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Heisman watch 2012: Manti Te'o looking to make his case vs. USC

On Saturday, Notre Dame will not only have a chance to finish the regular season undefeated, but senior linebacker Manti Te'o will also have one last chance to impress Heisman poll voters as well. Te'o and the Irish visit USC Saturday at 7 p.m. CT.

By Aaron Torres
Jonathan Daniel

While Notre Dame will attempt to earn a spot in the BCS title game with a victory over USC Saturday, linebacker Manti Te'o will also look further solidify himself as a Heisman Trophy front-runner as well.

Te'o is currently listed as No. 2 in this week's ESPN Heisman Watch, trailing only Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. Kansas State's Collin Klein is third on the list, with USC receiver Marqise Lee and Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller tied for fourth in the voting. The Heisman Trophy will be handed out on Saturday December 8, at 7 p.m. CT.

And if Te'o were to win, it would be a truly historic event since no one who strictly plays defense has ever taken home the award. Former Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson did win the Heisman in 1997, but Woodson also took snaps at wide receiver and was a key return man as well.

In addition to Te'o's Heisman hopes, his team will also look to lock up a spot in the National Championship game with a victory Saturday.

Notre Dame will face USC at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.