Could Ollie Gordon Make a Run at the Heisman?
Oklahoma State has one Heisman Trophy winner in its history, and its next may already be in Stillwater.
It’s a tall task, but Ollie Gordon could have what it takes to follow in Barry Sanders’ footsteps. In OSU’s 39-32 win against Kansas on Saturday, Gordon showed all his abilities in one of the most impressive individual performances in OSU history.
Gordon became the first Cowboy in over three decades to account for at least 100 yards rushing and receiving. In his dazzling performance, Gordon also found the end zone twice: a 17-yard reception and a 42-yard run.
In getting to those numbers, Gordon had a high workload. In addition to his six catches, he finished with 29 carries against the Jayhawks.
“With more carries, I feel like I can analyze the defense more while I’m on the field and see what they’re doing,” Gordon said. “So when we call a different play, then I can see how they’re playing it, then boom, just keep going off that.”
His performance prompted praise from teammates and coaches, including a Heisman endorsement from Collin Oliver.
Considering that it takes more than one great game to win the Heisman, and his teammates can’t vote for him, where does Gordon stack up?
Gordon’s nonconference numbers will prevent him from getting much consideration for national honors. Still, after the Cowboys had a wake-up call against South Alabama, Gordon has been a focal point. In his first three games this season, Gordon registered only 19 total carries for 109 rushing yards.
But in OSU’s conference opener against Iowa State, Gordon went for 121 yards on 18 carries, his worst output against a Big 12 opponent. Heading into that game, Gundy stressed the importance of getting Gordon more involved.
Gordon’s more prominent role in the offense has been vital to the Cowboys winning their past two games. Before his eye-popping output against Kansas, Gordon went for 136 yards on 21 carries plus a touchdown against Kansas State.
While it may be too late for him to get in the award hunt this season, his running ability could put him front and center in those races moving forward. OSU offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn marveled at Gordon’s ability to evade defenders with his long strides.
“At first, as coaches, you’re like, ‘Is that really happening?’, you know,” Dunn said. “And then now, it’s just all the time, so that’s just kind of how it is for him, and we just gotta get used to it. It’s not your traditional running style, but I love it.”
In three conference games this season, Gordon has rushed for 425 yards on 68 carries, good for 6.25 yards per carry. Those numbers would have put Gordon near the top of the Big 12 last season.
Expecting Gordon’s numbers to continue rising each week would be ridiculous. But if he can become a consistent 100+ yard rusher while being a threat in the passing game, Gordon could be the key to OSU’s offense for the next couple of years while competing for major awards, including the Heisman.
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