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SEC Heisman Hopefuls: Rivalry Week

By Ben Richardson

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Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) stiff-arms LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Henry

The last few weeks have been the exact opposite of Leonard Fournette’s recent history for Alabama’s Derrick Henry.  While Fournette was rattling off consecutive 200 yard games in the beginning of the season, Henry was holding steady.  He looked good running the ball, but there were no “Heisman” numbers to speak of during Alabama’s first six games.

In fact, Henry only rushed for over 100 yards in 3 of the first 6 games.  His highest rushing total was an un-Fournette 148 yards against a below average Georgia defense.

In that time period, his team also lost at home against Ole Miss and people began to write Alabama off this season.  Then, like a marathon runner running a marathon, he picked up steam as everyone else started to wear down.  Before the bye week against Charleston Southern, Henry had over 200 yards rushing in 3 of 4 games against SEC teams LSU, Mississippi State and Texas A&M.

So, what does Derrick Henry need to do stay atop the Heisman race?

He just needs to not get hurt.

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    • I’m kidding — a little bit.  I’m completely discounting Auburn’s defense in the prior statement.  But the reality is, they have not been a good team against the run all year.  I don’t think he has to match Leonard Fournette’s performance against Auburn (19 carries/228 yards/3 touchdowns).  If he had a performance that was comparable, though, he’d lock up the Heisman award in my opinion.

    Just to remain the Heisman frontrunner, however, I think if he needs to gain 125 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns in a convincing Alabama victory.  That should be enough to keep him ahead of Christian McCaffrey.

    If you’re asking me for a prediction on Derrick Henry’s performance, I’m leaning towards an Alabama blowout victory with Kenyan Drake seeing a lot of playing time.  Derrick Henry will be the reason for the big lead though:  150 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns and sees very little playing time after the start of the 4th quarter.

    All stats and records taken from espn.com

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