Joe Burrow Improves Heisman Resume with 3-TD Performance Against No. 7 Florida

• Burrow led No. 5 LSU to a convincing 42-28 win over No. 7 Florida
• Burrow ranks second in passing yards and second in passing touchdowns
• Read on to find our prediction on his Heisman hopes

Under the lights in primetime, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow put on a show that is sure to put Heisman oddsmakers on notice, throwing for 293 yards and three touchdowns against a highly ranked Florida defense.

In terms of the 2019 Heisman Odds, Burrow appears to be in the midst of a three-player race (odds are subject to change now that Week 7 games are complete).

* Odds taken pre-Week 7

Master of Efficiency

The most impressive part of Burrow’s stat line may have been the fact he completed 21-of-24 passes (87.5 percent) and now leads the NCAA in passing efficiency (with Jalen Hurts ranked second and Tua Tagovailoa ranked third).

https://twitter.com/LsuFBallTruth/status/1183226335214350341?s=20

Burrow also leads Hurts and Tagovailoa in passing yards per game and is between the two of them in total yards per game, passing touchdowns and points responsible for. But his efficiency is a metric that may help him stand out, showing that he’s making the most of his throws.

The Heisman Belongs to Quarterbacks

Stat-stuffing running back Jonathan Taylor, who is up to an NCAA-best 18 total touchdowns through six games, may seem like a promising Heisman choice on paper.

Heisman voters, don't forget about Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor. pic.twitter.com/ojCfF4RyZ3

— Stadium (@Stadium) October 5, 2019

But the reason the odds are stacked against him is that the Heisman is awarded to a quarterback most of the time. In the past nine years, eight quarterbacks have won the award versus just one running back (Alabama’s Derrick Henry, 2015).

Burrow will Have his Chances

Facing Florida, Burrow dealt with a defense that entered the game ranked 11th in total defense, as well as 19th in both passing yards allowed and yards allowed per completion.

He’ll face three more top-50 defenses this year in Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&M, which is always good for the Heisman resume. It’s one thing to put up big numbers, as Burrow has. But to do it against a bunch of top-50 defenses? That will mean something to voters.

https://twitter.com/FTBeard11/status/1183177166999023616?s=20

Hurts has been impressive, and may continue to be for Oklahoma. But when Burrow’s LSU Tigers go on the road against Tagovailoa’s Crimson Tide in a few weeks, that matchup may very well be for the Heisman. And when that happens, Burrow will want to heed the advise he gave his team after Saturday night’s win:

Joe Burrow's message to the team after the game: "Don't let good enough get in the way of greatness." pic.twitter.com/i5eAxGSFnL

— Cody Worsham (@CodyWorsham) October 13, 2019

Decision Time

It really is possible that the LSU vs. Alabama game will end up deciding the Heisman. Burrow and Tagovailoa play better defenses top to bottom in the Southeastern Conference than Hurts plays in the Big 12. While the stock is rising with all three quarterbacks, Burrow is likely still going to have the longest odds — and therefore the most value. I’d go with that.

Pick: Joe Burrow (+325)