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

Oct 30, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Grantham talks with safety Gerod Holliman (8) during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Papa John

6. Gerod Holliman, Safety, Louisville Cardinals (7-3, 5-3 ACC)

Last Game: 3 Interceptions, 4 Tackles, 53 INT Return Yards (Defeated Boston College Eagles 38-19 Two Weeks Ago)

For 2014 Season: 13 Interceptions, 31 Tackles, 180 INT Return Yards, 1 Touchdown

When we talk about the criteria for the Heisman trophy, it sometimes has simply got to be a numbers game. That’s what won Tim Tebow the Heisman in 2007 despite Florida going 9-4 that year.

And it’s what is keeping Gerod Holliman in the Heisman race this year despite the Lousville Cardinals being 7-3 in the ACC. Holliman has an incredible 13 interceptions, 180 interception return yards, and a touchdown. It’s sad that he didn’t get to play this past week.

We had to miss out on the safety racking up more stats.

This is an Ed Reed-type player who knows how to be all over the field, and he has proven that all year. If he has another game like the one he had against Boston College two weeks ago, he’ll shoot up this list, and we won’t hesitate.

But we need to see just a little bit more before we bump him up since he’s doing this in the ACC and his team is 7-3. The interceptions record could be the goal. Shoot for that first.

Next: No. 5 Ranked Heisman Trophy Candidate