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

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) throws the ball as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Geno Smith (24) closes-in during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

5. Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-1, 5-1 SEC)

Last Game: 27-of-48 (56.3%) for 290 Yards, 22 Carries for 82 Yards (3.7 YPC), 2 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions (Lost to Alabama Crimson Tide 25-20)

Season: 173-of-287 (60.3%) for 2,521 Yards, 165 Carries for 861 Yards (5.2 YPC), 31 Touchdowns, 10 Interceptions

We are prepared to eat crow on this one. Unfortunately, we have had Dak Prescott at the top of our Heisman Trophy race all season long. But after the way Mississippi State lost to Alabama, we had no choice but to knock him down significantly.

It was mistakes by Prescott that cost the Bulldogs that game. You can’t throw 3 interceptions and blow six chances for touchdowns when your in Alabama territory, many times in the Red Zone, and expect to win. But Prescott simply blew it in the biggest game of the year, and we have to hold him accountable.

Yes, Alabama’s defense is stacked. Yes, Prescott made lots of great plays to put the Bulldogs back in the game. But it was his mistakes that gave the game away to Alabama, and they were critical.

He still is in the Heisman race because Mississippi State could still potentially play for an SEC and national championship. And the Egg Bowl is still another big game for Prescott, so don’t count him out just yet.

But the loss Saturday was a bad one, and we can’t ignore it.

Next: No. 4 Ranked Heisman Trophy Candidate