How many wins would it take to get Taylor to NYC with stats like those? I would imagine we would need to be in the conference title game again for him to get an invite.
Including a championship game I'd say we need to be at 11 wins, 10 if they're all hyper competitive but that'd be a stretch.
Probably 11 during the regular season. More importantly, he would need to have a huge game early on against UCLA, and he would need another great game against Michigan. It would help if Michigan and Nebraska played each other undefeated.
I found it interesting he has more career fumbles than touchdown passes. That's remarkable. For better or worse.devnet said:
I dont think he needs to have a big game against UCLA. In fact, he could actually struggle early in the season if he catches fire, has huge games against the Michigans and gets that signature moment. If the defense is erratic as we expect but he is lights out and carries the team to wins anyway, that would be a big plus as well. Remember, the Heisman as transpired into this "what have you done for me lately" award that is very seldom, if ever, based on the entire body of work.
I get your point but I'm not sure I agree. Taylor will have plenty of games to pad the stats if the schedule is as lenient as people think it will be. On the other edge of that sword, there will not be many hyped games this year. I think it is safe to assume that UCLA, Michigan, and a CCG would be his best shot for impressing on a big stage. If he misses on UCLA then he isn't in any conversations until November at best. The media's love affair with Braxton Miller will put Taylor in an uphill battle when he gets tagged "not even the best in his conference". They have come around on Taylor quite a bit but I have yet to see Taylor referenced in any top QB list nationally. If he doesn't start changing minds early then he may not have a chance to later on.
You're right that the Heisman is somewhat of a "what have you done for me lately," award, but it is also an award that has more to do with hype than actual productivity. If Taylor struggles against UCLA on a national stage, he doesn't have a chance to get back into the conversation until November agains Michigan. He might be able to make a Suh-like charge at the end of the season and get to NYC, but he wouldn't have a shot at winning.
) dissecting his performance.