With all of the Heisman candidates either winning or not playing last weekend, there was little change in our Heisman Watch. This week, the spotlight shifts to Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson, who will have a tough matchup against NC State this week. This is also an opportunity for J.T. Barrett and Jake Browning to make up ground on Deshaun Watson.
Here’s a look at this week’s Heisman Watch:
Lamar Jackson did not have his greatest game against Duke last week, but he did have the all-important go-ahead touchdown, which helped the Cardinals to a 24-14 win. In that game, Jackson completed just 50 percent of his passes for 181 yards and rushed 21 times for 144 yards. He had two touchdowns. He’ll face a much tougher opponent this week in NC State, which has the No. 5 rushing defense in the country and 18 sacks.
A bye week could not come at a better time for Deshaun Watson, who had a dismal performance against NC State and was a missed field goal from being knocked out of the playoff picture. In that game, Watson threw his first-ever pick-six, but he still managed to complete 75 percent of his passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns and rush for a score.
J.T. Barrett’s stat line from last week’s overtime win against Wisconsin was not that impressive, but when the Buckeyes needed their quarterback, he stepped up big. All three of his touchdowns came in big moments to either answer a score or take the lead, including a pass to Noah Brown in overtime to ultimately win the game. After the game, coach Urban Meyer said despite Barrett’s struggles, he knew he would ultimately come through. And that clutch leadership, as well as the Buckeyes’ No. 2 standing, is what’s keeping Barrett in the Heisman hunt.
Washington had a bye this past week, but Jake Browning should have an opportunity to put up more gaudy numbers this week against an Oregon State team that is allowing 30.8 points per game. Browning has thrown for at least two touchdowns in every game this season and was responsible for eight total touchdowns in his last game against Oregon.
Jabrill Peppers is a longshot for the Heisman, but if he continues to play a steady role in the offense — and make plays on defense and special teams — he might have a chance to make it to New York. Peppers has five offensive carries this season, but two of them have gone for touchdowns. That’s not a bad average.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
