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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Scandal-free Heisman ceremony focused on football

Ralph D. Russo Associated Press

NEW YORK – It was just two guys talking football and posing for pictures with a big bronze trophy.

The day before the Heisman Trophy presentation, Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon and Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper answered questions about their sensational seasons, their coaches, their chances to upset Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and win college football’s most famous individual award and who might win the national championship.

Cooper wisely passed on making a prediction about how the top-ranked Crimson Tide will do in the College Football Playoff against Ohio State.

Last season, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston won the Heisman in a landslide.

Winston’s numbers have fallen off in his sophomore season. He has 17 interceptions in 13 games compared to 10 in 14 last year, but he also has guided the Seminoles to another unbeaten regular season.

“He’s probably not here because of the off-the-field issues,” Gordon said about Winston before praising the quarterback’s play.