There is a lot of pressure involved with being the face of a college football program. Some perceived superstars have proven incapable of handling the buildup. Some lose the game with their mind much easier than the game on the field. On the contrary, an athlete who has the desire and determination for victory can defeat those mental demons rather routinely.
Bryce Love was one of the best running backs in the country last season and had the potential of being a high first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He had the second- most rushing yards in the country with 2,118 and caused problems for opposing defenses. However, Love turned down the glamour, fame and extraordinary paycheck of being a first round pick because he wanted more from his Stanford career. He has the necessary determination and skill set to win the 2018 Heisman Trophy.
Of course, Love’s primary goal in 2018 is winning the College Football Playoff. Should that happen, the offense will revolve around him. Love has displayed all of the necessary tools to grow as a player and leader since the end of last season. His tenacity and leadership combined with his football ability and extraordinary offensive line are a recipe for success both as a team and as a Heisman candidate.
One of Love’s biggest competitors for the Heisman is Jonathan Taylor of the Wisconsin Badgers. Larry will tell you Wisconsin has an even better offensive line and team surrounding him. This is true, but not relevant for this conversation. Taylor had an outstanding freshman year, but now the opposition can learn his tendencies through game tape. It is totally unknown how Taylor will deal with any adversity thrown his way, because he has not dealt with it on the biggest stage. Love has dealt with pressure and, in his mind, failure. Bryce Love has a significantly higher chance of winning the Heisman Trophy this season than Jonathan Taylor.
