Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston had a fantastic debut against Pittsburgh, totaling five touchdowns in a 41-13 Seminoles victory. (Photo: CBSSports.com)
I may have written my Heisman Watch for week one a day too early. Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, a redshirt freshman with high expectations before even taking his first collegiate snap, made Pittsburgh’s defense look powerless to stop him Monday night.
Some may say it is premature to call a quarterback a real Heisman Trophy contender after just one start and it probably is, but it isn’t every day that a freshman quarterback only throws two incompletions and totals five touchdowns in his first start.
Many people are too stuck in their preseason predictions when it comes to football. For instance, most Heisman discussions will only include Johnny Manziel and Jadaveon Clowney for the next few weeks as writers try to stay true to their preseason predictions. The only problem with that is, only what happens on the field matters.
Here’s an example: Ohio State’s Braxton Miller is a great quarterback, but he didn’t have an incredible game Saturday against Buffalo. He scored two touchdowns. Yawn. Why talk about him, when more than likely he will get back into the race with a big game later on? Let’s credit someone, like Winston, who had a big game, on a big stage, in his team’s opener. Why can’t he win the Heisman?
Winston shredded a Panthers defense that is expected to improve this season, starting 11 of 11 and finishing 25 of 27. He totaled five touchdowns on the night. Clemson’s Tajh Boyd was the only player I can think of who had an equal performance this weekend, albeit on a bigger stage.
The most impressive thing about the freshman was his decision making. Aside from a fumble that quickly skipped out of bounds on a quarterback keeper, Winston never put the ball in danger.
He was able to find open receivers, like Rashad Greene and Nick O’ Leary, all night for four touchdown passes. Although he showed that he may not be the fastest or most efficient runner — totaling just 25 yards on eight carries –he managed to score on the ground as well.
All night long he seemed to keep his poise. Only once did he seem to get frustrated and that was after a penalty caused the Seminoles to get the play in too late, which turned into a delay of game penalty on Winston. Head coach Jimbo Fisher quickly apologized to his young quarterback. The coach’s lips seemed to say “That’s on me” and Winston immediately refocused. The Seminoles not only got the first down (on 1s & 30), but they also scored on the drive to put the game away before halftime.
Looking ahead, the Seminoles shouldn’t be in serious danger of dropping a game until they go to Clemson Oct. 19, which would help his Heisman campaign.
Can Nevada, Bethune-Cookman, Boston College, or Maryland really beat the ‘Noles? Probably not. Winston should have good numbers going into that game, which could be a showdown of top 10 teams with Heisman contenders squaring off at quarterback.
It isn’t uncommon for a young player to garner Heisman attention anymore. Remember when people said Tim Tebow couldn’t win the Heisman Trophy because he was a sophomore? Well, he did. Last season, Johnny Manziel became the first freshman to win the award. Heisman voters aren’t as stuck in their old ways as they once were, so it is possible for Winston to be a contender this year.
Will he be as poised and patient on the road at Clemson or at Florida as he was at Pittsburgh Monday night? The answer to that question will affect Florida State’s national title hopes and ACC title hopes, along with any hopes Winston has of shocking the nation to win the Heisman Trophy.
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2. QB Geno Smith
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7. DT Johnathan Hankins
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