Heisman Trophy Watch 2015: Why these Top 15 contenders won’t win

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Kessler should have a good season for the Trojans in his third year as a stater. In fact, he may be the first real hope the Trojans have for a Heisman winner since his predecessor, Matt Barkley. He’s got the arm and he’s got some talent around him.

USC Trojans

Why Kessler won’t win it:

USC is the overwhelming pick to win the Pac-12 this season, and Cody Kessler showed in 2014 that he’s got everything it takes to lead the Trojans to the promised land. Everything points to a year long successful Heisman campaign and a trip to New York for Kessler.

But there’s something missing, and the competition in the Pac-12 is stepping up this year, especially rival UCLA. Everyone will be gunning for USC, and defensive linemen and linebackers are going to have Kessler in the crosshairs.

Generally, it’s Heisman hopefuls like Kessler who seem to have everything in place to win it that end up falling along the way, but if he avoids the curse of top candidates from the past, he’ll be more likely than most to hoist the trophy.

Next: Boykin