Heisman Trophy Watch: Why Marcus Mariota is Not No. 1

Nov 29, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals safety Gerod Holliman (8) returns an interception against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Papa John

4. Gerod Holliman, Safety, Louisville Cardinals (9-3, 5-3)

Last Game: One Interception Returned for 65 Yards, Five Tackles (Defeated Kentucky Wildcats 44-40)

2014 Season: 14 Interceptions, 37 Tackles, 245 Interceptions Return Yards,  One Touchdown

As we have constantly said all season, most Heisman Trophy candidates should be leading their teams to some type of championship-caliber season unless they have a ridiculously amazing year from a numbers perspective. Gerod Holliman has had a ridiculously amazing year.

Holliman tied the NCAA record for interceptions after picking up his 14th this past Saturday against the in-state rival Kentucky Wildcats, and he is a big reason for two of the team’s last three wins. He saved the game against Kentucky, and he came up with three interceptions against Boston College, which was probably why they won that game. An interception against Miami in the opener was also a big deal along with an interception at North Carolina State.

Holliman has come through in the biggest moments all season, and while Bobby Petrino’s offense has struggled at times this year, surprisingly, this sophomore safety was always there to lead a defense that carried this team to a 9-3 record and gave it momentum going into the future under Petrino. As a result, he belongs in our Heisman Trophy race.

Next: No. 3 Ranked Heisman Candidate