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Heisman Watch, Week 1: USC’s Williams leads the field after big win over Nevada

Jon Gold

By Jon Gold

Published:

After a sensational Week 1 for the top Heisman contenders — plus a few splashes from some unexpected newcomers (ahem, Colorado) — the field appears as crowded as ever.

Here is a look at the current Heisman odds and how the top 10 contenders performed in Week 1…

1) Caleb Williams, USC Quarterback

Week 1 stats: 18/24 for 319 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 3 rushes, 42 yards

Overall stats: 36/49 for 597 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 11 rushes, 40 yards

One big number: Williams, an accurate passer throughout his career, is off to the most accurate start of his career, connecting on better than 72% of his passes. Interestingly, no USC receiver has more than 86 yards yet this year.

Week 2 opponent: vs. Stanford

2) Jayden Daniels, LSU Quarterback

Week 1 stats: (plays Florida State Sunday)

Overall stats: N/A

One big number: N/A

Week 2 opponent: vs. Grambling

3) Quinn Ewers, Texas Quarterback

Week 1 stats: 19/30 passing for 260 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 8 rushes, 12 yards, 1 touchdown

Overall stats: 19/30 passing for 260 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 8 rushes, 12 yards, 1 touchdown

One big number: The Longhorns struggled to put it in the end zone for much of the early going. After a 37-yard touchdown toss on Texas’ 2nd drive, the Longhorns didn’t reach the end zone for nearly 30 minutes of game time.

Week 2 opponent: at Alabama

4) Jordan Travis, Florida State Quarterback

Week 1 stats: (plays LSU Sunday)

Overall stats: N/A

One big number: N/A

Week 2 opponent: vs. Southern Miss

5) Cade Klubnik, Clemson Quarterback

Week 1 stats: (plays Duke Monday)

Overall stats: N/A

One big number: N/A

Week 2 opponent: vs. Charleston Southern

6) Michael Penix Jr., Washington Quarterback

Week 1 stats: 29/40 passing for 450 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

Overall stats: 29/40 passing for 450 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

One big number: Penix’s 5 touchdowns in a 56-19 win over Boise State tied a career high.

Week 2 opponent: vs. Tulsa

7) Sam Hartman, Notre Dame Quarterback

Week 1 stats: 14/17 passing for 194 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 4 rushes, 14 yards, 1 rushing touchdown

Overall stats: 33/40 passing for 445 yards, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 4 rushes, 14 yards, 1 rushing touchdown

One big number: Hartman was efficient but not prolific in a 56-3 win over Tennessee State, sitting for the 2nd half. After hitting 19-of-23 passing in a big Week 0 in over Navy, he’s connecting on 83% of his passes this year.

Week 2 opponent: at North Carolina State

8) J.J. McCarthy, Michigan Quarterback

Week 1 stats: 26/30 passing for 280 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

Overall stats: 26/30 passing for 280 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

One big number: The Michigan offense wasn’t overwhelming in a 31-7 win, but McCarthy was on point. His 86.7 completion percentage was a career high with more than 15 attempts.

Week 2 opponent: vs. UNLV

9) Drake Maye, North Carolina Quarterback

Week 1 stats: 24/32 for 269 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 4 rushes, 25 yards

Overall stats: 24/32 for 269 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 4 rushes, 25 yards

One big number: Maye had 2 Week 1 picks in a 31-17 win over Spencer Rattler and the South Carolina Gamecocks. He had 2 picks in a game just twice last year.

Week 2 opponent: vs. Appalachian State

10) Bo Nix, Oregon Quarterback

Week 1 stats: 23/27 passing for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

Overall stats: 23/27 passing for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

One big number: Oregon set a program record with 81 points in the 81-7 win over Portland State, scoring 11 touchdowns.

Week 2 opponent: at Texas Tech

https://twitter.com/TSV__1/status/1698053035522740272?s=20

Others to Watch:

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck

Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord

Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders

Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter

Jon Gold

Jon Gold has won multiple state and national awards covering college football. He is the Pac-12 columnist for Saturday Out West.

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