Picture this. There is a sophomore running back, who’s coming off a freshman season where he led the Big Ten in rushing by over 500 yards. He’s entering the season on the fourth ranked team in the country, who also happens to have the nation’s best offensive line. Chances are you’d think this player has a decent shot at taking home the Heisman Trophy, right?
All the circumstances are in place, and Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor will win the Heisman.
With the Badgers falling just short of the college football playoff last season and starting in the playoff picture this year, Taylor will garner plenty of attention on the national stage every Saturday. Additionally, this year’s schedule is far from Wisconsin’s relatively easy march to a 13-1 record last season. The Badgers should get a little more respect with formidable opponents such as No. 14 Michigan and No. 10 Penn State on the conference schedule, in addition to a possible Big-10 championship rematch with Ohio State.
While a harder conference schedule would usually indicate less potential for high yardage performances by Taylor, Wisconsin is retaining all of their starting offensive lineman as well as a strong skill position core, including QB Alex Hornibrook. Experience is indispensable, and Wisconsin has gained it in many important offensive facets this season.
Despite the more difficult schedule, Taylor should be able to rack up some big yardage against non-conference opponents Western Kentucky, New Mexico, BYU, and lower-tier conference opponents such as Rutgers and Illinois.
The bottom line is, Taylor is very good. He would still be great on a different team, but the supporting cast he has at Wisconsin could very well win him the Heisman. Josh told you that Bryce Love’s Stanford squad has a fantastic offensive line as well. This is true, but Wisconsin’s men up front are unrivaled, with three All-Americans returning, in addition to backups that would be starters at any other school. Combine the country’s best O-Line with a top five running back, and that’s the recipe for a Heisman Trophy.
