Post-Week 12 Heisman Trophy Watch: Melvin Gordon, Amari Cooper Rise

Aug 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive back Senquez Golson (21) intercepts the ball in the end zone thrown by Boise State Broncos quarterback Grant Hedrick (not pictured) in the first quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports

7. Senquez Golson, Cornerback, Ole Miss Rebels (8-2, 4-2 in SEC)

Last Game: 1 Tackle (Defeated Presbyterian Blue Hose 48-0 Two Weeks Ago)

For 2014 Season: 9 Interceptions, 29 Tackles, 126 INT Return Yards, 1 Touchdown

Talk about getting back into a race. Auburn’s upset loss to Georgia and Alabama’s win over Mississippi State has all of a sudden put this team right back in position to compete for the SEC West Championship.

And Senquez Golson is the reason this team has had a chance all year.

Golson has an astounding 9 interceptions and always pulls them down in the big games, including against Auburn, Alabama, and LSU. He has been a game-changer for the Rebels from the start, and going forward, he is going to be the difference-maker if they sneak into the championship game.

What stands out about Golson most and keeps him in the Heisman race, though, is not just his numbers, though they are great. It’s that he comes through in the biggest moments, like Rashad Grene. It was Golson that had the game-saving interception for Ole Miss to beat Alabama earlier this year. Golson has consistently come through in the biggest games of the year.

And now, with the season winding down, he’s needed more than ever. The Rebels still have a lot to play for. And so does Golson.

Next: No. 6 Ranked Heisman Trophy Candidate