Minnesota vs. Michigan: 4 Reasons Why Denard Robinson Is the Heisman Frontrunner

Most people in college football know Denard Robinson's nickname is "shoelace," because he chooses not to tie his shoes when he takes the football field each week.

How about a new nickname for Michigan's star quarterback—"Mr. September Heisman."

A year ago in September, there wasn't a better player in college football than Robinson. One year later, that same argument can be made again for Robinson, who was outstanding yet again in September.

But how will Robinson fare now that Michigan has finished the cupcake portion of its schedule and begin Big Ten play?

Can we expect him to continue to post these Heisman-caliber numbers, or should we expect an October fallout similar to what we saw last season?

Let's take a look at why, if the voting took place right now, Denard Robinson would be considered the Heisman favorite heading into Week 5 of the college football season.

Michigan Is 4-0

We saw it last year at this time, and we see it again this year.

Michigan is 4-0 heading into today's matchup against Minnesota, and all signs point to them coming away with a win at the Big House and starting off 1-0 in the Big Ten.

In order to be a Heisman Trophy favorite, one must play on a winning team, typically one of the top teams in the country.

After four weeks, Michigan falls into that category despite the fact their schedule has been fairly weak to this point.

As Robinson goes, Michigan goes. And up to this point, both look pretty good.

He Does It With a Lack Of Talent Around Him

If you take a look at the other Heisman Trophy candidates, all of them are surrounded by more talent than Denard Robinson has around him.

Guys like LaMichael James, Kellen Moore, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson are all surrounded by a ton of talent, which certainly makes their job that much easier. Robinson is doing this all on his own, as Michigan features a below-average rushing and receiving corps.

The Wolverines' offensive line has been solid, which has helped keep their starting quarterback healthy.

The only other player who is in a similar situation right now is Baylor QB Robert Griffin III, who also does not have the luxury of talent around him.

But if both guys keep playing like this, they could finish No. 1 and 2 in the Heisman voting.

He Does It With His Legs and Arm

It's not often you see a quarterback that can run and throw at a high level, but Denard Robinson is a rare exception.

He still needs a lot of work in the passing game, but he is improved from last year and is playing in an offense that allows him to make better passes.

Through four games this season, Robinson has passed for 624 yards and rushed for 552 yards. The issue is Robinson has thrown  the same number of touchdowns, six, as he has interceptions.

But when you're on track to rush for over 1,500 yards from the quarterback position, it's hard to argue against your Heisman resume.

He's the Most

Take Kellen Moore away from Boise State and the Broncos are still likely to be undefeated.

Take Andrew Luck away from Stanford and they are still 3-0.

But take Denard Robinson away from Michigan, and there is no way the Wolverines would be 4-0 heading into Week 5 of the college football season.

The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football.

With over 1,100 yards of total offense and, 11 touchdowns and a perfect 4-0 record heading into Week 5, it's hard to argue against Robinson.

Maybe he can finally ditch the "September" in his newly tagged nickname.