Tyrann Mathieu: 5 Reasons Why the LSU DB Should Win the Heisman

As this season’s Heisman Trophy ceremony takes place tonight in New York City, Tyrann Mathieu of LSU looks to become only the second defensive player in the history of the award to win since the first ceremony in 1935.

As there is a tough hill to climb to win the award for the LSU defensive back, here are five reasons that Tyrann Mathieu should be the Heisman Trophy winner for the 2011 season.

2011 Statistics

The sophomore defensive back certainly filled the hole left by former LSU star player Patrick Peterson in 2011 as Mathieu was all over the field with four interceptions, four fumble returns with two for touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns for the season.

Team Success

After surviving the gauntlet that is the Southeastern Conference and big road games against Oregon and West Virginia, Mathieu and the LSU Tigers was the only team in college football this season to finish their schedule undefeated, the first since Utah did it in 2008.

Value to the Defense

While the LSU defense is full of playmakers along the defensive line, linebacking corps and the secondary, the play of Mathieu would garner MVP votes over all his counterparts on his side of the ball since he was involved in nearly all of the big plays for LSU this season.

Underdog in Heisman Voting

Like I mentioned in the intro slide, Mathieu is really not expected to win the Heisman this year as a defensive player, but with a great season, the LSU DB might have a chance with a weaker field than in previous seasons.

No Pure Front Runner

While those in Waco and Tuscaloosa might disagree with this, there is no real clear frontrunner for this season’s Heisman race which could lead to Mathieu coming out of nowhere and making a charge for the award after his stellar game in the SEC title game against Georgia.