LSU Football: 5 Reasons Why Tyrann Mathieu Is Still a Heisman Candidate

Tyrann Mathieu has been outstanding this season. But after a 1-week suspension for failing a drug test, his Heisman Trophy stock took a huge hit and everybody believed that he was out of the running.

Every week it seems like a new Heisman hopeful falls out of the running, but that has only helped the Honey Badgers' Heisman stock. Well, and the fact that he has been playing some amazing football, including a dominant performance against Alabama in the "Game of the Century."

While some might believe that Mathieu is out of the Heisman running, that is far from the case.

Here are five reasons why Tyrann Mathieu is still alive in the Heisman race. 

1. The Takeaways

Not only does Tyrann Mathieu lead LSU in fumbles recovered for touchdowns this season, but he holds the program's all-time record.

And the most amazing part about it is...he is only a sophomore.

Mathieu has been a menace to opposing offenses this season and has played a huge role in LSU being both undefeated and the unanimous No.1 ranked team in the nation.

If he continues to add to his takeaway total, that would be extremely hard to ignore. 

2. He's the Best Defender on the Best Defense in the Country

There were many doubters about LSU's defense heading into the Tigers' matchup against Alabama, but after LSU came out on top, 9-6, there should be no doubt left that LSU sports the best defense in the college football.

When talking about the defense, it all starts with Tyrann Mathieu.

Many expected the Tigers' secondary to take a hit with the loss of Patrick Peterson, but that has not been the case.

Mathieu is the best player on the best team in the country. It's hard to not choose a Heisman candidate from the best team in the country.

3. What Other Defenders Are There?

When it comes to the best defenders in the nation, there is a pretty short list. It would be hard to find another defensive player in the nation that has topped what Mathieu has been able to do this season.

Certainly Donta' Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick and Mark Barron are all elite players on an elite defense, but they don't compare to Mathieu.

So beyond that, what other defensive standouts could be nominated for the Heisman Trophy?

The answer is no one, outside of Mathieu.

4. Other Heisman Hopefuls Are Fading Fast

Before last week, both Andrew Luck and Kellen Moore were considered to be two of the top three Heisman candidates. But after both of their teams lost, they each likely took a slight hit in the Heisman voting.

Other Heisman candidates such as Denard Robinson, Russell Wilson and Robert Griffith III have all seen their chances take huge hits, as their teams have faltered over the last couple of weeks.

But Tyrann Mathieu has been awesome this entire season, and he is on one of three remaining undefeated teams in the nation.

Right now, Mathieu should be considered in the same class as Luck and Moore and ahead of the other three.

5. He Has Gone Up Against the Best of the Best

Tyrann Mathieu and the LSU Tigers have gone up against Oregon, Alabama, Florida, West Virginia and the list goes on and on. They have played the toughest schedule in the nation this year.

Each of those teams feature good receiving cores, and Mathieu has gotten the best out of all of them.

In LSU's games this year, they gave up 27 points to Oregon and 21 to West Virginia. Outside of that, not one team has scored 12 or more points on this dominant defense.

When it comes to shutting down opponents, LSU is the best there is. 

When it comes to shutting down opposing receivers, Mathieu is the best there is.

Therefore, he has to be considered a Heisman candidate.