Leonard Fournette might be the Heisman Trophy frontrunner, but how he plays Saturday against the University of Alabama will go a long way to determine whether he will receive the trophy.
An impressive showing against the Crimson Tide would mean Fournette has one hand on the trophy. Likewise, a dismal display could dash his chances of taking home the hardware.
Fournette’s résumés already looks as good as, if not better than, the rest of the contenders. He averages nearly 200 rushing yards per game and nearly eight yards per carry.
Heck, Fournette has more than twice as many touchdowns as games played.
He stiff arms with the force of a thousand punches and his spin moves are video game-like.
The footage of him flipping defenders over his head is jaw-dropping. Seeing Fournette run through defenders as if they weren’t there is mesmerizing.
But this is the game Fournette must perform in to ensure he gets the majority of the votes. Voters want to see Fournette put the team on his back for the biggest game on LSU’s schedule.
The dazzling plays against previous opponents were important for putting Fournette in the national spotlight. Now, he must deliver while everyone is watching.
I’m not taking anything away from Fournette’s 244-yard performance against Syracuse University or his 228-yard, three-touchdown performance against Auburn. The numbers he posted in those games (and pretty much every game this season) were ridiculous.
But Alabama is the best team on LSU’s schedule. The Tide would be in the College Football Playoff if the season ended today.
For the fourth straight season, the Tide and Tigers are meeting in primetime on CBS. This is the game everyone will watch, and all eyes will be on Fournette.
People who win the Heisman always have a defining game or two — this could be Fournette’s.
Johnny Manziel stole the spotlight from everyone else when he led Texas A&M University to victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2012— Fournette could do the same this season.
Alabama’s rushing defense is ranked third in the nation, allowing just 78.5 yards per game. The Tide’s front seven is ruthless. Any yard Fournette accumulates this game will be hard-earned. Any highlights Fournette provides this game will be so much more valuable than in any other.
If he can post solid numbers and LSU wins the game, he’ll solidify his status as the Heisman favorite. Fair or not, he will have to perform admirably against the best to be considered the best.
Jack Woods is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter @Jack_TDR.