Suh Could Make Heisman History

When the winner of the Heisman Trophy is announced Saturday Night in New York City's Downtown Athletic Club there could be a little history made.

Ndamukong Suh a defensive lineman from the University of Nebraska is one of the five finalists invited to the award ceremony. He could become the first defense only player to win the Heisman Trophy. Charles Woodson won the award in 1997 but played both wide receiver and defensive back. Although the feat seems unlikely, there are strong reasons why he could win the award.

Suh was a dominating force on Nebraska's defensive line all season. This was exemplified on National TV during the Big 12 title game. He was the driving force in shutting down a high powered Texas offense to its lowest total points for the season. He also sacked fellow Heisman Trophy finalist Colt McCoy four and a half times in the game. NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. said on ESPN's Sportscenter, "In my 32 years of covering the NFL Draft Suh is the best defensive lineman I have ever seen." That is pretty high praise.

What may hurt Suh more than his playing position is that his team lost four games. In Nebraska's loss against Iowa State committed 8 turnovers yet Suh and the defense yielded only nine points off of the eight turnovers. The Cornhuskers lost 9 to 7, but that is an amazing accomplishment to give up three field goals off eight turnovers. Suh led the charge in that game. Suh had eight total tackles, including one sack and one tackle for loss.

This is a down year for Heisman Trophy candidates. Quarterbacks usually receive most of the attention for the award, but there has not been a quarterback that has stepped up and showed he is the top candidate. Tim Tebow of Florida had a good year, but this was his worst year statistically as a starter. McCoy also had his worst year statistically as a starter and lost his chance at winning the award with a poor performance in the Big 12 title game against Nebraska and Suh.

There are two running backs that are finalists for the trophy, Mark Ingram from Alabama and Toby Gerhart from Stanford. Ingram is probably the favorite to win the award. He led the Crimson Tide past Tebow's Gators to win the SEC championship and claim a spot in the BCS National Championship game. But, the award is not supposed to go to the best player on the best team. According to Heisman.com, "The Heisman Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity."

Gerhart is kind of the wild card for the Heisman. He is a throwback big physical running back that hits hard and plays hard on every down. He was the heart and soul of the Stanford football team. Tim Brown, former Heisman winner from Notre Dame, said on Sportscenter that Gerhart was his choice for the Heisman. Stanford also lost four games which could hurt Gerhart.

Suh has support from ESPN.com's Joe Schad and The Denver Post's Woody Paige who both said they were going to vote him number one on ESPN telecasts.

But, being that there is not a clear cut favorite for this Award it should be an interesting result that could prove to be historic.