Heisman Trophy Watch 2017: Chaotic weekend scrambles Week 7 order

A new name emerges among the running backs in the hunt for the Heisman Trophy. After Rashaad Penny struggled in San Diego State’s loss on Saturday night to Boise State, the door opened for another name to step up and claim a spot in this week’s Heisman Watch. That spot is taken this week by electric Wisconsin freshman tailback Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor put up his third 200-yard rushing game of the season against Purdue. The Badgers tailback is now 14 yards away from passing the 1000-yard mark after going off for 219 yards and a touchdown against the Boilermakers. He added a 17-yard reception, his first career catch at the college level, in the 17-9 victory as Wisconsin remained among the ranks of the undefeated.

The stigma against freshman in the Heisman race has evaporated in recent years, though we have yet to see a true freshman win the award. (Both Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston were redshirt freshmen when they claimed the Heisman in 2012 and 2013 respectively.)

If Taylor continues to post huge performances like he did in Week 7 against Purdue, he could challenge that last hurdle. Should Wisconsin win out and claim the Big Ten title for the first time since 2012, they will probably be in the College Football Playoff. If that happens, it will be in part because Taylor has emerged as a large part of the Badgers success.