Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in college football history. Since joining the Tide, McCarron has been a member of three BCS championship teams, while serving as the team’s starting quarterback for two.
With career totals of 5,956 passing yards, 49 touchdowns, a 66.7 completion percentage and 460 completions, McCarron has an opportunity to capture every major Alabama passing record in 2013. However, McCarron’s trophy case is missing just one piece of hardware: a Heisman Trophy.
Despite leading the most dominant program in college football, the Alabama quarterback has yet to finish within the top-10 of the Heisman voting since taking the reins in Tuscaloosa. McCarron is typically a preseason nominee, but the emergence of individual superstars, his team’s level of talent and Alabama’s strong running game always seem to hinder his chances.
The odds that McCarron will likely see an increase in his individual production are high. Last season, McCarron nearly doubled his touchdown total and added 299 passing yards from his 2011 totals. The Tide are once again without the previous season’s leading rusher. However, sophomore T.J. Yeldon finished just 214 yards behind Eddie Lacy and will likely be the focal point of the Alabama offense.
The Heisman hype will also play a major factor in McCarron’s chances. His quest of dominance throughout the Alabama record book could create enough buzz to push his campaign.
However, McCarron will need a signature moment to successfully capture the title this season. As Alabama continues to dominate the college football landscape, McCarron will likely have a much easier path than his competition.
Unless a team can provide a true test for the defending champions, the Tide quarterback will not be called upon to provide a clutch, defining moment the likes of Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III and other past winners.
McCarron will undoubtedly provide a proper ending to a historic college career this season. However, it may be a fool’s bet to choose him as a Heisman favorite.
