Peppers joins Heisman derby
Can a defensive player make it to New York City? Check out which defender has slipped into this week’s Heisman watch. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
The Buzz: Jackson accounted for 436 total offensive yards and four touchdowns while leading the Cardinals to a 54-13 blowout win over NC State last Saturday. It was the 10th consecutive game during which Jackson has scored at least one rushing and one passing touchdown. The sophomore is second in the nation in total touchdowns (34) and points responsible for per game (29.1). Jackson faces off with Virginia today and has scored more touchdowns (34) than the entire Cavaliers team (26) this season. Virginia ranks last in the ACC in total defense (456 yards per game) and has given up 29 touchdowns this season. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson The Buzz: Watson set a school record for completions in a game after going 39-of-52 passing for 378 yards and two touchdowns during Clemson’s 24-17 overtime win against NC State. At one point, he completed 14 consecutive passes. Watson has recorded 27 total touchdowns this season (20 passes, 7 rushes). After a week off, he leads Clemson during a crucial showdown at Florida State. Jake Browning, QB, Washington The Buzz: Browning continues to rewrite the school’s record books after putting together one of the best starts in Washington history. The sophomore quarterback ranks second in the nation in passing efficiency (199.6) and third in passing touchdowns (26).
The Huskies are riding a 10-game win streak and Browning has been the starter during that stretch. His biggest challenge — outside of facing a Utah defense that leads the Pac-12 with 14 interceptions — will be winning over East Coast Heisman voters who rarely see his late-night games. A strong performance during a win over the Utes would help. Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama
The Buzz: Jalen Hurts combined for 257 yards and three touchdowns during Alabama’s 33-14 win over No. 6 Texas A&M last Saturday. He’s been responsible for 20 total touchdowns this season for the Tide, which ties him for ninth on the school’s single-season list with Mark Ingram (2009). Hurts will get a week off before getting ready to face his sixth ranked team this season in LSU. The Tigers rank third in the SEC in total defense (313 yards per game) while allowing just four passing touchdowns in 2016. Jabrill Peppers, DB/ LB, Michigan
The Buzz: Peppers has shown his versatility, touching the ball more than a dozen times this season at running back, receiver and quarterback. He’s combined for 115 total yards and two total touchdowns. He also plays a key role on special teams as a returner, where he’s touched the football 19 times for more than 400 total yards and a touchdown. And of course, on the defensive side of the ball, he has registered 40 total tackles with 10 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. You can expect Peppers to play an integral role for the Wolverines during today’s rivalry showdown with the Spartans.