‘The Heisman Trophy has to come back to Stillwater’

Jan. 3—The 35th anniversary of the greatest individual season in the history of college football went under the radar in the town least likely to forget it.

In no manner did Oklahoma State recognize Barry Sanders’ 1988 season. It celebrated the 20th anniversary with a limited edition bobblehead, sold 25th anniversary gear and named Sanders and the War Pigs as grand marshals of Homecoming 2018.

Thirty-five must be an unsexy number — except for the fact that Sanders was honored at the coin toss of this past Holiday Bowl, where he ran for 222 yards and a record five touchdowns 35 years prior.

Sanders will always be Oklahoma State’s greatest, but this may have been his last year as its only Heisman Trophy winner if Ollie Gordon gets his way. The News Press asked him what he wants his 2024 to look like after the Texas Bowl.

“We got to end up in New York,” Gordon said. “I feel like the Heisman Trophy has to come back to Stillwater. I just feel like that’s a huge thing.”

All four finalists at this year’s ceremony — Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix and Marvin Harrison Jr. — will be playing on Sundays next fall. Next year’s race is wide open.

ESPN named Gordon as the second-leading 2024 Heisman Trophy contender behind Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Gordon will be OSU’s No. 1 running back behind a veteran offensive line from the first snap. His per-game rushing totals during conference play would have him at 1,956 yards for an entire regular season. Derrick Henry, the last running back to win the award, rushed for 1,986 yards.

Gordon also said OSU has “got to make playoffs.”

“We can have another great year,” Gordon said. “I don’t want to get too big-headed, but then again, I’m really just out here having fun with my teammates, my brothers.”

With the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams, OSU has its best…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ollie-gordons-years-resolutions-heisman-045900317.html

Author : Stillwater NewsPress, Okla.

Publish date : 2024-01-04 04:59:00

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