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ESPN’s Emanuel Acho expects ‘Heisman moment’ from Jonathan Taylor vs. Michigan
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Look at the numbers and there’s no question Jonathan Taylor belongs in the Heisman conversation. As great as he was through his first two years at Wisconsin, he’s added another element to his game this season and looks even smoother than before.
Still, if Taylor wants to make a legitimate run at the Heisman Trophy, he’s going to need to have a few of those special moments in big games. ESPN’s Emanuel Acho believes the Badgers back will produce one of those this weekend as No. 13 Wisconsin hosts No. 11 Michigan.
“I think this is his Heisman moment,” Acho said on Get Up! “If I’m Jonathan Taylor, it’s time to go out there on a national stage for the whole world to see. You lead the league in rushing. Go out there and dominate. Don’t just be good. You’ve been elite for two years, freshman rushing record, sophomore rushing record. Go out there and put on a show. It’s time to put on a clinic … If I’m Wisconsin, I would go ahead and end Michigan’s hopes, crush their dreams and put them out of their misery, sooner rather than later.”
In two games, Taylor has rushed for 237 yards and five touchdowns in wins over USF and Central Michigan. But the junior has added a new element to his game, becoming a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield. He’s 65 yards and three touchdowns on five receptions this fall already.
Michigan’s defense has actually held Taylor in check over the last two years, limiting him to just 101 yards last season — his second lowest total on the year — and 137 yards in 2017. Taylor has yet to score a touchdown against the Wolverines.
With Saturday being the first marquee game in the B1G this season, Taylor has an opportunity to produce that Heisman moment with a lot of eyes on him. A win over Michigan would only improve the status of his campaign.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB