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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Oct 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) carries for a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Big Game Performances

Adding on to the narrative piece, winning the Heisman is also about showing up when the spotlight is on. When the nation is watching, Heisman winners have to perform in these big games.

Hurd did that in the Outback Bowl with 130 yards on 24 carries. Against Florida last year — a game that aired on CBS — he had 102 yards on 28 carries with two touchdowns. Against Alabama, he had 92 yards on 18 carries. Against Oklahoma, he had 106 yards on 24 carries.

Hurd certainly showed up in some big games for the Volunteers. Those are not quite Heisman-level numbers, though.

If Hurd can put up big statistical performances when Tennessee plays Florida, Alabama, Virginia Tech (at Bristol Motor Speedway) and Georgia, Hurd will have to have a big game. There is no reason to think he will not be based on how he did last year when Tennessee was supposedly not nearly as good.

Getting more big-game performances puts Hurd’s name in front of others. And he is more than capable of doing just that for a team looking to take a step forward in 2016.

Next: Opportunity

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