Heisman September 2014

Heisman Corner

Weekly Heisman Discussion, and Staff Poll

Pick Six Previews Staff
September 24th, 2014

A year after Jameis Winston won the hardware and Marcus Mariota opted to return to Oregon in place of entering the 2014 NFL Draft, there is a heated race for the Heisman Trophy this year. Winston's antics and the loss of Kelvin Benjamin may be too much for the sophomore to join Archie Griffin as the only two-time Heisman winner. Most years the eventual winner comes out of nowhere. The Trophy is up for grabs: who will take it home?

The Pick Six Previews staff poll:

1. Marcus Mariota

74% completions, 1,135 passing yards, 13 TD, 0 INT, 214 rushing yards, 3 TD (4 games)

A Heisman Trophy winner is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. One whose play not only exhibits excellent statistics, but also a sense of leadership and irreplaceability. Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota is the epitome of what a top Heisman candidate should be at this point in the season. He’s an integral member of a Ducks squad that is arguably the top team in the nation at 4-0 and a (high-profiled or quality?) win over Michigan State on their resume. With 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions through the air, Mariota leads the nation with a quarterback rating of 217.96 and has added over 200 yards and three scores on the ground. The close call on the road at Washington State last week didn’t hurt his chances either. In fact, I think it bettered his image and illuminates just how essential Mariota is for Oregon. If you remember, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston also dealt with a tough battle against Boston College in their 2013 conference opener; the closest game Florida State had all year next to their victory over Auburn in the BCS National Championship.

- Bryan Holt, Pac-12 Staff Writer

2. Todd Gurley

402 rushing yards (9.8 ypc), 4 TD, 100 return yards, 1 TD (3 games)

Coming out of high school, Todd Gurley was not the most touted back in country, but now, everyone knows his name. The 6-1 junior from Tarboro, N.C. has been the focal point of the Georgia offense for 3 years now. After missing almost 4 full games last year with injuries, Georgia’s offense lost its greatest offensive threat. This season, Gurley’s stats have taken some hits while sharing time with backup Keith Marshall and freshman backs Sony Michel and Nick Chubb. But Gurley is without a doubt the number one option on the offense and Georgia’s greatest home run threat. Even with shared time, Gurley is still rushing for 134 yards a game and 9.8 yards a carry; and with Georgia’s schedule looking much more menacing, the offense will feed Gurley the ball much more. Gurley isn't the greatest receiving threat, but his presence on kickoffs will only help him if Mark Richt keeps putting him back there.

- Ryan Tourial, SEC Staff Writer

3. Kenny Hill

69.8% completions, 1,359 passing yards, 13 TD, 1 INT, 106 rushing yards (4 games)

Hill, the heir apparent to Johnny Manziel, is picking up right where Mr. Football left off. Texas A&M has to be one of the most surprising teams this year thanks to Kenny Hill and some extremely talented new faces. His receivers and underrated offensive line help make Hill's job a bit easier. Cedric Ogbuehi and Ricky Seals-Jones look like future top-10 picks. Still, it is early in the season and Hill will need to prove his game against the powers of the SEC West before we crown him. 511 yards on South Carolina certainly looks good as before the Aggies square off against Arkansas this weekend. Hill and the Aggies will be without Speedy Noil, who injured his knee. I have a feeling it won't matter and Hill will continue to put up Manziel-like numbers.

- Mike Nowoswiat, Co-Owner

4. Amari Cooper

43 receptions, 655 receiving yards, 5 TD (4 games)

He amazed as a freshman, but Amari Cooper has become a leader in Alabama’s offense as a junior. He caught 59 passes for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012. Cooper battled injuries and inconsistency last season and only put up 45 catches for 736 yards and four touchdowns. Now a junior, Cooper is the face of the program. AJ McCarron is gone, but Cooper has developed chemistry with Blake Sims. Lane Kiffin’s system is based on getting playmakers the ball and Alabama has done that in its first four games this season. Cooper had his signature game last week, dominating one of the best CBs in the nation, Vernon Hargreaves III, for 10 catches, 201 yards, and three touchdowns. He’s totaled 100+ receiving yards in all four matchups and is averaging 15.2 yards per catch. He has 20 touchdown receptions in his career, making him Alabama’s all-time leader.

- Stephen M. Smith, SEC Staff Writer

5. Ameer Abdullah

625 rush yards (6.8 ypc) 5 TD, 108 Rec yards, 2 TD (4 games)

Don’t let his size fool you, the 5’9” do-it-all back from Nebraska benches 365 and squats an incredible 580 pounds – more than 3 times his own weight! Ameer’s superior strength is evident in Nebraska’s power rushing attack that often feeds him the ball in between the tackles. Ameer runs hard and seems to always find an additional 3-5 yards after initial contact. Last season, Abdullah rushed for 100+ in 11 games on his way to 1690 on the year. Over the first 4 games so far, he has rushed for 625 yards (156 average) for 7 total touchdowns – one of which was a 58-yard game-winning reception that saw #8 dodge 8 tacklers. I understand that Heisman Trophies are not won against McNeese State, but trust me, in addition to his mind-boggling stats, his rare combination of elusiveness and power coupled with his unmatched determination on every carry make him a special talent worthy of Heisman attention.

- Brett Ciancia, Co-Owner

Heisman Corner

Weekly Heisman Discussion, and Staff Poll

1. Marcus Mariota

2. Todd Gurley

3. Kenny Hill

4. Amari Cooper

5. Ameer Abdullah

More Weekly Content: ACC BIG TEN BIG 12 SEC PAC-12
HEISMAN RIVALRY TROPHIES DEION SANDERS AWARD

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2014 PREVIEW
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Heisman Corner

Weekly Heisman Discussion, and Staff Poll

1. Marcus Mariota

2. Todd Gurley

3. Kenny Hill

4. Amari Cooper

5. Ameer Abdullah

More Weekly Content: ACC BIG TEN BIG 12 SEC PAC-12HEISMAN RIVALRY TROPHIES DEION SANDERS AWARD

Agree or Disagree? TELL US:

SHARE:

MORE WEEKLY CONTENT:

2014 PREVIEWQUICK LINKS

More Weekly Content: ACC BIG TEN BIG 12 SEC PAC-12
HEISMAN RIVALRY TROPHIES DEION SANDERS AWARD

Agree or Disagree?
TELL US:

2014 PREVIEW
QUICK LINKS