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Louisville Football: 3 reasons why Lamar Jackson will still win the Heisman

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:03 p.m. ET

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We take a look at three reasons why Louisville football quarterback Lamar Jackson will still win the 2016 Heisman Trophy.

It was one of the worst nights of the entire season for Louisville football fans. Everyone knew that this Houston team was going to be ready to compete, but I don’t think anyone saw this type of beating coming. Louisville was dominated in every aspect of the game and the Cougars never gave any ground, as the Cards had to fight for every inch.

There has been a ton of talk about how this loss hurts Lamar Jackson’s Heisman campaign and rightfully so. However, one bad game doesn’t mean that Jackson shouldn’t win the Heisman Trophy.

The biggest problem of the night was the offensive line. I don’t think I have ever seen an offensive line perform worse than the Cardinals’ O-line did against Houston. It limited what Lamar Jackson could do and completely shut down the passing game.

There is absolutely zero proof that Lamar Jackson is the reason that the Cardinals lost this game in Houston.

Here are three reasons why Lamar Jackson will still win the Heisman Trophy.

Nov 17, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

5. One game doesn’t define what makes a great individual season

There needs to be some frustration with what happened against Houston, but that shouldn’t be taken out on Lamar Jackson. Let’s be honest, his offensive line has been terrible all season long and it has gotten worse over the past month.

Whether it has been the crowd noise or just getting completely manhandled, it’s been terrible.

There have been past Heisman winners who didn’t go to the National Championship and still won because of their great individual season accomplishments. Lamar Jackson is the best football player in the country and there is no doubt about that.

Again, one bad game against Houston doesn’t mean that Jackson isn’t going to win the Heisman. Anyone taking that position is making an emotional reaction to what happened down in Houston.

Sep 9, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps over Syracuse Orange defensive back Cordell Hudson (20) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

2. There isn’t another player in the country that is even close

Yes, there have been many great players that have had solid seasons, but not one person has had a season like Lamar Jackson is having. He has been leading the country is so many rushing stats this season that it isn’t even funny.

The only players that legitimately have a shot at winning the Heisman Trophy over Lamar Jackson are Jake Browning, Deshaun Watson or Jabril Peppers. However, these players haven’t had the impact on their teams like Jackson has had for Louisville this season.

Unless the people are voting are completely sold on the other candidates, which they aren’t, Lamar Jackson has this trophy in the bag.

Nov 12, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Papa John

1. His stats are still better than every other Heisman contender’s

Here is where Lamar Jackson stacks up in most of the major statistical categories in the country, according to College Football Stats.

#1 in the country in rushing touchdowns

#6 in the country in rushing yards

#2 in the country in total yards

#9 in the country in passing touchdowns

#3 in total points scored

Case in point, there is not one other player in the entire country that has the complete statisical resume that Jackson has in 2016. Yes, he isn’t as far up in the passing catgeory as we would like, but he rushes the football more than any other QB in the nation. Therefore, it makes sense that he wouldn’t have those type of stats in passing.

Either way, not even Jalen Hurts or Deshaun Watson have the rushing stats to go along with their passing.

Jackson is going to be just fine and he is going to win the Heisman trophy.

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