In your first career start, set your program’s single-game record for completion percentage, account for five touchdowns, throw for 356 yards and lead your team to a 28-point victory. In your first career start. As a redshirt freshman. For Florida State. On national television.

In many ways, FSU quarterback Jameis Winston’s remarkable debut against Pittsburgh mirrored the impact then-freshman Johnny Manziel had a season ago, when he became the first freshman in FBS history to win the Heisman Trophy.

Running ability? Check. Passing ability? Check. Surrounded by elite talent? Check. Great coaching? Workable schedule? Unlimited potential? Friendly offense? Check, check, check and check.

Could Jameis Winston be this year’s Johnny Manziel?

The folks at Prediction Machine have crunched the numbers, and you see the similarities. Now that Manziel has opened the floodgates, more and more freshmen – like Winston – could be heavy contenders in the Heisman race.

The difference could lie on the ground. Manziel had 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing in 2012. In Winston’s senior year, he managed 1,065 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground.

(Thanks to Prediction Machine for the numbers.)