Clowney needs help to win it. It’s possible, but he needs help from his team to have a really good season – individual dominance isn’t going to get it done for a defensive player.
He also needs help from the other contenders. Basically, he needs a field like last year. If an offensive player has a Cam Newton/Tim Tebow/Reggie Bush type year, it’s over. I don’t care if he gets 25 sacks. It’s just so hard for a purely defensive player to win. Woodson played some wide receiver and special teams. Mathieu didn’t win, but was helped tremendously by his special teams play.
I really just don’t see Clowney winning it unless USC goes at least 11-1 in regular season, makes the SECCG, and no offensive player puts up a great year.
I think Boyd and Watkins have a tough road to hoe as well. For one thing, it’s tough to win the Heisman without the team having a great year. For the team to have a great year, both Boyd and Watkins need to play well. If both play well, I think that actually makes it harder for one to win the Heisman – if you aren’t the best player on your team, how can you be the best player in the nation?
I would usually agree that playing in the ACC is a big disadvantage. However, games against UGA and USC give Clemson a chance to mitigate that a bit. Winning both those games would be huge for Boyd and Watkins chances. Lose both, on the other hand, and neither one of them has a prayer.
I don’t feel particularly optimistic about any of them, but all in all, I like Boyd’s chances the best.
