Sam Leavitt’s name is starting to get real Heisman attention after LSU’s 38-17 win over Auburn, and ESPN’s Bill Connelly put the Tigers quarterback front and center in his latest weekly honors.
Connelly called Leavitt his “Heisman winner of the week” after a huge Saturday night: 32 completions on 45 attempts for 378 yards and three passing touchdowns, plus eight carries for 54 yards and another score on the ground.
The numbers back up why Leavitt is suddenly in the conversation. Connelly pointed out that even with early-season issues tied to sacks and interceptions, Leavitt has put up a Total QBR in the 80s or 90s in seven of his eight starts this season. On the year, he’s fifth nationally in Total QBR.
That production has also moved the odds. Leavitt is now 11th in DraftKings’ Heisman Trophy odds, a clear jump in visibility as the season keeps rolling.
Connelly still didn’t go as far as stamping Leavitt as a true Heisman contender, but he made it clear the door is open. With several marquee games still left on LSU’s schedule, Leavitt has a chance to keep climbing.
“Sam Leavitt, LSU
Week 8 numbers: 32-for-45 passing for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus 8 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown against Auburn
Despite early-season sacks and interceptions, Leavitt has produced a Total QBR in the 80s or 90s in seven of eight starts, and for the entire season he's fifth in Total QBR. Only two current Heisman candidates are ahead of him on that list (Darian Mensah is No. 1, and Georgia's Gunner Stockton is No.
4). Leavitt is up to 11th in DraftKings' Heisman odds, and while it might be too late for him to make a proper run at the trophy, he does have a series of marquee games ahead.
I'm not saying he's a genuine candidate yet, but his story might not be over.”
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