Get out the vote

Once again, our great nation is about to undergo a huge vote that will provide us with a leader that everyone can look up to.

There is always a big buildup, accusations about biases in certain parts of the country, and the occasional scandal to boot. But in the end, one man will emerge to claim the 2012 Heisman Trophy.

There are plenty of people who are still in the running as November rolls around, so here are some candidates and the cases that they can state – brought to you in presidential terms since I hear that there is some other vote coming up as well.

Johnny Manziel – Freshman QB, Texas A&M

Support ad: *Slow-mo shot of Manziel breaking loose on a 60 yard touchdown run* For too long, college football and the Heisman voters have simply spun their wheels and given the American people the same old thing. What this country needs is a new, bold face to lead the way. When his team left the Big XII for the more challenging SEC, it was Johnny Manziel that picked up the slack. Sure, he’s a freshman, but that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the most explosive offensive forces in the country. And just think of the potential! If you want another year of the same old song, go ahead and vote for a pocket passer. But a vote for Manziel is a vote for the future.

Attack ad: Johnny Manziel wants you to put him in the most coveted position in all of college football. But what do we really know about him? His current performances may be impressive, but he wasn’t even affiliated with the NCAA a year ago. In fact, before this August, all that is known about his past comes from grainy, shoddy film taken from shaky high school bleachers. He may have all of the style and flash of a winner, but Johnny Manziel doesn’t know what it takes to win year in and year out. Johnny Manziel – he’s biting off more than he can chew.

A.J. McCarron – Senior QB, Alabama

Support ad: When searching for a Heisman winner this season, look no further than A.J. McCarron. Not only does he have the stats *shows 16:0 TD/Int ratio*, but he also has the pedigree to rule over all of college football. Twice in the last three seasons, one of McCarron’s teammates has won the Heisman. Both times, they proved their worth and led their team to a national championship. McCarron is no different. He’s a proven leader with an infallible track record. Go with your gut. Go with history. This season, go with A.J. McCarron.

Attack ad: A.J. McCarron is leading Alabama to another great season, but is he really deserving of all of that credit? In the recent Heisman winning years for Alabama, an offensive player has won the award despite the defense doing most of the heavy lifting. *roll offensive lowlights of Alabama offense in the last two seasons* In the drafts following those two Heisman-winning seasons, 11 Alabama players were drafted, but just three were offensive players. A.J. McCarron is just the latest in a long line of Crimson Tide running backs and quarterbacks riding off the coattails of the defense. A.J. McCarron will do anything – even undermine his own defense – to get to the top. This December, send a message to A.J. McCarron. You want to be a Heisman winner? Not unless you’re a top-10 draft pick.

Giovani Bernard – Sophomore RB, North Carolina

Support ad: Isn’t it about time that we break away from the archaic standards of the Heisman voting process? How many times have we put a person who was only an above-average player on the podium just because he comes from a traditional power? Giovani Bernard wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. While other big-name recruits have jetted off to the Alabamas and USCs of the world, Giovani Bernard has put in his work the old-fashioned way. Sure, North Carolina might not be in the spotlight, but don’t you want a Heisman winner that can be a star without the high rankings and fanfare? Giovani Bernard is everything that America needs, and come December, he’s the player who needs to raise that trophy.

Attack ad: Giovani Bernard wants to boast about his numbers, but let’s take a closer look at just what he’s really accomplished. Bernard is piling up numbers in rushing, receiving and punt returns, but he’s doing it against ACC competition. And that’s when he’s not busy sitting out two games due to injury. Bernard is a good player, but is he really ready for the national stage? How can we vote for him when half of the country still doesn’t know his name? This December, we need to send a message to Giovani Bernard. If you don’t play under the brightest spotlight, you can’t expect to win the most prestigious award.

Geno Smith – Senior QB, West Virginia

Support ad: *fade in to scoreboards of both WVU losses* Let’s face it, everybody. Times are tough right now. Things aren’t going great, but this is when we all have to stick together. Four years ago, we faced the same choice *flashback to WVU blowing its chance at a national championship appearance by blowing it against Pittsburgh*. Things have gone astray before, but now there is a chance to get America moving back in the right direction. Geno Smith has the all-out explosiveness to be called your next great leader. Even when times are tough, he is able to sustain a 26:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. In a world where everything can fall apart on a moment’s notice, it’s Geno Smith that can guide the way to a touchdown-filled tomorrow.

Attack ad: Plenty of people will call themselves worthy of the Heisman Trophy this season, but then again, it’s easy to shine when things are going well *cut to early WVU wins over crappy teams”. Geno Smith touts his crazy numbers. Geno Smith claims that he’s ahead of the competition. But where is Geno Smith when his team needs him the most? Just 14 points against Texas Tech? Only 14 more against Kansas State? This is a nation that needs someone who can rise above adversity. When the chips are stacked against you, do you really trust Geno Smith to bail you out?

Manti Te’o – Senior LB, Notre Dame

Support ad: Take a few minutes and look around at all of the people who want to be your Heisman recipient this season. Sure, all of them have their talking points, but who is really looking out for you? Of all of this season’s Heisman hopefuls, Manti Te’o is the only candidate that advocates a strong national defense. When offenses are running wild, Manti Te’o is there. When there is a running back that supposedly can’t be stopped, Manti Te’o is there. Every nation needs someone willing to defend its people and Manti Te’o is that man. It’s 10 p.m. Do you know where your quarterback is? Manti Te’o does.

Attack ad: Manti Te’o says that he’s looking out for America, but the facts show a different story. Just look at his track record *rolls ND/Navy highlights*. While the rest of the Heisman candidates were putting in hard work in America, Te’o was taking a vacation overseas in Ireland. Against the Naval Academy – one of our country’s strongest forces – Te’o viciously attacked his fellow countrymen to earn a 50-10 win. When you disrespect our military, you disrespect our country. Manti Te’o – elect him, and everyone gets sacked.

Collin Klein – Senior QB, Kansas State

Support ad: In a little over a month, a new player will reign supreme over all of college football as the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner. Collin Klein is tired of all of the glitz and glamour that usually accompanies the Heisman winner. Instead of the flashy suits and the parading around New York City, Klein stands for Midwestern, Middle-America values. Because of Klein’s workmanlike attitude, he has his team on the brink of a BCS bowl for the first time in a decade. But Klein doesn’t need a national media campaign or constant name-dropping on ESPN. Collin Klein lets his play on the football field do his talking for him. Come December, you should let your Heisman vote do your talking for Collin Klein.

Attack ad: Collin Klein has had success on the field, but does he really fit the profile of a Heisman Trophy winner? Where is the air of excitement and exuberance that should surround a top quarterback? Collin Klein isn’t a recognizable face. He isn’t a ladies man. He didn’t even get his first kiss from a girl until his wedding day. Collin Klein is a good guy and a good quarterback, but he’s not the guy that the American people need to hold up that trophy in NYC. Collin Klein – you can’t expect to be celebrated in the Big Apple when you spend all of your time playing in the Little Apple.