The Heisman Trophy is annually awarded to the best college football team in America at the FBS level. This year, the three finalist are DeShaun Watson, Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey. And the voting figures to be the closest race in several years.
Here’s everything you need to know about the three finalists before the ceremony Saturday.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DeShaun Watson: Clemson quarterback
Watson has been the quarterback leader of the undefeated and top ranked Clemson Tigers. He has had one of the greatest years for a college quarterback since the days of Cam Newton at Auburn. Watson has racked up 30 throwing touchdowns and 3,512 passing yards. Most impressive is the fact that Watson has used his legs to chip in 887 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.
(Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Derrick Henry: Alabama running back
Henry has been the best player in the SEC this year, and is the main reason Alabama currently holds a 12-1 record. Defenses have constantly been shredded as Henry has rushed for 1,986 yards and 23 touchdowns. The good news for Henry is Alabama plays a nationally televised schedule which has given voters plenty of opportunities to watch him play. The bad news for Henry is recently the Heisman trophy has become really hard for a running back to win, as voters have really begun to favorite quarterbacks.
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Christian McCaffrey: Stanford running back
McCaffrey will go down as one of the greatest players ever in college football regardless of how the Heisman vote shakes out. He recently broke Barry Sanders total yardage record in a single season. McCaffrey has been a nightmare for other teams on his way to compiling 3,496 all-purpose yards. However, McCaffrey could suffer from the same anti-running back bias that Henry faces.
Prediction: If Heisman voting was based solely on statistics, then McCaffrey would easily win the trophy, but that’s not how it works. It will likely come down to Watson or Henry walking away with prestigious awards because both of them have led their respective teams to the playoffs. Expect Henry to edge-out Watson and McCaffrey in a historically close vote, and break the running back drought of Heisman winners.