Stetson Bennett named Heisman Trophy finalist, Georgia quarterback gets invited to 2022 ceremony

Spdawg

This narrative about not deserving has to stop. Stetson’s performance against teams that matter is above any of the other QB finalists.

MontanaDawg

Criteria for the Heisman:

Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. It is presented by the Heisman Trophy Trust in early December before the postseason bowl games. Outstanding performance which best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.

OFFICIALLY, you need to be the best football player in the country as determined by the electors. This is a group of 870 sportswriters and 58 former Heisman winners. It’s as simple as that.

UNOFFICIALLY: There are three unspoken factors that influence winning.

1. Position: While any position can win the Heisman, it usually goes to an offensive player that handles the ball (QB, running back, receiver). In part, this is because scoring and/or passing for TDs is an easy barometer of success. Last year Chase Young, a defensive player from Ohio State was a finalist. Was he the “best” player in the nation? Many offensive lineman might have thought so. But it’s hard to prove from a statistical standpoint. In one game he didn’t have many tackles. Why? He was triple-teamed most of the game. While being triple-teamed is a massive sign of respect, there is no statistical yardstick for an elector to use to say, “He’s the best.”
2. School: Major football programs have more “eyeballs” watching their games. Hence, their players from major programs have a distinct advantage. Did you know the State of Ohio has TWO exceptional college football programs? Ohio State (Div. I) and Mount Union College (Div. III). What’s their Heisman count? OSU 7, Mount Union 0. Enough said.
3. Record: It is assumed that the best football player will have an impact on his team beyond his position. While not all Heisman winners concurrently have national championship ring, it is assumed their team was in the hunt for one. That’s why you’ll hear that a Heisman candidate’s chances have been reduced if his team suffers a loss, even if he had nothing to do with the cause of the defeat.

This helps Explain why some other players mentioned aren't finalists.

Stet definitely fits the criteria and the Dawgs are still in the hunt.

UGADad20

SBIV has played well this year. He has improved most of his game over last season. Especially knowledge of the offense and cutting down on recklessness. He has driven the bus and game managed well.

I find it very interesting that the (unofficial?) Heisman criteria implies the award goes to "the best football player in the country".

Yet SBIV is not the offensive player of the year (Hooker) in the SEC. SBIV is not the 1st team QB in the SEC (Hooker) or even the 2nd team QB (Young) in the SEC.

Can you be the best player in the country and not be one of the top 2 QB's in your own conference?

SBIV has been a great story. Will be interesting to see how the final chapter is written.

reddawg1

Glad we have SB, glad he's talked about as one of the best playes in College Football. But is he the best player in CFB. Is CJ Stroud? Is the QB for SC? The very best players in the nation? I don't think so. Hooker? No way. Certainly all these guys are in the mix for who gives their team the best chance to win on Saturday or for the best QB's in the nation. But best players?

Maybe the Heisman has just become who is the most popular player or who has more "it" factor. I don't know, but the best player? The best "player" on UGA's team is Brock Bowers day in and day out!