Heisman Watch (Final)

The regular season is over and bowl games have been announced. This means the Heisman Trophy Presentation is a couple of days away. Earlier this week I put out what my ballot would look like, but here I will give my final prediction on who will bring home the hardware. This is my third year projecting the award. So far I've successfully predicted the top 3 each year. Will the streak continue? Let's find out!

1. Robert Griffin QB Baylor
Season Stats: 3998 yards Passing 36 TDs 644 yards rushing 9 TDs
Robert Griffin's Heisman Stock has been like a roller coaster. After a dominant performance against TCU in the opening game, RG3 was the hot name and an early season favorite. But after losses to Kansas State and Texas A&M he fell out of contention, even though he was still putting up eye popping stats. Griffin rose back up the boards with dominating games against Oklahoma and Texas. RG3 accounted for over 4,500 yards and 45 TDs. But what is more remarkable is that Griffin has lead long time doormat Baylor to 9 wins and a 2nd consecutive Bowl Game. And that bowl game was almost a BCS game. Bet you never thought Baylor would ever contender for a BCS game. Not only has Griffin been the most exciting player this season, but he has done so carrying a team without many weapons. RG3 has been the best player this year and deserves the Heisman Trophy.

2. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
Season Stats: 3170 yards passing 35 TDs

Going into this season it was no surprise that Andrew Luck was the favorite. And why not? He has helped transform Stanford into a Pac 12 contender and was coming off of a dominating Orange Bowl Victory. Luck also has a squeaky clean image and is a lock to be the #1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. What isn't to like? This season has not been a disappointment. Despite the fact that Stanford's offense is a run based offense, Luck has still put up over 3,000 yards and 35 TDs in helping the Cardinal to a 1 loss season and 2nd straight BCS Bowl appearance. The problem is that Luck really hasn't wowed anybody. He is good, but everybody knows that. And even though they are 11-1 they didn't win their conference and lost against their best opponent. But if Griffin didn't have a huge game against Oklahoma I could be talking about Luck winning.

3. Trent Richardson RB Alabama
Season Stats: 1583 yards rushing 20 TDs 327 yards receiving 3 TDs

In a crowded Heisman Race every opportunity matters. If Alabama made it the SEC Championship Game, it could have given Trent Richardson one last opportunity to state his case for the Heisman. Instead he had to sit back and watch Robert Griffin dominate Texas and stake claim to the Trophy. But Richardson did all he could with the games he was able to play. He rushed for over 1,500 yards and accounted for 23 TDs. Richardson was basically the only offense for the Crimson Tide and his play this year has allowed Alabama to find themselves back in the National Title game for a rematch against LSU. But we could have our first Title Game without the Heisman Trophy winner playing in it.

4. Monte Ball RB Wisconsin
Season Stats: 1759 yards rushing 32 TDs

When you rush for over 1,700 yards and have 38 total TDs that you would be a favorite for the Heisman Trophy. However that isn't the case for Monte Ball. Ball has had a monster season for Wisconsin, but really isn't getting much love. Sure he is a finalist. But he doesn't realistically have a shot at winning. You would have to assume that voters feel that his production this year is a by product of the Wisconsin system and their mammoth elite run blocking line. And much like spread QBs getting the "system QB" label, the Wisconsin RBs get the same treatment. That's too bad because with all the 2 RB systems and spread passing offenses, we might not see another season like this.

5. Tyrann Mathieu CB/PR LSU

Season Stats: 70 tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 2 INTs, 6 FF 5 recovered (2 for TDs), and 2 Punt Returns for TD

Tyrann Mathieu here reminds me of Ndamukong Suh two years ago. Mathieu wasn't as dominant as Suh was in 2009, but because of his play this year he deserves every bit of attention he has gotten. Mathieu is a big game player. In all of their top games, Mathieu has made his mark. Against Oregon he returned fumbles for TDs. Against Arkansas and Georgia he returned punts for TDs. He was LSU's best player and LSU is the best team in college football right now. Without him they might have a loss or two. Mathieu has been the best defensive player and the most impactfull.