Tyrann Mathieu: Why Honey Badger Needs to Touch Ball More in 2012 to Win Heisman

Tyrann Mathieu and the LSU Tigers were smothered and stifled to the tune of 21-0 by the most dominant defense in college football. The Alabama Crimson Tide wouldn't allow the Tigers any measure of offensive success.

The Tigers' inability to move the ball and create big plays was ultimately their downfall in the BCS National Championship Game. Mathieu was and is the Tigers' most dangerous weapon on special teams and as a impact defensive player.

It is time for him to add another role to his growing and impressive resume.

Mathieu made the trip to New York last month for the Heisman ceremony, but it was pretty safe to say he had no real shot at winning the award.

The only time a defensive player has taken college football's highest award was in 1997 when Charles Woodson won it for the Michigan Wolverines.

In comparing Woodson's stats from that year and Mathieu's from this year, there are some obvious similarities. Both players scored four touchdowns, both returned punts and both were the most dynamic forces on their defenses.

However, Woodson did a few things Mathieu did not. He had twice as many interceptions (eight compared to four) and, most importantly, he rushed for a touchdown and caught two touchdowns as a receiver. Woodson simply had the ball in his hands by design, and by defensive impact, more than Mathieu.

If the Honey Badger is to be a serious candidate for the Heisman and LSU is to add some big-play capabilities to their offense, Mathieu needs to be on the field for some offensive snaps.

A player of his athletic level could easily be used on reverses and in the slot as a receiver. As soon as he comes on the field, defenses are going to devote a lot of attention to him. That will create opportunities for others and, ultimately, a mix of play-calling will lead to some big-play chances for Mathieu.

As far as the interceptions, those will come with age and experience. Mathieu is a phenomenal talent, and the Tigers would be best suited devising ways to get the ball in his hands.