Quinn Ewers goes from Heisman hopeful to Heisman favorite
Let me offer a couple of disclaimers on the Heisman Trophy. One, it isn’t awarded to the best player in college football. It goes to the best offensive college football player, typically on one of the best teams in the country. Second, it is still incredibly early in the season. Through the years we have seen countless early season favorites recede after a rough stretch.
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So why talk about the Heisman Trophy? Well, now the betting market has him as a favorite, but more it importantly it makes for an easy delivery method to talk about Quinn Ewers’ growth as a player. Based on what we’ve seen so far, he may very well materialize into the best offensive or defensive player in the country. There’s a solid chance he’ll win it because he deserves it, there’s also the chance he’ll win it because he’s the most recognizable player on one of the top 2-3 teams in the country.
So far Ewers and his teammates are the author of the biggest road win this season after thrashing Michigan. It’ll be their jobs to make sure that Georgia doesn’t claim that same designation on October 19 when the Bulldogs visit Austin what will also likely be a Heisman showdown.
The growth Ewers has shown this season was evident on a handful of backbreaking plays against Michigan. In the past, I’ve thought he’s been more of a talented facilitator than playmaker. I’m re-thinking that now after watching him step up in the pocket to buy time and find his target. This is something we’re starting to see a lot more of after hearing about it in fall camp.
This next throw is more difficult. It’s made possible by his subtle movement while keeping his eyes up. I’m not sure he would have felt that pressure last year.
This throw to Matthew Golden shows textbook mechanics on the move. Ewers’ mechanics have been the source of criticism from NFL Draft punditry.
Ewers has always possessed the ability to make impressive throws. Here’s one from high school.
But now he’s making these sorts of plays look routine. He’s extending drives and putting the ball in the end zone.
From notable IT commenter @sherf1:
Here are all of Quinn’s drives this year:
CSU
#1– Punt
#2– TD
#3– INT
#4– FG
#5– TD
#6–TD
#7–TD7 drives, 1 punt, 1 turnover, 1 FG, 4 TDs,
Michigan
#1– FG
#2– TD
#3– TD
#4– FG
#5–TD
#6– Punt
#7–TDNot counting the last 3 Michigan drives (punt, punt, end of game).
So 14 competitive drives, 8 TDs, 3 FGs, 2 Punts, 1 turnover. And since he “knocked the rust off” starting with drive 4 vs CSU, its 11 drives, 7 TDs. 3 FGs, 1 punt
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If Ewers keeps this up, he’s going to be resting comfortably for a lot of fourth quarters. He’ll also likely win the Heisman, though Carson Beck might have something to say about that in October.
