Ranking the most dominant Heisman campaigns of the last 25 years

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 13: Marcus Mariota, quarterback for the University of Oregon Ducks, hoist the trophy after being named the 80th Heisman Memorial Trophy Award winner during the 2014 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Best Buy Theater on December 13, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: Photographer approval needed for all Commercial License requests. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images for The Heisman) /

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WACO, TX – AUGUST 31: Former Baylor Bears quarterback Robert Griffin III attends a game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium on August 31, 2014 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

13. Robert Griffin III

Griffin III came out of nowhere to win the 2011 Heisman Trophy, narrowly upsetting heavy preseason favorite Andrew Luck in the process.

A four-star dual-threat quarterback out of Copperas Cove, Texas, Griffin III committed to Art Briles at Houston over a number of higher-profile programs before following the head coach to struggling Baylor ahead of the 2008 season. Griffin III was immediately given the starting quarterback job and impressed right away with 28 total touchdowns to win the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Award.

A shortened sophomore campaign followed due to a torn ACL, although Griffin rebounded with a solid 2010 campaign. Finally at full strength, Griffin was outstanding the next season with 4,293 passing yards, 699 rushing yards and 47 total touchdowns to six interceptions, leading Baylor to its first 10-win season since 1980.

While those were some of the most impressive numbers by a dual-threat quarterback in college football history, Griffin was not guaranteed the Heisman with Luck also racking up huge numbers as a senior. Griffin received 405 first place votes en route to topping Luck by 280 points, with Alabama’s Trent Richardson not far behind in third place.

Even if Griffin’s margin of victory wasn’t the most dominant over the past quarter-century, his sheer statistical prowess deserves some recognition.

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