Heisman Race 2013: Ranking the 2013 Heisman Trophy Finalists | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Team W-L: 8-4

Season Stats: 69.1 CMP%, 3,732 YDS, 33 TDS, 13 INTS, 170.4 RAT, 133 CAR, 686 YDS, 8 TDS

The Skinny

Let’s be honest, Johnny Manziel has absolutely no chance to win his second consecutive Heisman. But there’s no doubt that the sophomore belongs at the ceremony in New York City this weekend.

Sure, his season might not be as spectacular as last season, but Manziel has focused on becoming a better passer in 2013.

And given that he has set new career highs in passing yards and passer rating, it’s safe to say Manziel has accomplished that goal.

Why He Deserves to Win

Time after time, Manziel has put the Aggies on his back.

There’s no other option when your team’s defense concedes 30.9 points and 460.3 yards per game.

Six times this season Texas A&M has allowed opponents to top 30 points. But thanks to Manziel, the team has won four of those games.

Furthermore, the Kerrville, Texas, native had one of the more impressive stretches of the season at one point.

In a four-game stretch from Oct. 19 to Nov. 9, Manziel racked up 1,651 total yards of offense while finding the end zone 20 times. That includes passing for at least four touchdowns in each contest.

It’s hard to argue against those facts.

Why He Won’t Win It

Although his hot streak was impressive, Manziel fell flat on his face when Texas A&M needed him most.

During the team’s final two games—both on the road versus then-No. 22 LSU and then-No. 5 Missouri—Manziel lost his footing. He threw for just 419 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 52.3 percent passing during the games while being held to only 75 rushing yards on 23 carries.

The losses not only dropped the Aggies out of contention for a BCS bowl but also moved the team to 0-4 against Top 25 opponents this season.

That’s not going to get it done.

What They’re Saying

Manziel told the media (via The Houston Chronicle's Brent Zwerneman), "I wasn’t even in (the race) for a long time last year and didn’t really get much into (following) it last year. I’m the same way this year. My sole focus is, and I want nothing more than, to win these last two games and get into a good bowl game."