Kenny Pickett's Heisman candidacy is legit, but other QBs can make same claim

He cut through strong winds in Blacksburg, Va., and penetrated what Pat Narduzzi referred to as the “Steel Curtain” on Saturday in a big victory against Clemson.

But can Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett earn enough respect from the Heisman Trophy committee to get invited to the ceremony in New York City on Dec. 11.

It hasn’t happened often in Pitt history.

No Pitt player has attended the ceremony since 2003 when wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald finished second in the voting to Oklahoma quarterback Jason White. Running back Craig Heyward was invited in 1987 and was fifth in the voting. Dan Marino was fourth in 1981, Hugh Green second in 1980 and Marshall Goldberg second and third in 1938 and 1937.

Tony Dorsett is Pitt’s lone Heisman winner in 1976.

Quarterbacks have won all but four Heismans this century. Here is a look at how Pickett matches up against some of the top quarterbacks in the nation:

Bryce Young, Alabama

Key points in his favor: He has completed 70% of his passes while leading Crimson Tide to a No. 3 AP ranking.

Biggest hurdle: Difficult to find one, but you have to settle for his 40 net yards rushing.

Matt Corral, Ole Miss

Key points in his favor: Leads Rebels with 474 net yards rushing and has scored nine times.

Biggest hurdle: Can’t pick him over Young after Alabama beat Ole Miss, 42-21.

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

Key point in his favor: He leads the Power 5 with a 192.8 passing efficiency rating.

Biggest hurdles: Games against Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan, but they also are a benefit if Ohio State wins them all.

Sam Hartman, Wake Forest

Key points in his favor: Numbers from Army game — 458 yards passing and 70 points — will open some eyes.

Biggest hurdles: The down year overall in the ACC. Plus, unbeaten record (7-0) includes victories against Old Dominion and Norfolk State and not one ranked team.

Brennan Armstrong, Virginia

Key points in his favor: He leads the Power 5 with an average of 402.5 passing yards per game.

Biggest hurdles: Six interceptions will do him no favors.

Kenny Pickett, Pitt

Key points in his favor: He has thrown 244 passes, with 23 touchdowns and only one interception. Plus, he shows toughness when he runs and has a 92.6 overall offensive grade from Pro Football Focus (better than Young, Corral, Hartman and Armstrong and equal to Stroud).

Biggest hurdle: Clemson and every team on Pitt’s schedule is unranked and Western Michigan has allowed 110 points in past three MAC games, losing twice.