SEC Heisman Hopefuls: The Takeover

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Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball during a play that would result in a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

1. Derrick Henry

After Derrick Henry’s 210 yard performance against LSU, the nation took notice of what Derrick Henry has been doing all season. In that single game, Alabama crippled the Heisman hopes of Leonard Fournette. While crippling his Heisman chances, they simultaneously rocketed their own running back to the top of many Heisman lists. A follow up performance against Mississippi State in a potential “trap” game would be needed for many in the nation to take Derrick Henry’s Heisman chances a little more seriously.

And, yes, he definitely gave those people the follow up performance they needed. He carried the ball 22 times for 204 yards to sport an amazing 9.3 ypc and 2 touchdowns against Mississippi State. When Fournette played the same defense, he averaged only 5.7 ypc on his way to gaining 159 yards.

Against Arkansas, Henry gained more yards than Fournette as well (yes, it was only 4 yards, but more is more). It is going to be very interesting to see what Henry does against Auburn and what Fournette does against Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Keep in mind, Fournette’s performance against Auburn is what jumpstarted his Heisman talks. Would it not be ironic if Derrick Henry’s performance against Auburn is what solidified Leonard Fournette’s Heisman defeat?

If you didn’t have Henry topping Fournette on your Heisman list last week, I’m sure your mind has changed. The race isn’t over until someone is presented the trophy. But as Fournette’s numbers continue to decline, Henry seems to only be getting stronger. The gap between the two superstars is now starting to widen, with Alabama’s Derrick Henry leading the way.

All stats and info were taken from espn.com

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