Week Three: Heisman Watch
The first two weeks of the college football season have lived up to all the hype and expectations. With week three approaching, our experts break down the battle for the Heisman Trophy.
Joe’s Pick - DeShone Kizer
Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer might not seem like a Heisman Trophy candidate thus far in the season, but he is as important to the Fighting Irish as the other candidates are to their team. His performance against Nevada might not have overwhelmed with numbers, but he only had three incompletions the whole game.
Kizer’s game against Texas is what put him on the map for NFL scouts and Heisman radars. Kizer produced six total touchdowns in a double overtime loss and will get another chance to prove his worth as the Michigan State Spartans travel to South Bend.
Joe’s Pick - Christian McCaffrey
Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey did not play last week as the Cardinal had a bye week. McCaffrey’s last game against Kansas State saw him run for 126 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
He is not only a great runner, but also an accomplished receiver, hauling in seven receptions for 40 yards. His 166 yards from scrimmage might not seem overwhelming, but it was against a disciplined Kansas State defense.
McCaffrey next game is against USC, who have had numerous issues on and off the field. Look for McCaffrey to run over the Trojan defense on Saturday.
George’s Pick - Leonard Fournette
LSU running back Leonard Fournette was forced to sit out of last week’s game against Jacksonville State with an ankle injury. Head coach Les Miles says Fournette should be ready to play against Mississippi State, but how much, we don’t know.
Fournette will have to put together a string of dominating performances if he wishes to get his name back into the Heisman conversation. Without a touchdown so far this season, Fournette is slipping in the Heisman conversation once again.
Mississippi State has allowed just two yards per carry to opposing running backs, making Fournette’s situation even more difficult.
George’s Pick - J.T. Barrett
After a dominating six touchdown performance against Bowling Green, Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett took a step back versus Tulsa. Ohio State’s offense was stifled early, turning the ball over twice and punting four times in the first half. Barrett also had a costly fumble before heading into the locker room.
In the tale of two halves, Barrett came out and used his legs to awaken the Ohio State offense. The junior had two rushing touchdowns and averaged 3.4 yards per carry.
Expect J.T. Barrett to have a big game against the Big 12 opponent Oklahoma Sooners in prime time.
Stephen’s Pick - Lamar Jackson
Louisville’s sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson continued his head-first assault on college football in Week 2 by embarrassing the Syracuse Orange Friday night in the Carrier Dome. Recording 411 aerial yards (1 TD, 1 INT), and a gaudy 199 rushing yards on 21 carries (4 TD’s), the Cardinals blasted the Orange 62-28.
His 610 all-purpose yards was good for not only a school record, but an ACC record as well. Jackson has been unstoppable -- totaling 13 touchdowns, and an astonishing 697 passing yards through two games.
With a noon Saturday showdown with the 3rd-ranked Florida State Seminoles impending, Jackson will have an opportunity to take front runner status.
Stephen’s Pick - Deondre Francois
Quarterback Deondre Francois, a redshirt freshman, makes his first appearance on the Heisman Watch following two weeks of stealing the spotlight from expected Seminole Nation head turner, and his backfield partner, Dalvin Cook.
Francois has taken the starting job by the reins and has Florida State on the track for a huge year. Following a 33-52, 419 yard, 2 TD performance in the opening win against Ole Miss, he impressed again in the first half of a 52-8 beatdown of FCS opponent Charleston Southern.
Joseph Esquivel-Murphy is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism and Spanish. To contact him, email jje5139@psu.edu.
George Stockburger is a senior majoring in journalism with a focus in broadcasting. He can be reached at gos5187@psu.edu
Stephen Clouse is a Freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email stephengclouse@gmail.com.
