Fansided

5 Reasons Royce Freeman can win the 2016 Heisman Trophy

By Richard Cuthbertson

Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball into the red zone in the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball into the red zone in the first quarter against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals fans cheer with defense sign during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals fans cheer with defense sign during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Oregon plays in the defensively challenged Pac-12

Increasing Freeman’s odds of winning the Heisman is the fact that he plays in the Pac-12 conference. One thing the Pac-12 is known for is it’s inferior defenses. Last season only one Pac-12 team (Washington) finished in the top 30 in the country in scoring defense. Conversely, the Pac-12 had five defenses (California, Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State and Oregon) give up 30 or more points per game.

Oregon’s 2016 schedule features nine teams that gave up an average of 25 points or more per game. Looking at its first five opponents, it is just terrible defense after terrible defense. The soft slate should give Freeman a chance to put up gaudy numbers and throw his hat in the Heisman ring early.

Once the Freeman hype train leaves the station it has the chance to pick up steam facing these bad defenses. The toughest defense from last year that they will face is Washington in Week 6 and it will be at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. Freeman averaged 159 yards per game at home last year so that should neutralize the best defense that he will have to face all season.

Also helping Freeman is the fact that his own defense is very friendly to other teams. Oregon should be involved in a lot of high-scoring, viewer-friendly affairs this upcoming season. Many of their games will get plenty of people talking because people love offense. What better way to get your name out there than having a thrilling 67-64 victory where you rack up a ton of yardage.

Next: Trip to the CFP?

Home/College Football