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Heisman Watch 2016: Week 8 players to watch

By John Buhler

Oct 8, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball to score a touchdown during their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jabrill Peppers (5) carries the ball to score a touchdown during their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 14, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Papa John
Oct 14, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Papa John /

The 2016 Heisman Trophy race is starting to heat up here in late October. Here are the five must-watch players in action during Week 8 of the NCAA season.

It’s already Week 8 of the 2016 college football season, and there are only 11 undefeated teams left in Division I FBS. The College Football Playoff picture is getting a little clearer. So naturally, the Heisman Trophy race is starting to get interesting.

The only major player that will not be playing in Week 8 is Clemson Tigers starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Clemson is on its bye this week. However, there are several exciting players expected to shine on the gridiron this Saturday.

Here are the five players to watch this weekend for the 2016 Heisman Trophy race:

Lamar Jackson, Louisville Cardinals quarterback

Statistically, Week 7 at home against the Duke Blue Devils was Lamar Jackson’s worst game of the season. The Louisville Cardinals’ Heisman contending quarterback completed just 50 percent of his passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Jackson still did work with 144 yards on 21 carries and one score.

That being said, if that was his worst game of the season, Jackson is bound to have a huge game on Saturday at home versus the North Carolina State Wolfpack. N.C. State is coming off an emotional overtime loss to Clemson in Week 7, and teams that come up short in overtime the week before tend to let down the next week. Expect Jackson to pop in Week 8 against the Wolfpack.

On the season, Jackson has 1,806 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes and four interceptions in six games. He is completing 58.2 percent of his passes, averaging 9.2 yards per attempt and has a quarterback rating of 156.7 at the halfway point. As a runner, Jackson has 113 carries for 862 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Overall, Jackson isn’t light years ahead of his competitors in the 2016 Heisman Trophy race. However, he is still without question the front-runner for the most prestigious individual honor in all of college football.

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