Heisman Trophy Watch 2017: Quarterbacks take center stage after Week 2

Notables

• Leaderboards: 1st nationally in total offense (505.0 YPG)
• Passing: 55-of-85 for 771 yards, 5 touchdowns vs 0 interceptions
• Other: 40 carries for 239 yards, 3 touchdowns (2 sacks)

It is always going to be an uphill battle for defending Heisman Trophy winners that return for another year. Teams always bring their best shot when they get a chance to play the best player in the country. There is a reason, after all, why Archie Griffin remains the only back-to-back winner of the award in its eight decades of history.

Lamar Jackson, though, is doing everything in his power to change that narrative. The Louisville quarterback had bigger rushing numbers through the first two games last year, but he is throwing for more yardage per game. He has started the year with two straight 300-yard passing/100-yard rushing days, and has already accounted for eight touchdowns this year.

Against North Carolina on Saturday, Jackson helped the Cardinals nab their first ACC victory of the year. The defending Heisman winner accounted for over 500 yards of offense in the 47-35 win in Chapel Hill, and in the process he kept pace with the other contenders in the race for the venerated stiffarm trophy. Repeating as the best player in college football will never be easy, but Jackson looks like he is up to the challenge this season.