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Heisman Watch 2019: Week 1 – All eyes on superstar quarterbacks

By Jordan Alexis

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 24: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs through warmups prior to facing the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 24: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs through warmups prior to facing the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts vs. Houston

Oklahoma is riding the wave of back-to-back Heisman trophy winners and #1 picks in the NFL draft with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Not too sure the number one pick streak will continue, but a Heisman three-peat is still very alive with new quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Hurts transferred from Alabama this offseason to Oklahoma and enters an offense that has been elite under head coach Lincoln Riley.

The Sooners have ranked first (2018) and third (2017) in points scored and tops in yards per game both seasons, so points are of no concern in Norman.

Hurts’ struggles with accuracy have been well-documented, but with coach Riley, there is no reason to doubt Hurts won’t find success. The Sooners have to replace quite a bit on offense but still has star wideout CeeDee Lamb and solid tight ends. Plus Hurts will also be a great option in the run game to go along with Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks.

In the Big 12, almost every team is well-versed in the art of scoring points so Hurts will find himself in plenty of shootouts and chances to put up big numbers. However, he doesn’t even have to wait for conference play because the Sooners start their season against the Houston Cougars.

Dana Holgorsen, who Oklahoma knows well from his time in West Virginia brings another prolific offense led by the electric D’Eriq King. Two high-powered offense going against two subpar defenses has all the makings of an 80-plus point total. Hurts should get an early chance to display his ability in this offense and prove he is ready to become yet another Oklahoma Heisman candidate.

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