DRC column: UNT being ambitious in promoting Mason for Heisman, and that's fine

Brett Vito · June 6, 2019

DRC: History shows that odds are stacked against Group of Five players, but Fine has beaten the odds throughout his career

https://www.dentonrc.com/sports/brett-vito-unt-being-ambitious-in-promoting-fine-for-heisman/article_99691530-b709-575f-bda5-098b8dd60eba.html

NorthTexasWeLove · June 6, 2019

Step 1: Go an undefeated 13-0.

Step 2: Have ridiculous stats; 4500 yards passing. 40 TDs, under 10 picks

Step 3: There not be a clear cut Heisman favorite so it waters down the field and allows a sleeper to get even recognition.

Unfortunately, even if steps 1 & 2 happen (which would be awesome), there is a clear cut favorite for Heisman in 1A. Lawrence and 1B. Tua. The national media are going to stroke their ego and just gaga over any kind of "Heisman moment" so they can flash the highlights and have talking heads drooling over their perfection. We like to think voters vote for the Heisman, but ESPN steers their voting tendencies all season long. It should be called, "The ESPN Hype Trophy presented by whoever writes us the biggest check".

Wag Tag · June 6, 2019

Just get invited!! Go Mason GMG!

jdennis82 · June 6, 2019

The closest comp I can see is when Jordan Lynch (Northern Illinois) came in 3rd in 2013.

At the point he was named a finalist, Northern Ilinois was 12-1 (after starting 12-0). His stat line before the bowl game was

2,676 Passing Yards
1,881 Rushing Yards
46 touchdowns (22 rushing, 23 passing, and 1 receiving.)

Source: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/10111560/heisman-trophy-finalists-jordan-lynch-johnny-manziel-tre-mason-aj-mccarron-andre-williams-jameis-winston

The opportunities are there for Mason.

Cal is thought to have one of the better LB/Secondary groups in the nation. A strong performance against them - and a victory - would garner more attention than the Arkansas win did last year.

Houston and D'Eriq King will bring a salty squad to Denton ready to fire back at whatever Fine throws their way. Win a classic G5 shootout against a fellow Heisman dark horse and the buzz would begin in earnest.

May be an uphill battle but one thing is certain... the #6forHeisman campaign is a signal to all recruits that with hard work you can dream big and get noticed in Denton.