3 Reasons Why Manti Te'o Could Win the Heisman Trophy over Johnny Manziel

The 2013 Heisman Trophy will be handed out Saturday, where there are three finalists: Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel and Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein. 

Will Manti Te'o be the second defensive player to be selected as the Heisman Trophy winner?  Will Johnny Manziel become the first freshman to win the award?  Or will Collin Klein surprise us all?

A case can be made for all three players as each has had spectacular seasons.  But early polling by some of the Heisman voters shows that the race seems to be down to Manti Te'o and Johnny Manziel.

Here are three reasons Manti Te'o could win the Heisman over Johnny Manziel. 

Manti Te'o Is a Better Leader on and off the Field

Manti Te'o is a better leader on the field that Johnny Manziel. Te'o is not only the captain, but the vocal leader of the entire Notre Dame football team.  Manziel was not the clear-cut leader of the Texas A&M Aggies until the season progressed.

Manziel was not allowed to speak to the media until late in the season.  While Manziel did lead by his play on the field, the Heisman Trophy goes to the most outstanding college football player.  Some voters may take this as leadership on and off the field. 

The edge goes to Te'o.

Manti Te'o Is the Best Player on the Best Football Team

Notre Dame is currently the No. 1 team in the nation.  While Johnny Manziel helped Texas A&M beat then-No. 1 Alabama, Manziel and the Aggies lost two games.

The Texas A&M Aggies lost the first game of the season at home against Florida and lost again at home versus LSU.  Notre Dame is a perfect 12-0.   

Johnny Manziel has incredible stats as he set the single-season record for most offensive production in the powerful Southeastern Conference with over 4,600 yards.  Manziel has passed for 3,419 yards with 24 passing touchdowns and has rushed for 1,181 yards and 19 touchdowns. 

Manti Te'o led Notre Dame in tackles with 103.  His seven interceptions tie him for second in country, a ridiculous number for a linebacker.  The biggest stat is that Te'o helped the Irish finish No. 1 in scoring defense, allowing only 10.3 points a game.

If it comes down to numbers only, Manziel wins.  Te'o has the advantage as the best player on the best football team.

Voters Are More Likely to Select a Senior Than a Freshman

There are over 928 voters for the 2012 Heisman Trophy.  That is 928 different opinions.  There has been sophomores, juniors and seniors to win the Heisman, but a freshman has never won the award.

While Johnny Manziel appears to have the oddsmakers on his side, some voters may refuse to vote for Manziel simply because he is a freshman.  Voters may go with the theory that Manziel is the offensive player of the year but not the overall best college football player simply because he is a freshman.

This would move voters to select senior Manti Te'o. 

Either way, we are all looking forward to the announcement of the winner of such a prestigious award.

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