5 reasons Jalen Hurd can win the Heisman

5 reasons Jalen Hurd can win the 2016 Heisman

Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs past Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Drew Smith (55) during the second half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jalen Hurd, Tennessee Volunteers, Missouri Tigers

Nov 21, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball as Missouri Tigers defensive back Anthony Sherrils (22) attempts the tackle during the second half at Faurot Field. Tennessee won the game 19-8. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

4. When he runs efficiently, they win

No doubt teams that win are able to control the ball and the clock. When a team is coming from behind, the offense is not likely able to run the ball effectively, needing quicker strikes to get back into the game.

It should be noted Hurd was better in Tennessee wins than in losses. He rushed for 895 yards on 188 carries (4.8 yards per carries) in nine wins (99.4 yards per game) compared to 390 yards on 89 carries (4.4 yards per carry) in four losses (97.5 yards per game).

Those are small differences and these are small sample sizes, but Hurd was not only consistent but better in wins.

In the Vols’ nine wins last year, Hurd averaged 20.9 carries per game. in the four losses, he had 22.3 carries per game.

It is not a complete picture, but it certainly would suggest when Hurd is efficient with his carries — getting a lot of yards per carries and closer to 20 carries than 25 carries — he is far more effective.

There is not any reason to think he could hit those marks this year with his consistency and with some help from the depth Tennessee has at running back. The only risk is getting some poachers for touchdowns.

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