The Worst Games

Whenever a contender for the Heisman has an off day, it’s tempting to conclude that his chances to win the award have been diminished or even eliminated altogether.

That is often the case but, as it turns out, it’s a pretty common thing for a Heisman winner to have a rough outing or two. Most have had at least one, if not two, sub-par games on their way to winning the award. Some of them happened early in the season and some happened late.

But they happened. And they walked away with the trophy anyway.  The lesson here seems to be that when it comes time to cast their ballots, Heisman voters tend to look at the season’s big picture rather than dwell on a single snapshot.

With that in mind, here is a look a few of the worst outings by Heisman winners in the last 40 or so years.

Our criteria: Statistical production that was a significant departure from that of the rest of the Heisman winner’s season.

2016
Lamar Jackson vs. Houston
Stat line: 20 of 43 for 211 yards, 1 TD, 95.41 passer rating, 33 rush yards on 25 carries.
Result: Houston 36, Louisville 10

2012
Johnny Manziel vs. LSU
Stat line: 29 of 56 for 276 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs, 82.48 passer rating, 27 rush yards.
Result: LSU 24, Texas A&M 19

2009
Mark Ingram vs. Auburn
Stat line: 30 yards on 16 carries, 0 TDs, 3 catches for 21 yards.
Result: Alabama 26, Auburn 21

Mark Ingram vs. Arkansas
Stat line: 50 yards on 17 carries, 1 TD, 3 catches for 21 yards.
Result: Alabama 35, Arkansas 7

2007
Tim Tebow vs. LSU
Stat line: 12 of 26 for 158 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 114.89 rating, 67 rush yards, 1 TD.
Result: LSU 28, Florida 24

2006
Troy Smith vs. Illinois
Stat line: 13 of 23 for 108 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 87.27 rating
Result: Ohio State 23, Illinois 13

2003
Jason White vs. Kansas State
Stat line: 27 of 50 for 298 yards, 0 TDs, 2 inteceptions, 96.06 passer rating.
Result: Kansas State 35, Oklahoma 7

2002
Carson Palmer vs. Kansas State
Stat line: 18 of 46 for 186 yards, 1 TD, 80.27 passer rating.
Result: Kansas State 27, USC 20

2001
Eric Crouch vs. Notre Dame
Stat line: 6 of 9 for 88 yards, 1 TD, 31 yards on 14 carries.
Result: Nebraska 27, Notre Dame 10

1999
Ron Dayne vs. Minnesota
Stat line: 80 yards on 25 carries, 1 TD.
Result: Wisconsin 20, Minnesota 17

1998
Ricky Williams vs. Kansas State
Stat line: 43 yards on 25 carries, 1 catch for 6 yards.
Result: Kansas State 48, Texas 7

1992
Gino Torretta vs. Penn State
Stat line: 11 of 31 for 80 yards, 0 TDs, 57.16 rating.
Result: Miami 17, Penn State 14

1990
Ty Detmer vs. Oregon
Stat line: 33 of 57, 442 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs, 117.07 rating, -56 rush yards.
Result: Oregon 32, BYU 16

1989
Andre Ware vs. Texas A&M
Stat line: 28 of 52 for 247 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, 88.55 rating, -46 rush yards.
Result: Texas A&M 17, Houston 13

1985
Bo Jackson vs. Florida
Stat line: 48 yards on 16 carries, 0 TDs.
Result: Florida 14, Auburn 10

1984
Doug Flutie vs. Syracuse
Stat line: 10 of 21 for 136 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 92.50 rating.
Result: Boston College 24, Syracuse 16

1982
Herschel Walker vs. Clemson
Stat line: 20 yards on 11 carries, 0 TDs.
Result: Georgia 13, Clemson 7

1975
Archie Griffin vs. Michigan
Stat line: 46 yards on 19 carries, 3 catches for 13 yards.
Result: Ohio State 21, Michigan 14