Highlights, stats: Lamar Jackson's latest Heisman moment comes as he sets a record

Louisville's Lamar Jackson is expected to lead the Cards to big wins the rest of the way

By Chip Patterson

Oct 22, 2016 at 6:07 pm ET • 2 min read

After being held to a mere one score in a close win against Duke, Lamar Jackson was probably itching to find the end zone by the time Saturday rolled around. Jackson scored four touchdowns (once rushing, three times passing) in a runaway 54-13 win for Louisville, which is now 6-1 still very much in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot should some top teams start to lose.

And he scored all four touchdowns in the first half.

Jackson was accurate, hitting on 20-of-34 passing for the game, and he got some help from a defense that controlled the line of scrimmage, forced turnovers and shut down the run against an NC State team that took Clemson to overtime a week ago.

In stuffing the box score again, Jackson stayed on pace with the statistical comparisons to Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel. As if the electrifying performances and Michael Vick endorsement aren't enough, Heisman voters will have hard numbers to support the notion that Jackson is having a one-of-a-kind season.

Lamar Jackson does 'The Heisman.' USATSI

It's crazy to think that, one year ago, Jackson's career started with an interception on his first pass attempt and didn't really advance until he finally emerged as the team's starting quarterback at the end of the season.

Jackson had a great bounce back game passing the ball, throwing for 355 yards and three touchdowns in addition to his 76 rushing yards. That ups his touchdown total for the season to 34, which sets a new school record -- through only seven games! -- one that will continue to be extended this season. In true dual-threat fashion, Jackson also has a 10-game streak going of scoring both a passing and rushing touchdown.

The oddsmakers have gone ahead and made Jackson such an overwhelming Heisman Trophy favorite that it's barely worth making a wager given the uncertainties of a college football season. The electorate will only continue to scrutinize Jackson's performance as the season continues, making even one bad game potentially costly for Heisman chances.

One thing Jackson has working in his favor is this continued statistical supremacy. If given no other options, Heisman voters will choose the quarterback or running back with the best statistical resume so in that sense, Jackson has total control of his odds. As long as the production remains impressive and the streaks continue, he'll be making the same stiff-arm stance in New York City this December.