Oregon Ducks Football: Is Kenjon Barner a Heisman Finalist?
By Brian Spaen
Kenjon Barner was electric with 347 total yards on offense in Oregon’s 62-51 victory over Southern California. He torched USC’s rush defense with 321 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. It marks Barner’s sixth game with over 100 running yards and third near or over 200 yards on the ground.
Nov 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Kenjon Barner (24) leaps over Southern California Trojans safety Jawanza Starling (29) on a touchdown run at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Oregon defeated USC 62-51. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Would we make Barner one of our Heisman finalists? Even if yes or no, what three players would make the final cut on our list?
Brian: Absolutely, Barner would be on the final list after that performance. Arizona and Stanford were the only other teams to gain just a shade over 200 yards on the ground against the Trojans and the Ducks doubled that on Saturday in large part with Barner. I think having Kansas State’s Collin Klein is a must on any list, and I’d pick Alabama’s A.J. McCarron over Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o after the Irish struggled against Pittsburgh and Te’o had his lowest tackling output of the season.
Mike: Barner has to be going to New York City after a performance like he had Saturday night with many eyes watching him. I’d invite Klein, Te’o, and USC’s Marqise Lee.
Ricky: I would definitely pick Barner as a Heisman finalist. He is one of the main reasons why the Ducks are playing so well this season. The other players on my list would be Klein and Te’o. However, it is really a race between Klein and Barner. Te’o is good, but ND’s strength of schedule plays into effect. Barner and Klein have shown that they can perform amazingly no matter who the opponent is.
Other roundtable topics this week: Oregon’s defensive struggles, what to watch out for against California, and picking the national championship teams.
The Autzen Zoo staff includes lead editor Brian Spaen along with staff writers Mike Vamosi, Raymond Mencke, Jr., Ricky Widmer, and contributor Joe Soriano.