With The First Pick
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2019 Heisman Trophy Watch: Week 1

By Nicholas Perlich

AUSTIN, TX - AUGUST 31: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass in the third quarter against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - AUGUST 31: Sam Ehlinger #11 of the Texas Longhorns throws a pass in the third quarter against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs downfield against the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Cougars 49-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs downfield against the Houston Cougars at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2019 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Cougars 49-31. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

1. Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma

20-for-23 (87%) for 332 yards with 3 TD and 0 INT; 16 rushes for 176 yards and 3 TD

You want to talk about a debut for the ages! Jalen Hurts put on an incredible performance in his first game under Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma. Hurts made a name for himself as a winning starter at Alabama before losing his job to Tua Tagovailoa last season. He made an even bigger name for himself by staying at Alabama last year and serving as the backup after losing his starting role.

Everyone knew Hurts was an excellent runner, but many were curious how he had developed as a passer under Lincoln Riley this summer. He answered by looking comfortable in the offense and more fundamentally sound and much more accurate. Hurts was a machine completed all but three of his passes while also rushing for 176 yards and compiling 6 total touchdowns.

Jalen Hurts was expected to play well at Oklahoma, but I don’t think the crazy stat-stuffing performance was on the radar for Week 1. With it, he thrust himself squarely atop the leaderboard for the Heisman Trophy and will look to continue to put together strong performances like the one he put up against Houston.

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