Heisman Survey: Lamar Jackson vs. Deshaun Watson duel could decide race

Not much at stake in Clemson on Saturday. Maybe just the Heisman Trophy and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Lamar Jackson, who holds a commanding early lead in the USA TODAY Network Heisman survey, leads No. 4 Louisville against Deshaun Watson and the No. 3 Tigers in this week’s game of the century (8 p.m., ET, ABC).

Jackson took all the first-place votes Monday in the weekly survey of reporters and editors with Heisman votes from properties owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY. Watson, third in last season’s final voting, stands a distant fourth so far this year.

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A lot of that could change this week. Clemson, receiving one first-place vote in the Amway Coaches Poll, would cement itself as the conference favorite with a win. Same goes for Louisville, which is 29 points behind the Tigers in the coaches poll.

The numbers seem to favor Jackson. He’s second in FBC total offense at 464 yards a game and first in points responsible for with 12 rushing and 13 passing touchdowns in four games. Watson is 40th in total offense at 279 yards a game.

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Clemson is fifth in scoring defense at 11 points a game, which include a 19-13 victory at Auburn. The Tigers also are third in total defense with 218.5 yards a game. Louisville is first in scoring offense at 63.5 points a game and first in total offense at 682 yards a game. Each QB has signficant road game remaining, Louisville at No. 7 Houston on Nov. 17 and Clemson at No. 12 Florida State on Oct. 29.

The Heisman winner will be announced Dec. 10.

Players who received votes in this week's USA TODAY Network Heisman Trophy survey: 

► 3 points for first-place vote, 2 for second, 1 for third.