The Heisman curse has plagued seven out of the last nine Heisman Trophy winners, meaning seven out of the last nine Heisman Trophy winners lost their bowl games. Furthermore, seven of those last nine bowl games have been for the national title.
The latest Heisman winner, Alabama sophomore running back Mark Ingram, was essentially out of Heisman consideration until his performance against Florida in the SEC championship game when he ran for 113 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and racked up 76 receiving yards.
While Ingram played his way into being the leading Heisman vote-getter on national television, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy apparently played himself out of it and finished third.
Against Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship Game, McCoy went 20–36 for 184 yards with three interceptions and no TD passes. He did manage a rushing touchdown despite ending the day with -20 rushing yards on 17 attempts.
Texas barely won the game that determined whether they would be playing for the national championship or not.
However, with the Heisman curse looming over past winners and the current winner, it may have been a blessing in disguise for McCoy and the Longhorns.
History of the Curse
The myth and folklore surrounding the Heisman Curse is based on a pattern that began in 2000 with Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke.
Weinke and the Seminoles played against Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl and lost 13–2. Oklahoma was named national champion after the victory.
In 2001, Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch proudly accepted the Heisman Trophy and then his team proceeded to lose to Miami 37–14 in the Rose Bowl. Miami became the national champion.
