Is the Heisman Trophy a bogus award?

Question

Okay, this year there appears to be no clear cut front-runner for the Heisman. But I think it's a bogus honor. Here's why.

It's supposed to be for the best player in college, right? But rarely does it go to anyone other than a QB or running back. Many times, the BEST player may be a defensive lineman, linebacker, or receiver, but they don't regularly make the highlight reels. I think most would agree that Troy Smith was not the best player in college football last season, yet he won the award. Many would argue that Calvin Johnson was the best player last year.

So why didn't Johnson win it? For one, he wasn't a QB or RB who touches the ball all the time. Secondly, he wasn't on a contender. I think that's the other reason the award is bogus. If not on a national contender, forget about it. Ron Dayne won it only because he set the rushing record.

I think McFadden is the best player this year, but won't get it because Ark isn't very good.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Is the Heisman Trophy a bogus award?
I can answer your question with 2 words:

Gino
Toretta



Need I say more?

Answer 2

If McFadden puts up the numbers, he'll get it (considering he was a candidate last year, that will help). WR's usually aren't heisman candidates to begin with and Georgia Tech wasn't a contender for the title, so no, he didn't get it, he just happened to be the most gifted.

And to say "most would agree Troy Smith wasn't the best player in college football" is a hefty statement, considering where he started out. He was the last ATHLETE, not even a QB at the time, signed to Ohio State during his recruiting year. He almost got kicked off the team and he righted his ship.

And even tho the Nat'l Championship game was horrible for him, he had a great season: 30 TDs, only 5 picks, and completed 67% of his passes and beat Michigan in what was probably the most important game in that rivalry's history.

Just like the BCS, it's hard to crown someone or some team out of MANY, but the voters have thier say every year, including Heisman winners themselves. It's still the most prestigious individual award in sports and they'll give it out every year with the same fanfare.

Answer 3

It has been bogus for YEARS now. It is the QB on the undefeated team most years, maybe the RB. More about the most POPULAR then the best. Although it is like the National Championship, the NCAA doesn't give it out or recognize it so they don't really care how full of crap it is. Seriously I think if the NCAA was in charge instead of the BCS(you know the certain Conferences count but the rest don't) the National Championship may be run with a better system, probably couldn't be worse.

Answer 4

While I agree with most of your argument, they usually give it to a QB or a RB because they are involved in many more plays. While the award is for the best athlete, it represents the best athlete that helped his team win. If the team doesn't win, the player won't win.

The reason I hate the award is because it is awarded before the season is over. On several occasions it is awarded to a player before their bowl game, and that player, playing against a good team, looked like crap. It should be for the best player for the whole season including bowl games.

Answer 5

I agree, and I am a big Arkansas fan. I think the voters don't look outside the more marketable players. It seems it is more of a popularity contest than anything else. Last year it was a lock before the season began. This year it should be McFadden, but because of the inexperienced o-line at Arkansas, and the horrible play calling ,he may have a disappointing season. That's ok b/c he will be playing on Sunday next year.

Answer 6

I think Sam Bradford is the best player but he won't get it because he is a freshman - just like Adrian Peterson. It only goes to the best player if his team is top ranked and he is from one of the media darling schools. If a player is from USC, Michigan, Ohio State, or Notre Dame, he only needs to be in the top 5 or 10 players to win it. A great QB like Chase Daniel of Missouri has no chance even though he was was the High School National Player Of The Year.

Answer 7

yeah I see your point everybody should have a chance even a lineman but I do think woodson or mcfadden are the best players in america. So really the heisman for the best skill position player in american basically.

Answer 8

Yeah, I see no point to want to win it..not many winners do well in the NFL anyway...but I guess it's something to cling to if you fail in the NFL knowing you were the best in college for one year.

I agree, McFadden might not get it because of Arkansas, but what other player on a good team is more deserving? Andre Woodson proved to be human, nobody in the Big Ten deserves it in general (where Michigan had two candidates...way back in August). I think McFadden is the best bet right now. His average per game rushing is just that good right now where you'd have to give it to him, despite his team, I can see if he was a QB to pin the W-L record on him, but he's a runner.

Answer 9

I think that at times it can be a bogus reward. To make it better they need to award it after the bowl game. Did you see Troy Smith last year during the Championship Game? If they saw how bad he was there was no way they would have given the award to him. Thats the only way in my opinion that the award wouldn't be bogus.

Answer 10

It goes to whoever ESPN wants it to go to. Example: Charles Woodson over Peyton Manning.

It has only gone to the best player in college football a couple of times in the last 15 years.

I don't even watch it or care anymore.