The trophy had already been awarded by the time Ezekiel Elliott was stampeding through the College Football Playoff last year and putting up the kind of eye-popping numbers that provide the foundation for Heisman campaigns, but his rampage did put him at the top of the list heading into this season. For all the attention focused on Ohio State’s quarterbacks, it’s the power rushing attack and the featured tailback who figure to be at the center of the effort to defend the national title -- and there will be no shortage of eyes on him after he piled up nearly 700 yards over three postseason games on the way to the crown.

Numbers he needs: Elliott surely doesn’t need to average 232 yards per game the way he did during that massive finish to his sophomore campaign in the postseason, but if he does, the engraver can probably start working on his name by early November. The Buckeyes have a ton of talent at the skill positions and like to spread touches around the roster, but if Elliott is on pace for a 2,000-yard season and tops his 18-touchdown mark from a year ago, he could make it easy on voters.

Potential Heisman moment: The toughest test of the season figures to be the home date against Michigan State and its stout defensive line, and if both teams are unbeaten and jockeying for the East Division crown on Nov. 21, that would provide an undeniable showcase opportunity for Elliott. Even better for his Heisman hopes, that matchup is late in the season and would be fresh in the minds of the voters.

The dream dies if: The biggest challenge for Elliott might come from within the Ohio State locker room, where either Cardale Jones or J.T. Barrett are likely to emerge as Heisman candidates depending on who wins the quarterback battle. If either Barrett or Jones creates separation and owns the starting job all season, some impressive statistics are bound to follow -- and given the importance of their position, they could leapfrog Elliott in the polls.