Heisman Race 2015: Ezekiel Elliott's Time to Shine
By Kyle Koster
Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott has been the model of consistency all season, rushing for 100 yards in every game for the undefeated Buckeyes. For most of the year his Heisman Trophy chances were barely visible under a deluge of Leonard Fournette love. Two consecutive lackluster performances by the LSU sophomore have opened the gates for the rest of the pack.
Alabama’s Derrick Henry vaulted to the top of the mountain after crushing the Tigers two weeks ago in the minds of many. It took me an extra week and a 204-yard stampede by the Crimson Tide running back to convince me he belonged there. Against Charleston Southern, there should be gaping holes. Nick Saban, however, may rest his workorse in advance of the Iron Bowl.
Elliott, on the other hand, gets the first of three marquee games when Michigan State visits Columbus. The Spartans defense is allowing 3.9 yards per carry, the highest in the Mark Dantonio era. The secondary is banged-up. It’s quite possible the scoreboard operator gets a finger workout racking up points for the Buckeyes.
Then comes Michigan in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines defense looked gassed against Indiana as Jordan Howard sliced and diced his way to 238 yards. Late November weather in the Midwest often dictates a ground-heavy attack. The prize for beating both teams from the Mitten will be a stingy Iowa in the Big Ten championship game.
The path to New Yok and the trophy is visible. Whether Elliott can keep his campaign between the lines remains to be seen. As I’ve been saying all year, the award is his to win when it matters.
Current Top Five:
Derrick Henry
Shouldn’t be challenged by Charleston Southern. On the other hand, there’s not much he can do against a cupcake opponent to maintain the same meteoric rise he’s been on the last two weeks.
Ezekiel Elliott
See above. Look for a 30-carry, 150-yard day — and serious discussion that he belongs at No. 1 come Monday.
Baker Mayfield
Has the moxie to delight voters, the play on the field to earn it and a favorable schedule. Serious chance to gain ground. If only the Big 12 had a conference title game.
Deshaun Watson
An excellent quarterback on the nation’s top-ranked team. That right there is enough to win him the Heisman in the minds of paint-by-numbers voters.
Leonard Fournette
Hey guys, remember this guy? He’s still pretty good.
[Image via USA Today Sports]