5 reasons Jalen Hurd can win the 2016 Heisman

3. Narrative

The Heisman Trophy is one-third stats, one-third winning and one-third narrative.

In this case, Tennessee will serve as a big part of the narrative in telling Jalen Hurd’s story. Circle Sept. 24 in Knoxville when Tennessee plays Florida looking to snap a 12-game losing streak against its rivals. That will be the first time the Vols will be put in the national spotlight this season and be given the chance to tell a story.

Here he is setting history for Tennessee. Here he is bringing the Volunteers back to the national picture and back to the SEC Championship Game for the first time in nine years. Those stories carry weight with voters.

They at least get you publicity and help make it an easier sell to voters who may not watch every single moment of every game.

Tennessee has already taken control of the narrative this offseason. That Outback Bowl victory and the pure dominance Tennessee had along with several close losses in the four defeat the team had last year plus rival Florida’s struggles at quarterback have Tennessee as the team to beat in the SEC East. They are the prohibitive favorites.

There are expectations for this entire team to take a big step forward. Meeting those expectations, particularly early in the season, will push one of Tennessee’s two Heisman candidates to the forefront of the national conversation.

Next: Big Game Performances