Did Quinton Flowers re-enter the Heisman discussion Friday?

[bullsmeanbusiness]

Like the rest of his peers, Quinton Flowers sputtered through the season's first eight quarters. Periodically, he was getting sacked -- and frustrated. His pocket wasn't moving, nor was the needle on his Heisman odds.

And the grim presumption was, his already-remote chances to capture college football's most coveted individual prize had petered out before Labor Day.

Then came Friday night, when a national TV audience saw Flowers, circa 2016. Seemingly suppressed in lackluster wins against San Jose State and Stony Brook, Flowers was unleashed in USF's 47-23 romp of Illinois. He improvised in the pocket, benefited from higher-percentage throws. He dashed, darted, dodged.

And by the end of his 386-yard, five-touchdown night, he might -- just might -- have re-entered the Heisman discussion.

"I told the guys, 'I'm just gonna go out there and be myself, and just play like myself,'" Flowers said.

He did it on a night when his team had the national spotlight all to itself. 

Fortunately, Heisman candidacy can be a fickle thing, and Heisman voters can possess short-term memories. Presume, for a moment, that Charlie Strong and offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert continue affording Flowers the latitude they gave him Friday. 

Such profusion could become a weekly occurrence, and suddenly Stony Brook falls farther into the recesses of the nation's consciousness. Granted, skepticism will remain over the quality of USF's schedule and the viability of a Group of Five player winning the Heisman.

But the numbers -- and possibly an undefeated Bulls season -- will be too much to simply ignore.

"It's amazing  because the guy can do so much, and he'll probably tell you he left a few yards out on the field," Strong said after Friday's game. "But if we can get those numbers and he can continue to improve, then we have a chance to really be a special team."

And Flowers has a chance -- albeit a slim one -- to get to New York.

[JTrue]

No, he did not.

[mjadams]

Absolutely not...

[usfgrad84]

He is at the same point where he started the year. Good enough to have his name mentioned, but not a serious candidate. As long as he remains in the discussion it is good for him and the program. 

 

[79 Bull]

If we keep improving and he racks up the stats, he'll stay in the discussion, but honestly doesn't have a shot in hell to be invited to NY no matter what happens.

[usfbullrider]

No but our peach bowl odds are looking better.

[NewEnglandBull]

No, but I think he gets better and better going toward. There was a comfotability with him last night. 

[Gismo]

Maybe if the receivers didn't drop every other pass. 

[79 Bull]

29 minutes ago, NewEnglandBull said:

No, but I think he gets better and better going toward. There was a comfotability with him last night. 

That's a great word.  I agree that last night he looked much more comfortable and a by product was that we were more comfortable.

[mjadams]

4 minutes ago, Gismo said:

Maybe if the receivers didn't drop every other pass. 

They did drop some...he also missed badly a couple of times and they bailed him out