Florida State University’s football team is having an impressive year. The Seminoles are trampling opponents and outscoring them 527-111 without a single loss, as of Nov. 16. They are also currently ranked second in the Bowl Championship Series. The Seminoles are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Jameis Winston, the frontrunner in the race for the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding college football player of the season. Their sights have now turned toward the Atlantic Coast Conference and BCS championships. Can anything derail the rolling Seminoles?

 Unfortunately, their worst fears may be coming true.

 On Nov. 13, news broke of accusations against Winston of sexual battery. The complaint of sexual battery was filed with the Tallahassee Police Department on Dec. 7, 2012 at 4:10 a.m. Florida State has been left dumbfounded and disappointed at the prospect of their beloved quarterback being accused of such an egregious act. Losing Winston to a conviction of his sexual battery accusations would essentially terminate their hopes of a Heisman Trophy and National Championship.

 According to the police report obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat, the victim described Winston, her alleged assailant, as a black male with a muscular build, brown eyes, “straight” hair, weighing about two hundred forty pounds, and between 5’9” and 5’11”. Although the Heisman-hopeful is a black male with a muscular build, he is 6’4” and weighs two hundred twenty-eight pounds.

 Another dubious aspect of the accusations was the fact that the alleged victim waited 11 months to come out and press charges against Winston. Why would the alleged victim wait all this time to decide to prosecute?

 As of Nov. 19, the city manager of Tallahassee, Anita Favors Thompson, sent an email to city commissioners stating the alleged victim “changed her mind and did not wish to prosecute,” according to the Tallahassee Democrat. This sudden retraction of accusations adds to the mystery behind the investigation.

 Social Science teacher Jessica Ewald, an FSU graduate, agrees that the alleged victim may have fabricated the accusations in lieu of Winston’s recent fame.

 “There have been several occasions of people in the limelight being potentially falsely accused of crimes for the sole purpose of bringing them themselves into the spotlight as well,” said Ewald.

 This would not be the first time that such “shots” have been taken towards leading Heisman candidates. Last season, allegations emerged of Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel being illegally paid for autographs. Then Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o was accused of fabricating a girlfriend and her alleged death. Te’o was not lying, but he had been tricked into an online relationship with a fake woman.

 Despite the accusations, Manziel went on  to win the Heisman Trophy, while Te’o’s Heisman stock was arguably foiled.

 This would not be the first time that a Heisman candidate from Florida State has been hurt by scandal. In 1999, FSU wideout Peter Warrick had his Heisman chances ruined by a minor shoplifting charge. Warrick finished sixth in the Heisman voting.

 It seems as if many Heisman candidates’ chances have been hurt by accusations made from someone in their past. Whether its Te’o’s fake girlfriend, Manziel’s autographing, Warrick’s shoplifting, or Winston’s alleged sexual battery accusations, often someone makes an attempt to derail a candidate’s chances at the Heisman Trophy. This is often quite glum for Heisman candidates that end up being not guilty of their accusations, such as Te’o or Winston.

 On Nov. 20, a DNA analysis test revealed that Winston’s DNA was found on the alleged victim’s clothing, according to ESPN.

  “We are not surprised with the results of the DNA. We voluntarily submitted to a DNA [test]. The only thing we are surprised by is it was leaked out by law enforcement,” said Tim Jansen, Winston’s attorney, according to USA Today.

 Senior Garrett Pelto believes that the possibility of the alleged victim fabricating certain aspects of the situation is even more likely after the results of the DNA test were leaked.

 “Girls [sometimes] like to exaggerate and be dramatic. That’s why rumors are often started in the first place,” said Pelto.

 Throughout the entire case, Winston has kept quietly out of the public eye by only speaking through his lawyer. Freshman Matt Middleton believes that  Winston should have stayed or should remain quiet.

 “He should definitely come out and state that the accusations are false. But, the legal obligations that he has to remain silent are more important. He has made the right choice,” said Middleton.

 So, what now? Are things business as usual for Winston and the Seminoles? That outcome is doubtful. The sheer fact that he was accused of sexual battery hurts his chances of winning the Heisman. These accusations will unfortunately follow “Famous Jameis” into the Heisman voting, and possibly into into the National Championship or even the National Football League.