This week we’ll take a look at all of the Heisman Trophy candidates and present an argument why each of them should win.
According to the latest survey of Heisman voters, Houston Cougars quarterback Case Keenum would finish fourth in this year’s balloting.
Keenum has produced eye popping numbers while leading the Cougars to an undefeated season.
If Houston defeats Southern Mississippi on Saturday in the Conference USA championship, the Cougars will play in a BCS bowl for the first time since the system was implemented.
The Cougars wouldn’t be in that position if it weren’t for Keenum. But because Houston plays in one of the non-automatic qualifying conferences, his chances of winning the Heisman are limited.
The argument against Keenum winning the Heisman is pretty straightforward. Houston simply hasn’t played against the same level of competition the other top Heisman candidates have faced.
The Cougars’ lone win against a major non-conference opponent came in the season opener when Houston beat UCLA 38-34.
Since then, Houston hasn’t played a team ranked in the top 25, but they’ll get that chance on Saturday against No. 24 Southern Miss.
Despite the weak competition, Keenum has had a terrific season. He’s leading the NCAA in passing yards and touchdowns, he’s second in completion percentage and he’s tied for second with the fewest interceptions.
Entering Saturday’s game against Southern Miss, Keenum has thrown for 4,726 yards and he’s certain to surpass the 5,000 yard mark.for the third time in his college career.
In his career at Houston, Keenum will have completed 69 percent of his passes for more than 18,500 yards and more than 150 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 905 yards and 23 TD’s and will surpass 20,000 all-purpose yards.
To put Keenum’s statistics into perspective, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck – one of the two leading Heisman candidates – has passed for 9,083 yards and 80 touchdowns in his career
Regardless of the competition, Keenum has consistently produced throughout his career at Houston. If Heisman voters take into account all of his accomplishments, he has a resume unequaled by any of the leading candidates.
The Heisman Trophy is supposed to be given to the nation’s best college football player regardless of which team he plays for or the competition he’s faced.
If the only reason Keenum isn’t at the top of the Heisman ballot is because he played for a team outside the six major BCS conferences, then voters have failed to meet their duty.
