Fresno State Launches Heisman Campaign for Derek Carr

Friday night, the Fresno State Bulldogs captured their biggest win in years by holding off the Boise State Broncos, 41-40, in a Mountain West instant classic.  Today, though, the athletic department is capitalizing on the buzz surrounding Derek Carr's heroics in the young season by establishing an official campaign for the Heisman Trophy.

At DC4Heisman.com, voters can learn more about the exploits of "The West's Underdog Wonderdog". Interestingly, this moniker recalls Fresno's run to the 2008 College World Series more than anything on the gridiron, but Carr's performance in three games thus far make it an opportune time to revive the slogan. Just as important, though, are his contributions in the community, including talks with youth at the Children's Hospital of Central California and football camps.

The most interesting statistical nugget the campaign brings to light is Carr's proximity to both 10,000 career yards passing and 100 career touchdowns. If he were to reach both milestones, he would join a select group of 17 quarterbacks that includes former Heisman finalists like Missouri's Chase Daniel (2007) and Boise's Kellen Moore (2010) and winner Ty Detmer (1990).

Voters in the West and beyond will have plenty to think about with respect to Carr's prolific numbers thus far. He and the Bulldogs have wrung as much as possible out of two weeknight prime time matchups against quality opponents, while other regional Heisman hopefuls -- Marqise Lee, Keith Price and Brett Hundley come to mind -- have not yet done enough to truly separate themselves as front-runners.

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