By: William Smythe

I know, I had the same emotions when I saw the Heisman finalists revealed on Sunday. No Hendon Hooker? No Blake Corum? How could the committee so egregiously rob two of the nation’s most impactful players – only discounting their pedigree because of late injuries?

In response, the rest of the world and myself turned our hatred to the silent assassin – Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. Yeah, I’ve seen the 25-year old memes and the claims that Bennett probably has a mortgage and a family at this point in his ‘Dawg career. But, I’ve done some digging and his case is more compelling by the day.

No one expected the walk-on to win a national championship in 2022 (over the highly-touted JT Daniels), and certainly no one could have predicted Bennett to make his way to New York the following year. Following the thunderous win over Oregon Week 1, rumors began to swirl about the Mailman’s continued emergence on a team which had finally given him the keys to the kingdom.

He throttled Oregon, bested Tennessee’s Hooker in a no. 1 v. 2 matchup and eviscerated LSU last week in the SEC Championship. To bank on Bennett’s decline is to overlook his production – quiet yet astounding. 

There are several reasons why Bennett deserves the invite to New York over so many others. If you simply gloss through the gamecast following a casual win over another outmatched SEC opponent, it won’t tell the whole story. Here’s why Bennett has done enough to make it to the big stage.

1. He’s largely played in three quarters every game

This is the Tua dilemma from 2019. The guy would throw for 250+ and 3+ TDs in the first half and promptly find himself on the bench for the bulk of the last thirty minutes. Bennett has experienced the same “blessing” while the ‘Dawgs have rolled. Not convinced?

The Mailman’s splits are such: 2,211 yards passing in the first half as compared to 1,214 in the second – including only 321 yards in the fourth quarter. I remind you that he is still 11th in the nation in passing yards and possesses the sixth highest QBR – a tremendous achievement for a quarterback that lets the running game feast in many a fourth quarter. 

There surely are some aberrations in this schedule that require some thought. Bennett struggled to unleash the passing game in a 16-6 win over Kentucky – posting 116 yards and an interception – and he couldn’t break through the Missouri defense for a touchdown in a nail-biting victory. He’s not your average Heisman finalist, but this isn’t a normal year.

Sure, Hooker (or Washington’s Michael Penix)’s stats are gaudy, but the nature of Tennessee and Washington’s seasons allowed for a few shootouts and a heavier passing game. If you’re searching for one of the nation’s most efficient players – on the best team possible – you’ll look no further than the Mailman. 

2. His splits against AP Top-25 Teams, among other teams 

There’s no stat-padding involved when it comes to Bennett. When facing top-25 opponents in Oregon, Tennessee and LSU, Georgia’s gunslinger has accounted for 889 passing yards and ten total touchdowns – all capped off by a passer rating of 196.4. Compare this to Stroud, who accounted for five less touchdowns against AP Top-25 teams, threw two interceptions (Bennett threw none) and had a passer rating of 148.9. Also, you can’t play the argument that Bennett has more weapons, because Stroud clears in that department. 

Moving on to TCU’s Max Duggan. The gritty “how is he still in college” parallel to Stetson, Duggan’s case is an odd one. The Horned Frogs played six games against top-25 opponents – yet only two out of those five teams cemented their spot in the final AP Poll. I could feasibly lump in Mississippi State and South Carolina as two teams the ‘Dawgs played who weren’t in the rankings but now are…yet that could complicate things. 

Let’s just stick to the splits. In six games against ranked opponents, Duggan accounted for 1,861 yards and 18 total TDs – an impressive statline nonetheless. His 148.3 passer rating can be negated by his running ability – which Bennett doesn’t nearly hold as dear – but Duggan’s most eye-popping games came against now-floundering opponents. 

He dominated then no. 8 Oklahoma State, no. 18 Oklahoma and no. 19 Kansas – yet none of three are in the final AP Poll. In fact, their combined record in conference play is 10-17. Not great Bob, not great. In three games against currently ranked opponents – including two against Kansas State and one against Texas – Duggan’s average passer rating was 139.6 – 56.8 points below Bennett’s average against his three ranked opponents (one of which was no. 2 at the time).

While Duggan starred against the Wildcats in the run game last Saturday, his failure to shine against Texas and his iffy strength of schedule (beyond what shows) make me believe that Bennett’s spot in the final four isn’t that mind-boggling

Lastly, I look at USC’s Caleb Williams. Unfortunately, all roads may lead to Southern California when it comes to the Heisman – largely because Williams is that good. Moreover, what do the splits say? He’s been noticeably solid against top-25 teams – almost head and shoulders above Duggan and Stroud – and his highlight reel has no shortage of electric moments.

Bennett will likely not have the individual statistics to upend Williams. I realize that Bennett has not had a “Heisman moment” like Williams or Duggan has, but he at least deserves a spot in New York. 

The splits are inevitably not the end-all-be-all for the Mailman’s case. I know it’s more complex. His defense is incredible and has never really put the pressure on him to make the big plays when it matters. But, when you watch a quarterback who has meticulously buried teams – both top-25 and other SEC opponents – it speaks volumes. 

Verdict: Bennett will ultimately finish behind all three quarterbacks, yet his case should be examined more thoroughly by the committee. Williams will edge out Duggan – Stroud just doesn’t have a moment – and he’ll cap off a historic season with a Cotton Bowl victory.

Also, Stroud shouldn’t even be in New York.