Heisman Race 2015: Trevone Boykin Can Overcome Any Deficit
By Kyle Koster
Leonard Fournette, LSU
Went over 1,000 rushing yards on the year with a workman-like 158-yard performance in an easy victory over South Carolina. Steve Spurrier may have had a front-row seat to true greatness in his final collegiate game. The real winner? Tigers fans who got a surprise extra opportunity to watch Fournette shred a defense. Gained all-important character points by offering to auction off his jersey for a noble cause. Faces a stout Florida defense allowing just 99 yards on the ground per game. Something has to give and our money is on the embattled Gators. A dominating performance in a marquee game should help widen Fournette’s lead, which is slimmer than in recent weeks.
Trevone Boykin, TCU
Led the Horned Frogs to another come-from-behind, season-saving victory in the waning minutes. His 69-yard touchdown scamper and 55-yard dart to Josh Doctson ran his total offense to 425 yards and provided more Heisman Moments. At this point it seems TCU can spot an opponent any lead and Boykin will roll up his sleeves, get to work and overcome it. It’s a dangerous recipe for a national title but perhaps advantageous in the personal hardware game.
Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
Sits at third on our list. Doesn’t appear on many other Top 5’s. We guess 106 yards and two touchdowns doesn’t move the needle the way it used to. As we’ve said all along: if the Buckeyes go undefeated, they’ll have a representative in New York. Elliott is the most logical choice thus far.
Seth Russell, Baylor
What the Bears’ offense is doing to other teams is borderline mean. What they did to Kansas may have been just plain mean. Russell threw for three touchdowns and added another on the ground before Art Briles called off his most vicious attack dogs. The junior quarterback has now accounted for 27 total scores (22 through the air). A defense-optional Big 12 should help keep that number fat and juicy.
Devontae Booker, Utah
The backbone of college football’s most surprising team. Booker carried the ball 34 times for 222 yards and two scores in the Utes’ hard-fought victory over California. He’s big and strong enough to handle a hefty workload and that’s exactly what he’s being asked to do with 31.8 touches per contest. He’s not as flashy as other backs but definitely a darkhorse to keep an eye on — especially if Utah continues to fight for a playoff spot.