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Heisman Watch 2017: Week 2

By Cody Williams

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs upfield during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Josh Rosen #3 of the UCLA Bruins runs upfield during the second half of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at the Rose Bowl on September 3, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals throws the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

One of the big questions surrounding 2016 Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson coming into the 2017 campaign as he tried to go back-to-back was the quality of the team around him. Put simply, the Louisville Cardinals are expected to be much less formidable this season than they were a year ago. That was certainly on display in the opener as they only escaped the Purdue Boilermakers with a seven-point victory.

Yet, Jackson still looked to be as dominant as ever in terms of his individual prowess. The touchdowns weren’t there in droves as they were a season ago as Jackson only found the end zone twice through the air and not once with his legs. Still, he completed 65.2 percent of his throws — an area of needed improvement in his game — for 378 yards and also rushed for another 107. He’s still going to be dynamic and able to beat teams with his incredible dual-threat abilities.

Now Louisville will travel to Chapel Hill, NC to face the North Carolina Tar Heels this week. Subsequently, it should be a big day for Jackson. The Tar Heels lost to Cal in Week 1, largely because their defense had no answer for a Golden Bears offense that doesn’t really strike much fear in anyone. Jackson, however, does and should have a field day inside Kenan Stadium.

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