiple sportsbooks.
With him missing the matchup against Boston College, due to the Coronavirus, Mac Jones of Alabama football has taken the lead in the race.
Lawrence is also expected to miss the Tigers game versus Notre Dame, according to Dabo Swinney.
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Jones ranks ahead of Lawrence in completion percentage, passing yards, passer rating, pass yards per game, total quarterback rating (adjusted) and raw quarterback rating.
Despite playing in one less game, Jones has taken on more quality defenses and a tougher schedule in the Southeastern Conference. He has the Crimson Tide with the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense (47.2 ppg) and third-best total offense (555.2 ypg). When it comes to Jones’ individual numbers, he has completed 78.5% of his throws (139 of 177 passes completed) for 2,196 yards with 16 touchdowns to two interceptions.
The junior carries a passer rating of 210.32, a total QBR of 95.5 and a raw QBR of 93 — all of which are first in the SEC.
In earning a 41-0 win over Mississippi State, Jones tossed for 291 yards with four scores and no turnovers. He has the edge for the Heisman via DraftKings, while he and Justin Fields (Ohio State) are co-leaders in the race per FanDuel’s sportsbook.
Jones will lead the Tide in a matchup with the LSU Tigers next week in Baton Rouge, La.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
