Heisman Trophy Watch Week 12: Trevone Boykin, Marcus Mariota Move Up

Nov 8, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Trevone Boykin, Quarterback, TCU Horned Frogs (7-2, 5-1 in Big 12)

Last Game: 23-of-34 for 219 Yards (67.6%), 17 Carries for 123 Yards (7.2 YPC), 4 Total Touchdowns (Defeated Kansas State Wildcats 41-20)

For 2014 Season: 203-of-350 for 2,691 Yards (58%), 111 Carries for 546 Yards (4.9 YPC), 30 Total Touchdowns, 4 Interceptions

Yes, we are aware that Marcus Mariota has better numbers than Trevone Boykin across the board. That’s completely irrelevant to us, though, once you take other things into account. TCU has played more good FBS teams than Oregon. TCU has definitely played better defenses than Oregon. And to a point, Boykin has come up better in the bigger moments than Mariota.

We don’t want to take too much away from Mariota and what he’s done against Michigan State and Utah. But despite all the stats, Boykin’s comeback against West Virginia surpasses both of those. He had a terrible game, but his intangibles burst onto the scene in huge form in that game that hindered his play because of the heavy wind.

Then came the game against Kansas State, and Boykin managed to dominate through the air and on the ground in his most efficient game to date from start to finish. We don’t believe Mariota could have done that against Kansas State. So while the stats favor Mariota, the eye test favors Boykin. And he’s very close to being No. 1 to us. But……..

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