Heisman rankings, Week 2: Lawrence, Rattler, Ehlinger make strong opening statements

Trevor Lawrence and Spencer Rattler let their Heisman intent be known on the opening day of  Power 5 football.

Players in the ACC and the Big 12 got a headstart on their Heisman Trophy campaigns this week. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler and others took advantage.

After one week of Power 5 action (minus the Big Ten, Pac-12 and temporarily the SEC) which college football stars look like Heisman contenders?

Some names you might expect, others you might not.

1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson QB

Trevor Lawrence is battling his status as the Heisman favorite as much as any of the other players vying for the award. As the favorite, he can’t have a bad outing because everyone will be watching.

He wasn’t in danger of falling into that trap against Wake Forest. The Clemson quarterback delivered a no-nonsense 351 yards and a passing touchdown plus two rushing touchdowns to down the Demon Deacons.

Even though other quarterbacks had more striking performances, Lawrence deserves credit for facing an opponent with a bit of a pulse. He’s still the favorite. He has now gone 267 attempts without an interception, the fourth-longest stretch in ACC history.

2. Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma QB

People were already penciling in “Oklahoma quarterback” to their Heisman rankings even before Spencer Rattler won the job. What he did on Saturday in his debut proved his name deserves to be there.

Rattler led a devastating Oklahoma blowout against Missouri State, putting up four touchdowns and 290 yards on 14-of-17 passing in one half of play. He’s now well on his way to following in the footsteps of Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts.

Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves though. Missouri State is an FCS opponent, one that hasn’t had a winning record since 2009. Rattler won’t take the top spot in the rankings until he puts up similarly impressive performances against real opponents.

3. Sam Ehlinger, Texas QB

Sam Ehlinger is a really good college football quarterback. In 2020 he has to prove he can be great. Saturday’s outing against UTEP wasn’t Ehlinger’s opportunity for a true Heisman moment, but it put him on track to begin contending for the Trophy. Ehlinger got the night started with a 78-yard touchdown pass on the very first play. From there he went on to tally a Texas record 424 yards and five touchdowns in the first half alone. The statement was served up with a flourish.

4. Travis Etienne, Clemson RB

Put some respect on Travis Etienne’s name. His place in future Heisman rankings might be in jeopardy when SEC playmakers take the field next week, but he opened his account in 2020 by grabbing hold of an impressive record. Etienne now holds the distinction as the Clemson running back with the most career 100-yard games. His 102 yards on 17 carries on Saturday night increased his total to 18. That record won’t get Etienne to New York this year, but more 100-yard outings would.

5. D’Eriq King, Miami QB

D’Eriq King might be the most intriguing quarterback in college football, having transferred to Miami from Houston, where he scored 14 rushing touchdowns in 2018 before a season-ending injury.

The dynamic runner made his debut on Friday night with a mixed performance in the 31-14 win over UAB. His passing left something to be desired as he completed 16-of-24 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. His rushing was as advertised with 83 yards and a touchdown.

King may not have the passing chops to truly contend for the Heisman. However, he has exactly the kind of backyard football playmaking ability that Heisman moments are made of.

On Sept. 26, the likes of LSU’s Myles Brennan, and Alabama’s Mac Jones and Najee Harris will enter the fray. Expect the Heisman race to get a lot more interesting.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.