Wisconsin Badgers Football: The Case for Montee Ball's Heisman Consideration

Ladies and gentleman of the jury, there is a player among the college ranks who is being criminally undermined in his quest to featured among the game's best. His body of work commands attention, while his playing style commands respect.

That man is Montee Ball of the Wisconsin Badgers. 

Recently, though, Ball's name and number have been finding their way onto the blogs and into the highlights.

But it took breaking an incredible record to jump start the conversation. That is just wrong.

Here, we put the system on trial as a case is made for Montee Ball and at the very least, his invitation to the Downtown Athletic Club. 

Opening Statement

The facts are simple and unmistakable.

Ball has broken the plane 27 times this year, which puts him currently at as the No. 1 scorer in the country. He has 164 total points, or 16.4 points per game.

Quarterback Collin Klein of Kansas State is second on that list with 144 total points.

Ball also adds 1,242 rushing yards to that stat line, which is fourth best in the FBS. 

Accessory After the Fact

Before Russell Wilson even stepped on the turf of Camp Randall, he was proclaimed Wisconsin's Heisman hope.

The university's publicity machine started to run full tilt. No. 16 was destined to hang beside Ron Dayne and Alan Ameche.

Wilson's numbers are staggering. His 25 touchdowns are only bested by Ball's 27. As with the running back, Wilson is not turnover-prone and has thrown only three interceptions.

But unlike Wilson, Ball is not in on every play.

James White's 611 yards and six touchdowns highlight the fact Ball is not the only contributor. White must do more with less playing time.

It also drives home the idea that Ball is the best player on any field he steps on. 

Rarely does a team have two legitimate contenders for the highest honor in the sport, but that should not keep Ball out of the discussion.

Wilson himself even said he would vote for Montee Ball for the trophy in a recent press conference.

Should we take that as a concession? Probably not, but it's the thought that counts.  

Hail Mary Defense or Lack Thereof

The Heisman Trophy in recent history has largely been reserved for players on national championship teams.

Two Hail Mary passes this season all but assured the Badgers their Heisman candidates would have to overcome that trend. 

Luckily for Ball, the Heisman Trust's mission is to evaluate individual players "whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work."

There is no disclaimer on team performance. Ball meets all the criteria and more. 

Product of the System

Most critics and detractors of the "Ball for Heisman" movement point to one distinct advantage the Badgers hold—a blocking offense.

Not only is the offensive line made for paving over defensive linemen, Wisconsin's use of tight ends and a talented fullback give any running back in cardinal and white an edge. 

Sportscasters often say they could run for a 1,000 yards in that system, and Ball would love to see them try. The team prides itself on its ability to open holes, but it's usually all Ball when he breaks into the secondary.

His cuts and ability to run with power make him slippery even when a 300-pound lineman is not there to clear the field.

Most importantly, he does not succumb to arm tackles that often plague lesser running backs once they are without protection. 

Closing Argument

The Heisman Trophy is the very pinnacle of college football success.

Simply put, it is the recognition of the best player in the sport, and Montee Ball may be just that.

November momentum for the Wisconsin Badgers will only help that cause. If Ball continues to trend the way he has, expect over 1,500 yards and more than 32 touchdowns when all is said and done.

Even if that does not warrant the statue itself, it certainly deserves a plane ticket to New York.