The 2014 Heisman Trophy finalists were announced Monday evening (more than half an hour after they teased it, but who’s counting?), and there weren’t many surprises among the bunch.
Finalists are determined by hitting an unspecified voting threshold. The number fluctuates as low as three (as in 2012) and as high as six (as in 2013).
Your 2014 finalists are:
Marcus Mariota, Oregon quarterback - 254-of-372 passing (68.2 percent) for 3,783 yards with 38 touchdowns against two interceptions, 117 carries for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns
Key Stat(s): Mariota leads the nation in passing efficiency at 186.33, two points ahead of 2013 winner Jameis Winston.
Odds of winning: All but guaranteed.
Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin running back - 309 carries for 2,336 yards and 26 touchdowns
Key Stat: Leads the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns. Briefly held the FBS single-game record for rushing yards.
Odds of winning: Same as his Badgers scoring a point against Ohio State.
Amari Cooper, Alabama wide receiver - 115 receptions for 1,656 yards with 14 touchdowns
Key Stat(s): Leads the nation in total receptions and total receiving yards
Odds of winning: Same as Nick Saban quitting coaching to take up synchronized swimming.
The 2014 #Heisman Trophy Finalists are Amari Cooper, Melvin Gordon, and Marcus Mariota. https://t.co/Y7rKSQJSNv
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) December 8, 2014
The 80th Heisman Trophy winner will be announced Saturday night at 8 (more like 8:55) p.m. ET on ESPN.
