BYU's Zach Wilson is making a case for the Heisman Trophy
BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. (Photo by Alan Smith/Icon Sportswire)
October 7th, 2020
It's clear that the college football postseason awards, like just about everything else, will be a unique experience this season.
With so many teams playing abbreviated seasons and non-conference matchups unavailable, more weight will be given to "eye test" analysis for College Football Playoff selections and the Heisman Trophy.
Could the obvious quarterbacks from Alabama, Clemson, or Ohio State win? Sure. But in this unprecedented season, I'm going to look for a longshot who excites viewers with his spectacular play and makes voters deviate from historical norms.
My choice is BYU quarterback Zach Wilson.
Don't tell Kalani...but some high level NFL analysts are giving compliments to Zach Wilson left and right. 😏#BYUSN #BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/BJTB5uMKJY
— BYU Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) October 6, 2020
Wilson has made a huge leap in Year 3 at BYU
Wilson is the junior quarterback of the undefeated Cougars and is now in his third season starting.
He was effective in his first two seasons, but he has made a leap in his third year. BYU is averaging a 49-8 margin of victory through three games, and Wilson is the biggest reason why.
Zach Wilson 2020 statistics
| YDS | TD | INT | QBR |
|---|
949 | 6 | 1 | 89.1 |
Wilson leads the country with an 84.5% completion rate and is averaging an equally impressive 14.4 yards per attempt. He has six touchdowns and just one interception, but has added another five touchdowns on the ground. His passer efficiency rating is second in the nation (221.9).
Wilson has benefited from Beck's tutelage
Wilson spent the offseason training with QB coaching guru John Beck, who has worked with NFL quarterbacks,Dak Prescott, Jared Goff, Matt Ryan, and Matt Stafford.
Beck and other commentators have noted that Wilson has dedicated himself to his craft, and it is evident from watching the throws he makes on the field. Wilson most certainly passes the eye test with his arm strength and accuracy.
Zach Wilson on learning how to throw “off platform” from John Beck. https://t.co/AAgED8iNY7
— Jarom Jordan (@jaromjordan) September 30, 2020
Wilson and BYU could have a perfect season
The BYU offense leads the nation in yards per game and is second in scoring offense. The Cougars also have a manageable schedule, with multiple games slotted for a national audience, so Wilson will have plenty of opportunity to catch eyeballs.
While West Coast Heisman candidates typically fight an uphill battle, because of East Coast voter bias, the delayed and truncated Pac-12 season will mean more focus on BYU, and that can only help Wilson's chances.
Of all the longshots on the board, he is the most deserving of a wager.
Wager on the 2020 college football season now at BetAmerica!
ADVERTISEMENT
