It seems like every week a new star emerges in college football and an another comes back down to earth. There’s a few players heading into some big games this week that we must watch for.
Unsurprisingly, the players on this list will have to have a big game in order for their teams to win this week.
QB Sam Hartman – Notre Dame
The Wake Forest transfer has been a revelation for the Fighting Irish. For years, even under Brian Kelly, the quarterback position at Notre Dame seemed underwhelming. Some players of the past were all hype with no proof of production. Hartman will be put to the test against Ohio State’s defense. This season, Hartman has thrown for 1,061 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Thus far, Hartman is having the most productive season of his career. However, Ohio State will be a different beast. The Ohio State defense has traditionally had a great set of corners. No to mention, Hartman will have to continue to make good decisions in week 4. In the last two years, Hartman threw 26 interceptions. This week we will find out if Hartman will begin his push to be a 1st-round talent.
QB Jordan Travis – Florida State
Travis seems to be in mid-season form already, but the test against Clemson on Saturday will be the ultimate test. Florida State is currently on a seven game losing streak to the Tigers that date back to 2015. In last years meeting, Jordan Travis threw for 254 yards, rushed for another 64, and a total of 3 touchdowns. Travis absolutely balled out.
However, this year is a little different. Clemson comes in as the underdog and with an early season loss. The Tigers are also still working in their new offense compared to last season. Furthermore, there’s serious questions about Jordan Travis’ health. Last week against Boston College, Travis suffered an arm injury that might slow him down. Granted, the arm or shoulder he fell on isn’t his throwing arm, but an injury like that can still have a big effect.
QB Bo Nix – Oregon
In no surprise to most, this will be the biggest game for Bo Nix this season. In his second year at Oregon, Bo is off to a great start. 8 touchdowns with zero interceptions through the first 3 weeks. Bo is completing 77% of his passes as well.
That makes Bo a player to watch is because of who he will be matched up against. Colorado is coming off an emotional win over Colorado State and a lot of momentum. Colorado’s quarterback Shedeur Sanders is a legit Heisman candidate that is bound for greatness. In a game that once seemed meaningless, this could be the game that get NFL scouts to start considering Bo Nix as a legitimate NFL talent. None the less, Bo will have to out duel Sanders in primetime.
Ultimately, these three quarterbacks this week will play critical rolls in shaping the direction of the college football season.