Heisman Trophy Leader: Tajh Boyd

Now that you have read the title, I’m sure words are circulating rapidly between your ears. Those words are probably causing you to shake your head ever so slightly, but give this article 45 more seconds and that should change.

No, I do not believe that Andrew Luck is ahead of Tajh Boyd in the Heisman race. No, I do not believe Boise State should be in the National Championship game on the strength of one solid victory. No, I do not believe Luck is, wait, I said that already.

While Luck appears wholesome by all measures of a college kid and is very skilled, the love affair with him finally forced me to do a little historical homework.

The Heisman trophy is won on the field, not in a room full of guys wondering how high a player will be drafted, or if National Football League teams are throwing games in hopes of getting his services.

With that, here are some facts to consider. The combined records of Stanford’s opponents this year stands at 20 victories and 30 losses.

More specifically, they have played one team with a record above .500, the Washington Huskies. The Huskies now have two losses, and somehow managed to give up nearly 450 yards on the ground to the Cardinal last night.

Compare that to, say, Louisiana State University. The Tigers' opponents combine for a record of 32 wins to 24 losses. How about Oklahoma? Its split is 27 wins to 22 loses.

Since Boyd plays for Clemson, let us looks at its split: 31 wins to 27 losses. Credit has to be given to the teams and players that compete against the best talent, simply put. My apologies, Boise State.

Stanford has played a schedule that is conducive to being unblemished, especially with a cohesive group, but the comparisons get more interesting.

Luck, against bad competition has done well, passing for 1883 yards and 20 touchdowns with just three interceptions in seven games this season. Boyd has played in eight games, passed for 2379 yards, 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Luck has played against one team with a winning record. Boyd has played against one team that is seven up and one down, as well as contests against three additional teams that already have five wins.

Let us be honest with the people that look back at us when we view reflective glass. There are those who want Luck to win the Heisman and go on to be the next Peyton Manning, as predicted.

Do you understand how ridiculous that sounds? Imagine someone calling John Wall the next Isiah Thomas. Did you see Isiah Thomas play NBA basketball?

Before a guy can be a Hall of Fame player who is considered one of the best to ever lace up a pair of cleats, does he not have to be a few other Hall of Fame players first?

One would assume Luck would first have to be Warren Moon before he can be Brett Favre, before he can be Dan Marino, before he can be Manning. Right?

Boyd, a sophomore, sprung onto the scene from left field with his individual effort and surprising team success to date. Remember, Clemson was not ranked when the season started. Now the Tigers are No. 7 in the Bowl Championship Series rankings and should be No. 4, ahead of both Boise State and Stanford after this weekend.