2012 Heisman Trophy Odds and Predictions: Top 5 Contenders and Favorites The regular season is over for many teams, and while a few still have games left to play, it is conference tournament for a majority of the college football world. As far as the Heisman Trophy is concerned, some of the top contenders will be involved in the remaining games while other haves already wrapped up their seasons. Having a game left to play can be a blessing or a curse. A great performance in the final game could vault a player to the top of the list in the minds of voters. However, ending the regular season with a bad performance could be a death sentence for a player’s Heisman chances. It remains to be seen how this year’s race plays out, but in the meantime, here is the latest Heisman Trophy Power Rankings.
2012 Heisman Trophy Odds and Predictions: Top 5 Contenders and Favorites
1. Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M Aggies
The numbers are impressive. From his 43 total touchdowns to his SEC-record 4,600 total yards of offense, Manziel is one of the most productive dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history. He also has a big statement win over the then top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. However, he doesn’t have the trophy in the bag just yet. Manziel managed one touchdown in the Aggies’ loss to Florida and had no touchdowns and three turnovers in a loss to LSU. He basically struggled in two of his team’s three biggest games, and Texas A&M finished third in its own division and was tied four fifth in its conference. The fact that the Aggies don’t have any games remaining only opens the door further.
2. Collin Klein, Quarterback, Kansas State Wildcats
Plain and simple, Klein flopped against Baylor and cost his team a shot at a national title. However, he has the added advantage of having one game left to show his stuff while Mazniel sits in the clubhouse so to speak. More importantly, the game happens to be against a ranked Texas team, and a victory would clinch the Big 12 title for Kansas State and put the Wildcats in a BCS bowl. It certainly qualifies as a big stage, and with 34 total touchdowns under his belt already, Klein could parlay a big showing into a Heisman Trophy. Remember, Manziel didn’t lead his team to a conference title, and if Klein is able to lead Kansas State to one in spectacular fashion, it could push him over the top.
3. Aaron Murray, Quarterback, Georgia Bulldogs
Although he and the Bulldogs have a tough task ahead of them, the showdown with Alabama in the SEC title game could be Murray’s ticket to a Heisman Trophy. He enters the game with solid numbers anyway. Murray has thrown for more than 3,200 yards to go along with 30 touchdowns and just seven picks. He also leads the country with a 177.1 QB rating. Meanwhile, winning the toughest conference in the country and punching a ticket to the BCS title game in the process to cap the year is certainly a resume builder. Not to mention the fact that it would give Murray the same statement win that Manziel has along with a win over a Florida team that Manziel lost to earlier in the year. If Murray carves up the Crimson Tide, he could easily become the frontrunner for the Heisman.
4. Manti Te’o, Linebacker, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Playing for the No. 1 team in the country definitely helps his chances, but even with 101 tackles and seven interceptions, Te’o just didn’t have the big moment in a big game that a defensive player needs to have a shot at the Heisman. Charles Woodson had the back-breaking punt return against Ohio State to seal his victory, and even with countless big plays, Tyrann Mathieu couldn’t win the Heisman last season. In the regular season finale against USC, he had five tackles and an interception that a backup QB making his first-ever start threw right to him. It isn’t going to be enough to push him over the top.
5. Braxton Miller, Quarterback, Ohio State Buckeyes
It has become obvious that Ohio State’s probation has tainted the Buckeyes’ season and Miller’s Heisman hopes. However, the fact remains that his play-making ability is the main reason that a team that went 6-7 last year went 12-0 despite dealing with a new offensive system and a suspect defense. Miller has gashed opponents with his arm and his legs since the season began, and he capped the year by going to Wisconsin and winning and knocking off Michigan in college football’s biggest rivalry. He has been as important as any player on any team, and at least based on the win/loss column, no player has made his team more successful than Miller has helped make the Buckeyes.
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