Heisman hopefuls: Week 7

Some of the brightest Heisman Trophy candidates faced adversity this week but still came out relatively unscathed in their journeys to be named the best college football player in the country. Injuries, losses and tough games did not diminish the bodies of work these players put in to get them closer to the top of the sport.

Here are the players who continued to build on their resumes for one of the most coveted trophies in the country.

Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama Crimson Tide 

Not even an injury could slow down Tagovailoa’s march to a Heisman Trophy. Before being pulled for an apparent knee injury in Saturday's game, the lefty flamethrower threw for 265 yards on 12 completions, adding three touchdowns against the Missouri Tigers. The Hawaiian native is still averaging 20 yards per completion and is leading the country in passer efficiency rating, according to Sports Reference.

The good news is Tagovailoa could have re-entered the game, per Nick Saban. Alabama might have an embarrassment of riches, but it will need the southpaw quarterback to lead the team to the College Football Playoff.

Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State Buckeyes 

If there’s anyone who has kept pace with Tagovailoa’s weekly assault on college football, it’s been Haskins. The Buckeye’s star quarterback had another big week against one of the better defenses in the Big 10 in Minnesota, notching three passing scores and a second straight 400-yard performance — the first time an Ohio State quarterback has thrown for 400 yards twice in a career.

The gifted junior isn’t slated to face off against any defensive powerhouses this year. Expect him to keep statistical superiority over Tagovailoa for the rest of the season.

McKenzie Milton, UCF Knights 

Don’t look now, but UCF is back in the national spotlight. Nearly a year after “claiming” a national championship, the Knights are proving they belong in the conversation again. A lot of it is because of the golden arm of McKenzie Milton.

The junior pass thrower overcame a 30-17 deficit at halftime to help UCF win its toughest game of the season. He nearly amassed 300 yards and accounted for a touchdown through the air and one on the ground against the Memphis Tigers. Milton proved he could get numbers last year, scoring 45 times. If he continues his pace and the Knights continue to win, he will be sitting in the front row of the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York.

Jerry Jeudy, Alabama Crimson Tide 

While Tagovailoa has deservedly gotten a lot of hype for his performances, what shouldn’t be lost is the production of one of his most electrifying targets. A big-play magnet, Jeudy continues to be a threat, grabbing three catches for 147 yards, including a spectacular display of speed on an 81-yard catch that went for a score. The sophomore receiver leads the nation in yards per reception and could ride his quarterback all the way to a Heisman Trophy finalist spot.

Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers were clipped by the Michigan Wolverines, but that didn’t stop Jonathan Taylor from notching another 100-yard rushing performance. The sophomore bruiser has gained 100 rushing yards in seven straight games, and his volume doesn’t appear to be diminishing any time soon. If Wisconsin continues to hand Taylor the ball with quarterback Alex Hornibrook struggling, his dominance on the ground will continue to give him Heisman consideration.