With only two games left in the College Football regular season the Heisman race is in the stretch run. Here are some highlights from the consensus Top 5 candidates. Who do think deserves to take home the hardware? Who would earn your vote? Sound off below!
Number 5: Ohio State QB Braxton Miller
The case for: The Ohio native has 2900 all-purpose yards and 27 total TD's and has the unbeaten Buckeyes ranked fifth in the coaches polls. He was a one man wrecking crew in a 35-28 win over CAL accounting for all five OSU TD's.
Against: Unfortunately, through no fault of his own, OSU is banned by the NCAA from postseason play due to violations lingering from the Jim Tressell era. And with a guy like Collin Klein ahead of him in the polls and enroute to a major, if not thee major-est, BCS bowl, fair or not, voters will hold that against him.
Prediction: Magic 8-Ball says "outlook not so good."
Is this the sickest one yard TD run you've ever seen?
Number 4: Notre Dame LB Manti Te'O
The case for: Notre Dame is undefeated and #3 in the BCS and still alive for a shot at the National Title game. Their defense, lead by Te'o, is giving up only 11.1 ppg which is tied for the best in college football. No way either of those happen wittout their defensive leader Te'o who is tied for second in the nation with 6 INT's.
The case against: Te'o is a linebacker. Linebackers don't usually score touchdowns. Defensive players don't usually win the Heisman unless they score touchdowns.
Prediciton: Magic 8-Ball says "don't count on it."
I don't care what position he plays, dude's a playmaker. See for yourself:
Number 3: Oregon RB Kenjon Barner
The case for: Barner is the leading rusher in one of the most prolific ground attacks in the history of college football. He is a threat to take it to the house every single time he touches the ball. On the year 199 attempts for 1360 yards and 19 Td's. CFB fans will talk about his five touchdown 321 yd performance USC for a long time.
The case against: Not very strong. The biggest disadvantage he seems to have is that as of right now, the two players in front of him (according to most) are both QB's. History has shown us that Heisman voters tend to have a heavy QB bias. Some will say he is a "product of the system" and therefore discount his numbers. But he does have two big regular season matchups against ranked opponents in Stanford and Oregon St to win over any non-believers.
Prediction: Magic 8-Ball says "ask again later."
Watch each of Barner's five TD's against USC below!
Number 2: Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel
The case for: Manziel is enjoying a late surge in the media thanks to his epic performance in a win over then number 1 ranked Alabama last week. "Johnny Football" has amassed 2780 yards through the air, 1014 on the ground and 33 combine TD's. Those numbers are definitely Heisman worthy.
The case against: Manziel is behind the 8-ball in one major statistical category, experience. No freshman has ever won the award so history is definitely not on his side. You have to wonder if the voters would want to break that tradition for a player on a two loss team which has no shot at a championship. Even if they did, you can make the case that his major competition (see below) plays the same type of frenetic of runnin' and gunnin', do-it-all quarterback style as Manziel does, only more effectively.
Prediction: Maybe if he didn't have the two losses I could see "Johnny Football" bucking the trend and making history. But because he does, my Magic 8-Ball says "my reply is no."
In the coming months you'll hear CFB analysts talk about a Heisman nominee's signature, game and/or moment. Here is Johnny Manziel's all wrapped up in one legendary play.
Number 1: Kansas State QB Collin Klein
The case for: His 2768 combined air and ground yards makes even FedEx jealous. He has 33 total TD's is good but, most importantly, he's the current favorite because he is also an underdog. Klein is leading the non-traditional powerhouse Kansas State Wildcats from the front and has them on track for an undefeated season and a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. Some experts say that K-State would only be a five win team without him under center.
The case against: Some would argue that of his 31 TD's only 12 came through the air. And being that a traditionally a QB's main stat to hang their hat on is their passing touchdown total. That said, others would argue that the QB's main job is winning games, not throwing touchdowns. So there is a valid counter point.
Prediction: Barring an upset in his final two regular season games against Baylor and Texas my Magic 8-ball says "as i see it, yes."
Whoever says they don't love a good montage is unAmercian:
