STANFORD, Calif. — Much of the credit for the Cardinal six-game winning streak can be paid to the efforts of running back Christian McCaffrey — who leads the nation in all-purpose yards, and has now climbed to third in the Heisman rankings, according to ESPN.
The folks at Sports Illustrated have ranked McCaffrey fifth in their poll.
McCaffrey was seen limping down the stairs after his postgame interviews with ice bags around both knees and his left hand after his 300-yard — his third 300-yard game of the season — performance against Washington last Saturday during Stanford's homecoming. The game was highlighted with a 50-yard touchdown catch and run.
"I don't go into football games expecting not to be hit," McCaffrey said. "It's a physical game. That's what our strength staff prepares us for. That's kind of what we're built on. I love that stuff and I love contact. That's why we all play."
In all, he finished with 23 touches for 109 yards, caught five passes for a career-high 112 yards, and collected 79 yards on kick returns.
"I'm at the point where I don't know what else I can say other than watch him, just watch him," coach David Shaw said. "He's so quick, so explosive. The little guy never gets tired. He gets pounded, he gets hit, he gets blown up on a kickoff return and we want to sub him and take him out to see if he's OK and he comes over with a smile on his face."
Before the game, the 19-year-old entered with an FBS-best 253 all-purpose yards per game. After shredding the Huskies defense, players from Washington's squad couldn't even hold their tongues.
"He’s a great back," Washington safety Budda Baker saidt. "He read the holes, went slow and then hit it. They use him everywhere: passing game, kick returner, punt return and running. I saw on film that he was a great back and a great receiver. Nothing different."
Unfortunately for McCaffrey, he plays the majority — if not, all — of his games in the Pacific Time Zone, where Heisman voters don't see most of his action. On the other side of the country, LSU remains undefeated, led by a stellar running back of their own, Leonard Fournette. He tied an LSU record this past weekend with his ninth straight game of 100 rushing yards — just as the team prepares for No. 7 Alabama during their bye week.
Heisman voters, while you're sleeping, Christian McCaffrey is dominating the NCAA — during his sophomore year.
