The recent dominance of quarterbacks in the Heisman Trophy voting appears as if it will continue this year. Both Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson followed strong week 1 performances with even better games in week 2. Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen also find themselves in my top 5 with Mason Rudolph inching closer. Saquon Barkley is the only non-QB in my top 5.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
After dominating lowly UTEP, Mayfield torched what was supposed to be an elite Ohio State defense. Mayfield ended the night completing 27 of his 35 passes for 386 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception. To add insult to injury, Mayfield took the Oklahoma flag, and planted it in the middle of the “O” at midfield. On the year, Mayfield has completed 83.6% of his passes, for 715 yards and 6 touchdowns, and a QBR of 94.3 (out of 100). While some will complain about the “disrespect” he showed Ohio State, the game was a personal statement for Mayfield, getting his revenge after a 45-24 defeat last season. Mayfield probably won’t be slowing done against Tulane next week either. Just no flag planting in that one.
Stock: Rising
Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
After winning the award as a sophomore, Jackson may have actually improved as a junior. Through two games, Jackson has completed 64.7% of his passes, compared to 56.2% last season. In addition to his improved passing numbers, Jackson is running the ball just as well as he did last year. Jackson has thrown for 771 yards and 5 touchdowns, while running for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns. Louisville is 2-0 heading into a conference showdown with defending national champion Clemson. Last season, Jackson was not as sharp as usual when he faced Clemson, going 27-44 for 295 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, while rushing for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jackson put up his third-lowest QBR of the season in that game as well. In order to beat Clemson, Lamar Jackson will be counted on to pass the ball just as well as he runs.
Stock: Rising
Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
After dominating Akron in week 1, Penn State’s in-state “rivalry” with Pitt was renewed, ending in a convincing 33-14 win for the Nittany Lions. Surprisingly, Saquon Barkley was not needed as much as anyone thought in this game. Barkley ended with 14 carries for 88 yards and 1 touchdown, 4 receptions for 45 yards and 1 receiving touchdown. Through two games, Barkley has received just 35 touches (28 carries, 7 receptions) as quarterback Trace McSorley has stolen carries. It is hard to make sense of an offense that does not seem to rely on its star player, but with 85 points in two games, this has been working for Penn State. Once Big Ten play begins, expect Barkley to be counted on to wear down opposing defenses with his powerful running.
Stock: Steady
Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
How do you follow up one of the most improbable come-from-behind victories ever? Easy, throw for 329 yards and more touchdowns (5) than incompletions (3). While it was against Hawaii, Rosen was equally impressive in week 2 as he was in week 1. Injuries cut short Rosen’s 2016 season, but did nothing to spell the draft hype surrounding him entering 2017. All Rosen has done is throw for 820 yards and 9 touchdowns in two games so far. UCLA begins PAC-12 play in 2 weeks, traveling to Stanford, and will also face Washington and USC on the road down the stretch. Those three games will either propel UCLA to the top of a top-heavy conference, or keep them in the middle of the pack. Rosen will be the key in all three of those game.
Stock: Rising
Sam Darnold, QB, USC
Darnold needed a bounce-back game after a disappointing effort against Western Michigan in order to back up the preseason hype. While a 42-24 victory over in-state rival Stanford is always welcome, Darnold’s decision- making remains questionable. After throwing two interceptions against Western Michigan, Darnold connected on four touchdowns, but still threw two picks against Stanford. While 12 starts is not a large enough sample on which to judge a quarterback, 13 interceptions is not the prettiest of numbers. Still, Darnold is completing 74.6% of his passes and the USC offense looks as good as advertised. As the team success continues, Darnold’s Heisman stock should rise as well.
Stock: Steady
Outside looking in: Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
