Michael Floyd: 5 Reasons He Will Win the Heisman Trophy

Michael Floyd entered the season as Notre Dame's all-time leader in touchdown receptions and many expected Heisman-worthy numbers from the senior receiver.

Halfway through the season, four touchdowns and 639 yards later, his numbers aren't quite where many Irish fans expected them to be.

Granted, these numbers would be very impressive for any other receiver, Floyd fans may be starting to get worried about his "slow pace"—especially if he plans on bringing the Heisman Trophy back to South Bend.

Irish fans, worry not. Here are five reasons Michael Floyd will still finish with the Heisman Trophy on his mantle when all is said and done.

No. 5: His "Slow Start" Wasn't That Slow

For a prime-time player like Michael Floyd, it's hard to reach everyone's expectations.

After his two touchdowns and 154 receiving yards in the season opener against South Florida, fans believed Floyd could keep the pace of multiple visits to the end zone and 100-plus-yard performances per game.

Although Floyd would only find the end zone two more times in the next five games, his 639 yards through six games is still good enough to have him currently sitting with the 13th-most receiving yards in all of college football.

In the end, most wouldn't consider being in top 25 in receiving yards a "slow start," but for Floyd there's an exception.

That being said, his numbers aren't that far off from being the top receiver in college football, and one explosive game that we all know he is capable of is all it would take for him to boost himself back into the Heisman talks.

No. 4: Last Six Defenses Aren't That Good

The remainder of the Irish schedule isn't full of teams that have what it takes to shut down a receiver of Floyd's caliber.

If Floyd and the Irish can drop 31 points on the stingy Michigan State defense that's only allowed an average of just over 10 points a game, ND can figure out a way to succeed in the second half of the season.

Floyd going against a USC defense that gave up 41 points to a less-than-perfect Arizona team and a one-win Boston College team are hardly what people would consider a tough task for the senior receiver.

With the exception of Stanford in its final game, the Notre Dame offense is facing defenses it can pass against and have some repeat performances like the 59-point onslaught it had against Air Force.

The key will be to minimize turnovers, but the Irish offense has been doing a good job of that as of late.

No. 3: ND Ground Game Will Give Floyd Opportunities

The Notre Dame rushing yards are starting to pile up and so are the points scored.

Running back Cierre Wood rushed for 191 yards against Purdue and inevitably helped Floyd get open for his first touchdown since the season opener.

Another Floyd touchdown celebration resulted from the Irish gaining more than 200 yards on the ground against Air Force.

If the Irish ground game keeps forcing the linebackers and DBs to keep their eyes in the backfield for that split second longer, Floyd will make them pay.

No. 2: Aerial Assault Isn't All About Floyd Anymore

The Irish offense has slowly found other passing options to go to since the other side has to worry about having enough coverage on Floyd.

Both Theo Riddick and T.J. Jones have thrived with the openings that opposing defenses have left open in their efforts to slow Floyd. The receivers have more than 200 yards receiving and have each found the end zone three times.

Also causing opposing defenses to throw a fit is junior tight end Tyler Eifert. The fact that he has more than 300 yards receiving and three touchdowns of his own at the tight end position truly shows how far Floyd has the corners and safeties back on their heels.

Other teams have taken note of these other weapons but are faced of the tough decision of whom to cover. Air Force and Purdue Fell victim of this and Floyd had touchdowns in both games.

Expect Floyd to continue finding open field with the defenses now having to worry about Riddick, Jones and Eifert.

No. 1: Tommy Rees Is Hitting on All Cylinders

Along with the running game and multiple threats downfield comes an easier job under center for Tommy Rees.

The sophomore has completed 20-plus passes in the past three games and has increased his passing yardage in each game.

Rees' passing percentages have also seen an increase in each game with his last percentage against Air Force ending at nearly 72 percent.

A calm Rees in the pocket taking care of the ball is exactly what Floyd needs in order to make a push for the Heisman Trophy.

Expect to see some special things happening in South Bend for the second half of this year.