The Heisman Top 25: No. 20 Derek Carr

September 15, 2012; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Just 76 players in the history of college football have earned the designation of Heisman Trophy winners. First awarded in 1935, the Heisman Trophy is considered the sport’s pinnacle of individual achievement.

SaturdayBlitz.com is tracking the race to the 78th Heisman Trophy throughout the 2013 college football season via the Heisman Top 25. Every week throughout the season, we are tracking the progress of the contenders, both their on-field impact and media presence.

Derek Carr passed for numbers comparable to such 2012 standout quarterbacks as Geno Smith, Tajh Boyd, Nick Florence. You name the passer, Carr was on par or better. The last time a Fresno State quarterback passed so effectively, he emerged in the Heisman Trophy race. That also just so happened to be Carr’s older brother David, during the 2001 seasons.

Despite his outstanding production and Heisman Trophy lineage, Carr flew somewhat under the national radar last season. The Fresno State athletic department is taking the first steps to spread the word. The Fresno Bee reports a no-frills approach that emphasizes substance over style, highlight Carr’s play over gimmicks.

National media is jaded, and there exists an undeniable air of elitism when differentiating conferences. Allowing Carr’s game tape to market the quarterback is a stroke of brilliance in its sheer simplicity. Another season of over 4000 yards with nearly 40 touchdowns and 70 percent completions would make it awfully difficult to overlook Carr any longer.

How Derek Carr Wins The Heisman

Players from outside of college football’s elite conferences have a particularly difficult Heisman road to hoe. David Carr emerged onto the Heisman radar with standout performances in Bulldog wins over reigning Fiesta Bowl champion Oregon State and Big Ten power Wisconsin early into the 2001 campaign. Derek Carr has a similar opportunity when 2012 Big East co-champion Rutgers visits the Valley on opening night, then perennial non-BCS power Boise State comes through three weeks later.

A big performance against the Bronco defense, which ranked No. 7 in points allowed last season, would catapult Carr into the stratosphere.

Coincidentally, it was a loss to Boise State that may have derailed big brother’s Heisman candidacy. The Broncos being a potential launching point for Derek’s campaign is among the more intriguing story lines of the 2013 season’s first month.

The last two Heisman Trophy winners have proven that outstanding individual performance and eye-popping statistics can supersede a few losses — so long as that performance comes against those ordained as college football’s elite. Non-BCS conference players are already at a tremendous disadvantage, and cynical voters will jump on any opportunity to scrutinize.

David Carr’s candidacy was hurt by the BSU loss. Likewise, former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore was not invited back to the Downtown Club in 2011 despite recording the best numbers of his illustrious career; a late season loss to TCU impacted his Heisman standing.

Carr must lead Fresno State to a BCS-busting season while replicating his stellar 2012 numbers if he is to have a spot at the Heisman ceremony.

Statistical Overview
in 2012

• 344-511 pass attempts; 67.3 percent

• 4104 yards; 8.3 yards per completion

• 37 touchdowns

Compared To Past Heisman Winners

Andre Ware, 1989: Ware was something of a prototype for the air-it-out quarterbacks so prevalent in today’s game. He captained Houston to a 9-2 finish in 1989, throwing for 4699 yards on 365-578 passing. Ware also scored 46 touchdowns.

His output surpassed that of Carr in 2012, though Ware was intercepted 15 times in his Heisman season. Carr threw just seven picks last season.

Jason White, 2003: White hit the elusive 40-touchdown milestone on his way to 2003 Heisman. The former Sooner finished that year with 3846 yards, just 10 interceptions and 8.5 yards per completion. His completion rate was a surprisingly paltry 61.6 percent; Carr has completed 62.6 and 67.3 percent in his two seasons as a starter.