Heisman 2016: 5 reasons Dede Westbrook should win

By John Buhler | Dec 8, 2016

Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) cannot make a catch as Baylor Bears cornerback Ryan Reid (9) defends during the first quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 3, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) celebrates his touchdown catch in front of Iowa State Cyclones band members at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Pac-12 and the SEC don’t have a Heisman finalist

We cannot overlook this. Not having a Pac-12 or a SEC Heisman finalist is massive for Westbrook’s chances to win the 2016 Trophy. West Coast voters would be throwing their vote away if they gave it to Washington’s Jake Browning or even San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey. SEC voters could side with either ACC quarterback, but would still really wish that Allen was there on the behalf of Alabama.

Yes, Westbrook’s teammate Mayfield will be in New York with him, but there are two major Power 5 conferences without a representative at the 2016 Heisman Trophy ceremony. Expect the ACC to fracture to some degree between Jackson and Watson. Even some of the most parochial voters in the Big Ten region would struggle to give the award to Michigan’s Peppers because he is a defensive player.

In short, there are available Heisman votes all across the country that aren’t shamelessly committed to the best player from their region. The Pac-12 and SEC have rabid fan bases and very educated voters in the sport of college football. It would not be shocking to see a few Southeastern and West Coast voters cast their ballot in favor of Westbrook.

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