Why he could win: Miller has some momentum. As a sophomore he was dynamic in Urban Meyer's spread offense and was a huge reason why they finished 12-0. Miller finished 5th in the 2013 Heisman voting and that was on a team that was on probation and couldn't play in the Big 10 Title Game, all of which didn't help generate any buzz for Miller. With Ohio State now eligible, the Buckeyes will be the favorite to win the Big 10 and that only helps Miller. Add in that he'll be a junior and a second full year in Meyer's system we could see a huge year out of him.
What stands in the way: The schedule. This could go either way. An easy schedule will allow Miller to have gaudy numbers which will impress some voters. However, most Heisman winners win the award because their performances against top level teams. You don't get that against weak competition. Injuries. This is something that did hurt Miller this year. Because of his style of play, Miller often got hit a lot and had to leave several games. He can't do that if he wants to win a Heisman.
Why he could win: He's already done it once, why can't he do it again? Sounds simple. Manziel had a huge year this year and only stands to improve. He'll be in his second year in the system where his knowledge and skills will improve. Playing in the SEC he'll get plenty of exposure (not that he doesn't now anyways) and will have plenty of chances to impress during conference play.
What stands in the way: He's already won it once. Only one other player in Heisman history has ever won the award twice. Some have been finalists more than once, but only Archie Griffin has done it. Because of that, some voters don't want somebody to win it again. They know about him. This sort of things happens all the time. A guy has a breakout season and then the next year he is above average. The SEC is full of good defensive coaches and they'll be more than ready for him next time around. Injuries. A player of Manziel's stature and the way he plays, he's bound to get banged up and could miss time.
Why he could win: Year in and year out we are starting to see more defensive players as finalists. One of these years we are going to see a defensive player win the award. Could 2013 be the year? If so, Clowney has a great shot. He finished 6th this past year and is arguably one of the best defensive players in the country talent wise. Clowney had 13 sacks last year and another year he could be even better. As a defensive end he has the ability to dominant games. Do that enough in the SEC and people take notice.
What stands in the way: He plays defense. Look how it took a freshman to win the award, it could be even longer for a defensive player to do so. It may have to take a down year (much like this year) for somebody to break through. Even Ndamukong Suh's huge 2008 year wasn't enough. Cloweny also has to deal with offensives scheming to neutralize him. It's much easier to take a defensive player out of the game than an offensive.
Why he could win: Experience. Martinez is entering his fourth year as a starter. Each year he has improved. Next year is setting up pretty nicely for him. Nebraska returns all their skill players which provide him the opportunity to have some monster games. Their offense is built around him to be successful and if Taylor can continue to improve his throwing skills, the sky is the limit.
What stands in the way: Inconsistency. When Martinez is on, he's really good. But when he's not there is a big difference. Taylor struggles with turnovers and will force when pressed. If he wants to win a Heisman and help his team win the conference he'll need to stop having so many peaks and valleys and show more consistency. The rest usually takes care of its self.
Why he could win: The biggest reason why Northern Illinois will be playing in the Orange Bowl is because of their junior QB. Lynch has be the catalyst of their offense. He rushed for 1,771 yards and had 19 TDs while throwing for 2,962 yards and 24 TDs. That is quite remarkable. But it allow him to finish 7th overall in this past year's Heisman voting. If he has a big game against Florida State's defensive it can really set him up for a huge 2013.
What stands in the way: Lack of exposure. Many people have no idea who Jordan Lynch is. Add in that he plays in the MAC and it's going to be near impossible for him to do it. So he'll need to have a huge games when they get their most attention. Add in that they'll need to go undefeated for him to even have a shot.
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