Heisman Watch (Preseason)

With the season fastly approaching it's time to talk about the most prestigious award in college football, the Heisman Trophy. For the sixth time since 2003 we have the reigning winner back in college. Can Johnny Manziel join Archie Griffin as the only two time winner of the Heisman Trophy? Or will somebody new step up and claim the award? Here is my current look at how the Heisman Race is!

1. Marcus Mariota QB Oregon

2013 Stats: 2,677 yards passing 32 TDs, 752 yards rushing 5 TDs
Week 1: vs Nichols State
Summary: Getting to play an FCS school right off the bat will allow Mariota to get a good warm up in, rack up some stats and then leave early. Not a bad way to start off, but a ho hum game could get him to fall. I really look for Mariota to have a big year this year. Without an experienced RB (like Kenjon Barner or LeMichael James) in the fold, the Ducks could rely on their QB more which helps his stock. The Ducks will have the best offense in the nation, can it translate in a Heisman? I think so!

2. AJ McCarron QB Alabama

2013 Stats: 2,933 yards passing 30 TDs
Week 1: vs Virginia Tech
Summary: Starting off against Virginia Tech has the potential to give McCarron a huge boost. Even with a bad year last year, the Hokies have a long tradition of stout defenses. A huge game against them could put McCarron at the top of the watch and have him the early favorite. Look for McCarron and sophomore WR Amari Cooper to regain their chemistry from last year and put up some huge numbers.

3. Braxton Miller QB Ohio State

2013 Stats: 2,039 yards passing 15 TDs, 1,271 yards rushing 13 TDs
Week 1: vs Buffalo
Summary: Miller was dynamic last year in Urban Meyer's offense and should be even better this year. Meyer does a great job utilizing his strengths as a runner and puts him allows him to get the ball to their receivers in space.  However the weapons around him still aren't where they need to be which means Miller will be asked to do it all again. Add in that Miller has some durability issues, he'll need to stay healthy to really make a claim at the award. But starting off with Buffalo should be a great start to the season.

4. Tajh Boyd QB Clemson

2013 Stats: 3,896 yards passing 36 TDs, 514 yards rushing 10 TDs
Week 1: vs Georgia
Summary: Even though it's the first game of the season, this could be a make it or break it game for Boyd's Heisman (and Clemson's National Title) contention. A huge game against the favorite to win the SEC East should put Boyd in the drivers seat. However he he lays an egg it could take him completely out of the race and not to be see again. No pressure, right.

5. Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

2013 Stats: 3,706 yards passing 26 TDs, 1,410 yards rushing 21 TDs
Week 1: vs Rice
Summary: Barring another huge season, I can't see Manziel winning the Heisman again. Don't get me wrong, he is still one of the best players in college football and because of that he still finds himself on the watch. However there are too many factors that will keep him from winning. The biggest reason is he and A&M are due for a fall. Last year came out of nowhere. Defensive coordinators have been working all off-season to slow him down. The other big reason is he may be ineligible for part or all of the season due to his role in autograph signings. Let's face it, there is just too much negativity around him right now. It's too bad, because he is so fun to watch.

Just missed out

Jadeveon Clowney DE South Carolina

Clowney is a favorite in many eyes, but let's face it, he's got a huge uphill battle ahead of him. He'll constantly see double and triple teams and probably won't be able to have the high impact needed to realistically contend for the award. I'm taking a wait and see approach with him.