Strait Talk: Heisman Edition

The Heisman field is starting to narrow as players make their mark on the season. Some players are falling, despite impressive numbers, because of their teams performance in the W-L column. Some players have the numbers and are just not getting any attention. We sit down with Indiana Vince to talk Heisman favorite, hopefuls, and under the radar. Here is a visual approximation of Indiana Vince and all his friends!

1. If Collin Klein and the Kansas State Wildcats remain undefeated can he lose the Heisman?

@StraitSportsG
“Optimus” Klein is doing everything right this year. His stats are amazing and his team is winning. He has thrown for over 1600 yds, 12 TDs to only 2 INT’s. He is scoring on the ground too with 16 rushing TD’s and 634 yds. His 16 rushing TD’s is second in the nation, only to Kenneth Dixon from La. Tech! They still have 3 decent teams on the schedule (Texas, TCU, Baylor), before the Big12 championship game and I think if they can go 2-1 then he will be walking to that stage to accept the Heisman Trophy.

Indiana Vince
It depends on his performance in those games. If he keeps up at his current pace it’ll be tough for him to lose it…as long as KState and Papaw Snyder continue winning, of course.

2. Does Manti Te’o have a real shot or his rise in attention more of a feel good story?

Indiana Vince
I’d like to think he does. What’s it been, 50 years since a defensive only player (Charles Woodson had no shot if he wasn’t a return man and WR) had a legitimate shot at the Heisman? Unfortunately, for him, people like video game numbers on the offensive side of the ball more than they like the game Manti or any great defensive player brings to the table. His leadership on the field has helped to create one of the top 3 defenses in College Football this year, and that should count.

@StraitSportsG
Te’o has been dominate and even though his individual stats aren’t mind blowing, he is 2nd in the nation in INT’s, his team has played in STRAIT beast mode. They are 2nd in the nation in PPG with 9.9. They have not given up a rush TD all season, which includes a game ending goal line stand. Of course, the team that heads the list in many categories is Alabama and none of their defensive players are being mentioned. So, Te’o is a great player who deserves accolades but the reason he is being mentioned on the Heisman list is the way his team is performing…but a better defense with better numbers doesn’t have one defensive player garnering attention. I love his story and love great defenses, I just think his standing has been bolstered by being on a relevant Notre Dame team and his overcoming personal tragedy more than his individual play…which is what the Heisman is all about.

3. ESPN has a running tally of their Heisman voters and this is how they stack up the candidates.

Give me one guy who should be getting more attention and a serious look by Heisman voters

Indiana Vince
I don’t know about more publicity, but how about a little more love for Alabama QB AJ McCarron? Maybe the experts think he’s got more help at Alabama but his numbers are great on the #1 team in the nation. He has a nearly 70% completion percentage, 18 TD’s to 0 INT, and he leads the nation in QB Rating at 192.4. He may not be the flashiest guy but he is doing everything right.

@StraitSportsG
I think the Oregon rushing attack should be getting a little more attention! These guys are playing half games because of their games are over by then. Their QB Marcus Mariotta has 18 passing td’s, RB Kenjon Barner is getting some attention but his 14 rushing TD’s have come in about 5 games worth of play, and all around scoring threat De’Anthony Thomas has a 7 TD’s on the ground, 3 receiving, and has a remarkable 73 punt return for a score. Maybe you can’t key on one player, maybe the entire offense deserves the trophy…i just think the Oregon Duck must be the world’s strongest feathered creature after all those pushups.

Tags: heisman, Strait Talk

Category: College Sports