SEC Heisman Hopefuls: Rivalry Week
Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium. Arkansas defeated LSU 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Leonard Fournette
LSU’s season is in full self-destruct mode and Leonard Fournette’s Heisman hopes are spiraling with the team’s record. In 3 weeks, Leonard Fournette has gone from Heisman frontrunner to hoping for an invite to the ceremonies.
After another subpar performance against Ole Miss, Fournette and company are playing for the head coach’s job. With that much on the line, the Heisman seems to be an afterthought at this point.
What kind of performance does Leonard Fournette have to put up against Arkansas this week to remain relevant in the Heisman race? Well, he has to have the type of performance that put him in the Heisman discussions at the beginning of the year.
His highest total of rushing yards in a game this season was 244 yards at Syracuse. His highest total of rushing touchdowns in a game is 3 — which he has done 3 times this year. He needs at least 250 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns against Texas A&M this weekend. That may prove difficult more even more difficult that it has been in recent weeks, as LSU’s former defensive coordinator (John Chavis) is running things at A&M.
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Numerous reports of Les Miles being fired due to the teams recent struggles only add to the challenge of having a big game.
Again, let us just assume he overcomes the odds and gets those totals. If he can add just 2 receiving yards (yes, just 2), that would put Fournette’s season long total yardage at over 2,000 yards. If he can add the 3 rushing touchdowns, that would give him 20 on the year.
Despite his and LSU’s recent struggles, would Heisman voters really be able to overlook a running back accounting for over 2,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns despite playing one game less than everyone else (remember — their opener against Mcneese State was cancelled)? If Fournette is to remain in contention for the Heisman, he will have to have his biggest game of the year. With the performances he put on earlier this season, that is really saying something.
My prediction is Fournette and the LSU Tigers will bring the pain to Texas A&M, simultaneously keeping Fournette’s Heisman dreams faintly relevant. Even more important to many is that it will result in keeping Les Miles’ job. I think he gets at least 200 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards and 3 total touchdowns.
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