Michigan Football: 3 reasons Aidan Hutchinson should win Heisman Trophy

3. Aidan Hutchinson was at his best when his best was needed

Aidan Hutchinson changed the 2021 Heisman Trophy race when he sacked C.J. Stroud three times and led the Wolverines to a 42-27 win over Ohio State.

That ended Stroud’s hopes of winning the Heisman and thrust Hutchinson into the race, as Michigan football coaches were saying he deserved all along.

One big reason for that is his ability to deliver when it matters most.

Against Ohio State, Hutchinson had three sacks and 15 pressures — the most ever according to Pro Football Focus. In a key game against Penn State, a game Michigan had to have, on the road, to keep its Big Ten title hopes alive, Hutchinson also notched three sacks and a forced fumble.

Against Washington, in primetime early in the season, when Michigan was looking to send a message that 2021 was different — he had 2.5 sacks. Even against Michigan State, he had one, as well as one in the Big Ten title game against Iowa.

His 14 sacks, which are second in the country, also don’t address what he does as a run defender. He’s elite in all aspects and drew countless holding calls, while also being held many times without it being called (watch the tape if you don’t believe me).

If Big Ten refs knew what holding was, Hutchinson probably would have gotten 20 sacks this season. He’s that good and for all the reasons mentioned, he deserves to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night.