Jayden Daniels attempting to become LSU’s third Heisman winner
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass downfield during the first quarter against Florida State Sunday September 3, 2023 at Camping World Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
The Bayou Bengal quarterback put up video game numbers, and his team led the nation in total offense this season.
That crazy production is the reason why Jayden Daniels is the clear-cut favorite to win this year’s Heisman Trophy. After all, Daniels led the entire FBS in passing efficiency and total offense. On top of that, the former Arizona State Sun Devil led all quarterbacks with a jaw-dropping, 1,131 rushing yards, and his 40 touchdown tosses are tied for first nationally.
His eye-popping stats is why everyone is expecting Daniels to win the hardware in New York tonight. If so, he’ll be LSU’s third Heisman Trophy winner, along with Billy Cannon and Joe Burrow. Cannon won the hardware back in 1959, and Burrow took home the Heisman in 2019.
However, Daniels has some stiff competition joining him in New York. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and Ohio State’s wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., all have had stellar campaigns, and are deserving.
Daniels has already piled up the accolades this postseason too. The 22-year old was named the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm winner. Not to mention Daniels took home the Davey O’ Brien as the nation’s top signal-caller Friday night. The Californian was even named the AP Player of the Year.
As much as Daniels has accomplished this fall, he still has some critics. He led the Bayou Bengals to nine wins this season, but failed to carry his team to the finish line in the biggest games of the year. LSU lost to Florida State in the season-opener by 21 points. Ole Miss handed LSU its’ second loss, in a battle where Daniels had great performance, but couldn’t outduel Jaxson Dart. His performance in the loss at Alabama was average, compared to his numbers in other games.
College Football fanatics are pinpointing the three losses that the Bayou Bengals have this year. Only three players have won the Heisman since 2000 with a 9-3 season, including Florida’s Tim Tebow, Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, and Louisville’s Lamar Jackson. It just so happens that Daniels’ numbers were better than all of them.
No doubt he’s arguably the hardest quarterback to game plan for. With Daniels accuracy, and breathtaking mobility, he’s liable to score from anywhere on the field with the ball in his hands. It should help Daniels’ cause that he plays in the Almighty SEC. A player from that league has won the Heisman three of the past four years.
The odds are definitely in Daniels’ favor, and all eyes will be the ceremony in New York. LSU fans believe Daniels is deserving of the most prestigious award in sports, and with some luck he’ll be hoisting hardware tonight.
