Heisman Trophy Watch: 5 Reasons Trent Richardson Should Win (and 5 Why He Won't)

This year's Heisman Trophy is believed to be the most competitive and heavily debated award in recent memory.

There are five finalists for the award: quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and running backs Montee Ball and Trent Richardson.

Amazingly, each one still can win the coveted award.

Each player has different qualities, but Trent Richardson might have the best chance to win.

Here are some positives and negatives in the Alabama running back's campaign to leave Saturday with the Heisman. 

Why He'll Win: He Is the Best Running Back in College Football

The general consensus among NFL scouts is that Trent Richardson will be the first running back taken in the 2012 draft.

At 5'11" 224 lbs., the running back has the size to power through the line and break tackles, but also has the speed and agility to get around anyone.

Watching his highlights have to impress almost everyone, and there is little doubt he can be an immediate contributor in the NFL next season.

Why He Won't: Montee Ball Has Better Statistics

Although Trent Richardson is better in the eye of the scouts, the numbers that Montee Ball has registered this season are hard to ignore.

The junior from Wisconsin leads the nation in both rushing yards and touchdowns. His 32 rushing touchdowns are the most since Barry Sanders in 1988. 

The Big Ten might not have as good of defenses as the SEC, but it is not exactly full of pushovers. It could be hard to justify giving Trent Richardson the award when a player at his position has far superior statistics.

Why He'll Win: His Team Is Playing for the National Championship

While this is an individual award, voters love team success.

Nine of the last 11 Heisman Trophy winners at least played in the BCS National Championship Game, with Tim Tebow and Carson Palmer being the only exceptions.

Regardless of whether you think Alabama is the No. 2 team in the country, there is no denying that it is a very good team and that Trent Richardson is a major part of the success.

Most of the voters are part of the media, and those people love good stories. It is easier to promote a Heisman winner playing for the championship than the Alamo Bowl.

Why He Won't: His Team Is Not No. 1

While his team is competing for the national championship, LSU has been far and away the best team in the nation this season.

The Tigers are led by a great defense, and the most well-known player is Tyrann Mathieu, a fellow finalist for the Heisman.

Voters might want to reward the best team in the country by handing out individual awards, and no one deserves it more than No. 7.

He has a charming nickname, creates tons of turnovers and is a catalyst to the top team in the country. 

If there is someone to become the second defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, it will be Mathieu. 

Why He'll Win: He Has Been Consistently Exciting All Season

Heisman candidates rise and fall very often during the course of the college football season.

A player will win a big game and get hype, but then struggle and be forgotten.

Andrew Luck came into the year as the preseason favorite, but struggled at times and no longer seems likely to win.

That did not happen to Trent Richardson this year. He had three touchdowns in the first game of the season, then continued to perform well all the way through his 200-yard performance in his last game.

His consistency might be his most impressive attribute.

Why He Won't: Other Players Have More Momentum

Trent Richardson season was consistently good all season, but that allowed him to be forgotten towards the end of the year.

Robert Griffin III fell down the stock watch during the middle of the season, but a great performance in a win over Oklahoma shot him up the rankings like a rocket. 

Other players also had one last chance to impress the voters during the past week of the season, something that Alabama was not able to do.

When people cast their ballots, the most recent games will be freshest in their minds. This will hurt Trent Richardson's candidacy.

Why He'll Win: He Had a More Dominant Season Than Any Quarterback

Based on the national championship matchup, there will be few that argue against the fact that the SEC is best conference in football.

Unlike much of the country, the SEC is not a quarterback-driven league. The most successful teams have the best defenses, so offensive players have an uphill battle every week.

Still, Trent Richardson dominated the toughest conference in the nation and showed that he was without question the best offensive player.

All of the quarterbacks that were considered had an easier path to offensive success.

Why He Won't: Quarterbacks Still Rule the Heisman Awards

From 1972-1983, a running back won the Heisman Trophy every year. Recently however, that has not been the case.

Nine of the last 11 winners of the prestigious award were quarterbacks. Passing offenses are more exciting and quarterbacks have generally been accepted as the most important players on each team.

It is not impossible to for a running back to win, but it is certainly a tougher battle for any non-quarterback to win these days.

Why He'll Win: He Followed Mark Ingram's Road to Success

Two years ago, an Alabama running back won the Heisman Trophy as he led his team to a national championship.

That player was Mark Ingram, and he is now enjoying success for the New Orleans Saints.

This year, current Alabama running back Trent Richardson has similar individual stats and equivalent team success. 

In 2009, Ingram had 1,658 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns and a 6.1 average yards per carry. He also had three receiving touchdowns on 334 yards.

Richardson's stats are very close, with 20 rushing touchdowns and 1,583 yards at 6.0 ypc. Receiving the ball, he has 327 yards and three touchdowns.

If the numbers were good enough for Ingram, they should be good enough for Richardson. 

Why He Won't: The Country Is Ready for Something New

College football does not have much parity compared to other sports.

It seems that the same teams are involved in the championship discussion every year, and the same teams have players represented in the Heisman voting every year.

Even though Mark Ingram was the first Alabama player every to win the Heisman, fans of college football are ready for someone new and exciting.

That is where Robert Griffin III comes in.

The Baylor quarterback brought his team to unknown heights and defeated many prestigious programs along the way.

His "do-it-all" attitude has people around the country impressed, and he is the overwhelming favorite among the fans.

If the voters want to echo the fans, Griffin is the guy.