Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh nearly guided the Huskers past No. 2 Texas last Saturday in the Big 12 Championship Game. His performance was so dominating that Heisman voters, despite their penchant for ignoring defensive players, decided to make the big man a finalist at this weekend's ceremony at the Nokia Theatre in New York City (8:00pm ET ESPN). Heisman Trophy Odds at online bookmaker Sportsbook.com have Suh listed at +500 on the moneyline to win the coveted award.
Just the fact that Ndamukong Suh was invited to New York speaks volumes about his play this season. The last defensive
finalist for the Heisman, and the only defensive player to win the trophy, was Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson back in 1997.
So, what did voters see to prompt the unusual invitation? Most likely they watched the 6'5" senior destroy an undefeated Texas offense last Saturday, recording 4.5 sacks of fellow finalist Colt McCoy and 12 tackles, seven of which went for losses. That showing, perhaps, provoked a little more digging, which would have turned up the following information: 82 tackles (23 for loss), 12 sacks, 10 passes defended, three blocked kicks, and one interception.
Suh led a Nebraska defense that allowed 11.2 points and 284 yards per game and limited its opposition to 2.8 yards per carry and 5.4 yards per pass. The unit also recorded 42 sacks and gave up just 55 second half points on the season.
While Suh's defensive coordinator Carl Pelini might be biased, he was adamant that the Portland, Oregon native certainly deserves the Heisman consideration that he is getting.
"He deserves every honor he gets, and more," Pelini said. "In my opinion, he is without a doubt the best player in college football."
If Suh does walk away with the Heisman Trophy, he would become the fourth Husker to do so, joining Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, and Eric Crouch.
Sportsbook.com Heisman Trophy Odds: Ndamukong Suh
Mark Ingram -350
Colt McCoy +125
Toby Gerhart +300
Ndamukong Suh +500
Tim Tebow +1500
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