Watson climbing in latest Heisman Watch

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

ESPN released their latest Heisman Watch and Clemson junior quarterback Deshaun Watson was ranked #2 on the list with 26 points behind only Lamar Jackson.

"A game against South Carolina was just what the doctor ordered for Watson's Heisman hopes," ESPN said. "His six touchdown passes were a season-high and tied a career-high. Watson's greatest advantage? He'll have another game to impress voters next weekend when the Tigers face Virginia Tech in Orlando for the ACC championship."

ESPN analyst Joe Tessitore think that Watson still has a chance to win the Heisman with an exciting game on Saturday night.

"Watson's now in really good position, but he’s going to need big stats on Saturday night, and the game needs to be compelling," Tessitore said during Tuesday on SportsCenter. "If he plays a close and exciting game and he plays exceptionally well, this could be a game-changer. Voters are looking for a reason to vote for a second-place guy."

ESPN Experts' Poll

Lamar Jackson QB Louisville Soph. 9 1 0 0 0 49

Deshaun Watson QB Clemson Jr. 1 3 3 0 0 26

Dede Westbrook WR Oklahoma Sr. 0 4 1 0 1 20

Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma Jr. 0 1 2 1 0 12

D'Onta Foreman RB Texas Jr. 0 0 2 2 1 11

Jake Browning QB Washington Soph. 0 0 0 4 2 10

Donnel Pumphrey RB San Diego St. Sr. 0 1 0 1 0 6

Jalen Hurts QB Alabama Fr. 0 0 1 0 1 4

Christian McCaffrey QB Stanford Jr. 0 0 1 0 1 4

Jabrill Peppers LB Michigan Jr. 0 0 0 1 0 2

Jonathan Allen DL Alabama Sr. 0 0 0 1 0 2

Dalvin Cook RB Florida State Jr. 0 0 0 0 1 1

Adoree' Jackson DB USC Jr. 0 0 0 0 1 1