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Wisconsin Football: Jonathan Taylor’s Heisman campaign off to strong start

By Brian Hines

MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The college football season opened this past weekend and Wisconsin football running back Jonathan Taylor was viewed as one of the Heisman Trophy favorites.

As Wisconsin football opened its season against Western Kentucky, sophomore running back Jonathan Taylor had a big game on the ground. Taylor carried the ball just 18 times but ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Taylor seemed to be on his way to more carries but saw his snaps decline after a fumble in the second half.

Both touchdowns were highlight scores, showcasing Taylor’s speed and elusiveness. He took one run in from 47-yards out to open the Badgers second offensive drive of the game. His second touchdown was from 30-yards out as he used his speed to bounce the ball outside and score, barely getting touched.

Taylor didn’t get the greatest opportunities from his offensive line Friday but made the most of the running lanes that were made for him.

Stanford running back Bryce Love, who many considered the Heisman favorite, had a rough opening game against San Diego State. Love was only able to manage 29 yards on 18 carries, putting an early damper on his Heisman campaign.

Arizona’s Khalil Tate also had a rough game, completing just 50% of his passes and picking up 14 yards on the ground on eight carries en route to a loss to BYU at home.

A pair of quarterbacks helped their early-season Heisman resume. Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start. The exciting lefty also added a third touchdown with his legs. West Virginia’s Will Grier also got off to a strong start in the Mountaineers 40-14 victory over Tennessee. The senior completed 73.5 percent of his passes for 429 yards and five touchdowns.

With Love and Tate’s struggles, Taylor appears to be atop the early season Heisman leaderboard, with Grier and Tagovailoa right behind him.

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Taylor will look to continue his early season success as the Badgers take on New Mexico on Saturday where he’s sure to see a heavy load of carries and plenty of opportunities to break off big runs.