Heisman Trophy Ceremony 2014: Date, Start Time, Live Stream, TV and Award Info

The 2014 Heisman Trophy has come down to three players, each the best at their respective positions.

While the number of finalists fluctuates every year, the voters felt there was enough separation between the top names and the likes of Tevin Coleman, Trevone Boykin, Scooby Wright and others.

While that issue is open to debate, it is hard to question the three players who did receive an invite.

Indeed, the best quarterback, running back and receiver in college football will this weekend hope to see their name etched in history.

Fans might expect a runaway in the voting, but it will still be interesting to see who gets to raise the prestigious trophy. Here is a look at everything you need to know heading into the ceremony.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13

Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Finalists

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Oregon is competing for a national championship because of the play of Marcus Mariota. The Ducks dealt with injuries on both sides of the ball this year, especially along the offensive line, but the quarterback ensured they remained among the best teams in the nation.

Mariota heads into the bowl season with 52 total touchdowns and just two interceptions, which equals a quarterback rating of 186.3. Not only is this the best in the nation, the difference between him and the second-highest mark is bigger than the gap between second and ninth.

Bob Glauber of Newsday notes how well the quarterback has performed in his entire career:

According to Joel Klatt of Fox Sports, this race is not even going to be close:

The Ducks star is seemingly putting up huge numbers every time he steps onto the field, and he is as deserving of a Heisman as anyone in recent memory. If he doesn't win, it would be a pretty big surprise.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Andy Manis/Associated Press

Although Mariota is the clear favorite for this award, Melvin Gordon is not ready to concede just yet.

"You've got to keep faith," the Wisconsin running back explained via Jeff Potrykus of the Journal Sentinel. "You never know how the votes are going to turn out." 

Defenses have certainly learned this season never to overlook Gordon. The junior had a breakout season a year ago with 1,609 rushing yards but blew that away in 2014 with 2,336 rushing yards heading into bowl season.

The running back leads the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns (26), while his 7.6 yards per carry is the best among anyone with at least 200 attempts.

Gordon also briefly had the record for most rushing yards in a single game with 408 until Oklahoma's Samaje Perine topped it just a week later. Of course, it only took Gordon three quarters to accomplish the feat.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller believes this should be enough to win the Heisman:

Despite a poor performance against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game, this was still one of the best seasons a running back has ever had at this level.

Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Joe Murphy/Getty Images

It's relatively rare to see a receiver earn a trip to New York, but it's almost impossible to deny Amari Cooper as one of the most outstanding players in the country.

The Alabama star led all of FBS with 115 catches and 1,656 yards while ranking second with 14 touchdowns. 

As the SEC Network noted, this was a season to remember for the Crimson Tide:

While most receivers at the college level are able to put up big numbers in a spread offense that throws the ball every play, Alabama remains a pro-style system. Cooper simply beat his man virtually every play and posted huge numbers throughout the year.

Fantasy football owners are probably going to want him on their team as soon as he reaches the NFL.

Until then, college football fans should be able to appreciate one of the best receivers of his generation.

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