History has been made yet again in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Ten years ago, Mark Ingram became the first member of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide to win the Heisman Trophy. Tonight, Bryce Young became the first quarterback from the perennial powerhouse to win college football’s most esteemed honor.
Young’s victory comes as no surprise to college football fans. Entering Saturday’s ceremony in New York, Sporting News reported that Young was a -6000 favorite to win the award. In a distant second place, Aidan Hutchinson of the University of Michigan was a +1800 favorite.
For much of the season, the four finalists, Young, Hutchinson, C.J. Stroud and Kenny Pickett, established themselves as frontrunners. However, none of the finalists could seemingly breakaway from one another. Then, Bryce Young put on the best performance of his career in the 2021 SEC Championship Game. Against the nation’s best defense, Young completed nearly 60% of his passes while throwing for more than 400 yards and three touchdowns.
Young’s success was not limited to the 2021 SEC Championship Game. He was a nightmare for defensive coordinators all season long. Through 13 games, Young threw for 4,322 yards and 43 touchdowns while only turning over the ball four times all season. Not to mention, he ran for another three touchdowns as well.
After winning the Heisman Trophy, Young will return to campus as his team prepares for the College Football Playoff. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide will face off against the undefeated Cincinnati Bearcats on December 31 in Arlington, Texas. Despite performing poorly in games against the Auburn Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers, Texas A&M Aggies and LSU Tigers, the Crimson Tide are a 13-point favorite.
