Cam Ward Heisman watch: 3 reasons why Miami QB supersedes Travis Hunter in race for coveted honor

As the Heisman Trophy race hits the home stretch, Colorado WR/DB Travis Hunter is apparently perceived as the favorite, but Cam Ward has also been at the forefront of the dicsussion. The Miami quarterback is frankly proving himself to be a more deserving candidate than Hunter and should probably be getting even more headlines than he is. Here's three reasons why Ward should be the leader for the Heisman Trophy over Hunter.

3 reasons why Cam Ward should lead Travis Hunter in Heisman race

LSU QB Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy last year. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

3. Ward is heading to the CFP and Hunter probably isn't.

Yes, Hunter has been an important part of an improved Colorado team and that is a legitimate story. But Ward has been the deciding factor in returning Miami to national prominence, a top 5 AP ranking, and an almost certain spot in the College Football Playoff.

Yes, 9-0 Miami will likely be in the playoff. ESPN gives the Hurricanes a 92.3% shot, certainly a much better situation than the 14.0% chance that the FPI pins on the Buffaloes. And yes, the Heisman is an individual award and not a team award. But leading a team that is contending for the championship means more than leading a team that's having a real nice, bottom of top-25 type of season.

2. Ward is more consistent.

Hunter has had some big games this season on both sides of the football. But he's also had some instance of going MIA, while Ward is making things happen in every game. Hunter, for instance, caught 3 passes for 26 yards in a loss to Kansas State (and had no pass break ups on defense). He had 2 catches for 17 yards against Arizona (and again, no pass breaks ups).

Ward has had only one game all season with under 300 passing yards. That was an easy win over Florida State in which he threw for 208 yards and caught (yes, you read that right) a touchdown pass. Ward has been more consistently exceptional than Hunter.

1. Ward has been clutch.

Finally, there's this. In situations where things have been up for grabs, Ward has done what he needed to do to keep Miami on top. Hunter really hasn't. There's no "clutch" requirement for the Heisman Trophy, but doesn't it make more sense to give the award to the players who make big plays?

Ward's QB rating is higher in the fourth quarter than the other three frames. His passer rating is higher on third down than on first or second down. Anyone watching Miami games can confirm that he'd basically been laser sharp with games on the line late, despite what some fans are saying.

On the other hand, of Hunter's 60 catches, just eight have come in the fourth quarter. He has caught 24 passes on 1st down, 21 on 2nd down, just 14 on 3rd down, and one on 4th down. Of Hunter's 60 catches, 40 have come before halftime of games. Of his 32 catches for first downs, 23 have come before halftime. Even though playing both sides of the ball gives Hunter an advantage, he hasn't necessarily been as dominant when the stakes are higher.

Would you favor Cam Ward over Travis Hunter for the Heisman Trophy? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!