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Final Heisman Watch

Updated: December 8th
By: Brian Johannes

The regular season is over, meaning its time to give out the Heisman Award to the best player in the land. Earlier this week we put out what our ballot would look like, but here we will give our final prediction on who will bring home the hardware. This is our third year projecting the award. So far we have 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

Over the years, people have confused the Heisman Trophy for being the QB on the best team, but really it's just supposed to be the most "Outstanding Player" in college football, regardless of position. RG3 has been the best player this year and deserves the Heisman Trophy. 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. 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 did this in Waco Texas, leading the long time doormat Baylor Bears to 9 wins, and a 2nd consecutive Bowl Game, nearly making a BCS Game. Also doing it without many of the weapons that other star Quarterbacks have at their disposal. He has flat-out been the best player in college football.

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 a former cellar dwelling Stanford team into a Pac 12 contender, also 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, helping the Cardinal to a 1 loss season and a2nd straight BCS Bowl appearance. The problem is that Luck really hasn't wowed anybody. He is the model of consistency, but everybody knows that. And even though they are 11-1, Stanford didn't win their conference, and lost against their best opponent.  But if Griffin didn't have a huge game against Oklahoma we would probably be talking about Luck winning.

 
Trent Richardson Alabma

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 would 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. Giving us a rare Title Game without the Heisman Trophy winner playing in it.

4. Montee Ball- Wisconsin

Season Stats: 1759 yards rushing 32 TDs, 6 Receiving TD's

When you rush for over 1,700 yards and have 38 total TDs you would that you would be the 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  elite run blocking O-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 L.S.U

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. He was the best defensive player in the nation, and no other player on defense made an impact like Mathieu.