Tyrann Mathieu: 3 Reasons the Honey Badger Doesn't Deserve Heisman Trophy

LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, aka "the Honey Badger," has been the most exciting defensive player in the country the past few weeks.

He's getting a lot of Heisman Trophy attention now, after two punt return touchdowns the past two weeks and a couple big defensive plays.

But, let's pump the brakes on this whole Honey Badger for Heisman bandwagon.

Here are three reasons why Mathieu doesn't deserve to win the Heisman Trophy.

1. Burned by West Virginia

Mathieu had a terrible game against the Mountaineers. Actually, the entire LSU secondary had a bad game, getting burned by Tavon Austin for 187 yards and Stedman Bailey for 115 yards.

That game needs to be considered before voters put the Honey Badger on their Heisman ballots.

Just because he's been electric the past two games doesn't mean his early season struggles should be forgotten.

The Heisman Trophy is for a full season's body of work, and Mathieu's early season wasn't Heisman-caliber.

2. Not enough production

Yes, the Honey Badger makes a ton of exciting plays. And yes, he is nearing the SEC career record for forced fumbles in just two seasons at LSU.

But, he only has two interceptions this season and has really only been an outstanding player the past two games.

Patrick Peterson had the same amount of punt return touchdowns last season (two) as Mathieu has this season, and he also had four interceptions. Peterson didn't win the Heisman, so neither should Mathieu.

Mathieu has more forced fumbles, but it still shouldn't be enough to vault him over Robert Griffin and Andrew Luck, among others.

3. Lack of character

Everyone makes mistakes. I'm not going to hold Mathieu's suspension for testing positive for synthetic marijuana against him forever.

But the fact remains that he was suspended for a game this season because of the positive test and therefore doesn't fit the character requirement of the Heisman Trophy voting.

Like I said though, I wouldn't drop him on my 2013 NFL Draft board because of the suspension, and if he has another outstanding season next year, I'd definitely consider him for the Heisman. But, his suspension takes him out of the running for the trophy this year.

Let's give the trophy to a guy like Griffin, Luck or Montee Ball. They've been there for their teams in every game this season.