QB for Heisman

LSU senior quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the nation in total offense with an average of 408.2 yards per game.

Daniels became the first player in FBS history with at least 350 passing yards and 200 rushing yards in the same game in the Tigers’ 52-35 victory over Florida last week. He completed 17 of 26 passes for 372 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception and rushed 12 times for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns.

“If he didn’t win [the Heisman Trophy] tonight, he has got to be the leading candidate,” LSU Coach Brian Kelly said. “Unless the Heisman is just about popularity. If you want to be the most popular then fine, but he is the best player in college football.

“You can say whatever you want, we are 7-3, and whoever else is undefeated. That doesn’t mean anything.

“What matters is who is the best player — and he is the best player. A night like tonight kind of solidifies that.

“He did something tonight that no one has ever done. If that doesn’t make you the leading candidate, then maybe the Heisman isn’t really for the best player.”

Daniels’ 606 yards in total offense against the Gators broke the SEC record held by Mississippi State quarterback K.J. Costello, who had 585 against LSU in 2020.

Daniels’ career totals, including three seasons at Arizona State, are now 12,102 passing yards and 3,091 rushing yards.

This season, Daniels has completed 195 of 273 passes (71.4%) for 3,164 yards and 30 touchdowns with 4 interceptions. He’s also rushed 114 times for 918 yards and 8 touchdowns.