ESPN Names LSU's Sam Leavitt Its Heisman Winner Of The Week

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is starting to generate some Heisman Trophy buzz following his impressive performance in Saturday's 38-17 win over Auburn.

ESPN's Bill Connelly named Leavitt his "Heisman winner of the week" after the Tigers' quarterback completed 32 of 45 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards and another score.

Connelly noted that despite some early-season struggles with sacks and interceptions, Leavitt has posted a Total QBR in the 80s or 90s in seven of his eight starts this season.

Leavitt currently ranks fifth nationally in Total QBR and has climbed to No. 11 in DraftKings' Heisman Trophy odds.

While Connelly stopped short of calling Leavitt a legitimate Heisman contender, he suggested the LSU quarterback could continue climbing into the conversation with several marquee matchups remaining on the schedule.

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This week's Heisman winner: Sam Leavitt
1. Sam Leavitt, LSU

Week 8 numbers: 32-for-45 passing for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns, plus 8 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown against Auburn

Despite early-season sacks and interceptions, Leavitt has produced a Total QBR in the 80s or 90s in seven of eight starts, and for the entire season he's fifth in Total QBR. Only two current Heisman candidates are ahead of him on that list (Darian Mensah is No. 1, and Georgia's Gunner Stockton is No. 4). Leavitt is up to 11th in DraftKings' Heisman odds, and while it might be too late for him to make a proper run at the trophy, he does have a series of marquee games ahead. I'm not saying he's a genuine candidate yet, but his story might not be over.

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