Tough Week, but still #1 Heisman Contender

Based on the 5th place ranking on espn, I would say it's pretty clear Denard taken a big hit in the race.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/heisman/

Plenty of games with quality opponents on the schedule.  If he plays well the trophy is his.  But I would much prefer to just win the damn games.  And Denard feels that way too.  Let's talk Heisman after he puts up big numbers against Ohio State.  It will happen.

Based on stats alone, Denard should still lead the Heisman race.  His 2214 total yards clearly leads the field, with Cam Newton starting to push at 1810 total yards.  Terrelle Pryor is getting back a piece of the spotlight with the success of his team, but trails both of his duel-threat competetors with 1703 total yards.  Kellen Moore seems to be in the race only due to the success of his team, but currently leads the ESPN Heisman poll.  Clearly this week is huge for Denard, not only stats wise, but to show voters he can have a huge game against a ranked opponent.  I'd like to see the trophy go to the best player (Denard) but feel that it will go to the best player on the best team (Moore, James, Pryor).  Still, a lot of football to be played. 

Play big in big games.

This game didn't kill his chances...but he will have to step up if he wants to be considered. 

That's a relief.

Denard is in the best position.    I don't care if he is ranked 1st or ranked 5th.... if he puts together a couple of big games against some of the better Big 10 defenses, and plays solid in the other games, based upon his numbers, the fact that he has broken records this year and the publicity that he has gotten, he would likely win it.    

Although cases can be made for other players, for most non-homers, Denard is the first person that comes to mind when thinking about the Heisman. 

I've never believed he'd win the Heisman this season because they will find some way to hold the teams record against them regardless of how amazing he plays. He was the clearcut #1 going into the MSU game and one loss later, some people have him as low as fifth. Well, if you think we are going to go 8-4-ish, how much more are they going to ding his campaign? If we went 3-3 to start the season and 5-1 to end it, as opposed to probably the other way around, things would be a lot different, but heisman voters seem to have short memories.

Then again, we could rip off a 5-1 record in the second half of the year too, making the entire thing moot.

with four losses his sophomore year. If he gets close to breaking 2,000-2,000 all eyes and votes are on the Ohio State game.

He made me feel about as good I can feel about that f-ing game.

http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1138587

Best paragraph-

"Now, what about this notion that MSU displayed the blueprint to stop Michigan's offense? Nonsense. MSU did somewhat hold Robinson in check on the ground, though future defenses can hardly count on stepping on his foot to prevent a 60-yard touchdown run. But even that aside - and that play would have put Robinson over 150 yards rushing -- Michigan's tailbacks had a strong outing, and its receivers were wide open all game long. If the Spartan defensive formula was to focus on Robinson's running, let the tailbacks run wild, leave receivers open and hope Robinson throws a bunch of interceptions, well, let's hope future opponents repeat the formula."
 

of season left. Way to early to be speculating about this but clearly, even with a "bad" game behind him, Denard is still very much in the picture. If the team plays well, DRob gets his numbers, we win games, the Heisman returns to Ann Arbor and everyone is happy.

U know what pissed me off the most about watching this heisman video on ESPN.  They start talking about Pryor and how good he has been and that he only had 4 interceptions which is helping him to the top.  WOW really I think Denard only had 4 too with alot more yards.  ESPN is worthless

After last weekend, it is clear our offense will have to win games for us. 

If the offense is winning games, Denard is racking up yards. 

So if we go at least 8-4 (and preferably better), Denard should have crazy stats and will again be the front runner.

Heismanpundit.com is the most accurate poll because it consists of 13 actual Heisman voters distributed well throughout the country.

“Denard Robinson may very well lose his frontrunner status in the coming weeks with Michigan’s schedule, but he’s been the best player in the nation so far this season. Even in the Wolverines’ loss to Michigan State last Saturday he put up 301 yards of total offense. LaMichael James has been the nation’s best back as Oregon has rolled, and Terrelle Pryor has a chance to make a statement with a big performance against Wisconsin on Saturday. Watch out for Nebraska freshman Taylor Martinez; he’s quickly moving up the list.” — B.J. Schecter, Sports Illustrated.