Halfway through the college football season, fans are usually talking about the upcoming rivalry games, Heisman Trophy contenders or probably something Steve Spurrier has said during the week.

But not this year.

The talk of autographs and players receiving extra benefits is dominating the college football conversations, particularly Todd Gurley’s indefinite suspsension and FSU’s own investigation into the authenticity of some Jameis Winston autographs.

Thursday afternoon a new voice rose in the debate. UGA legend and former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker appeared on The Paul Finebaum show and gave some thoughts on the current situations surrounding his fellow Bulldog and Winston.

“It is a sad situation,” Walker said. “But I think Mark Richt is doing the right thing. I think Todd realized what he did is wrong. Coach Richt sat him down, which I thing is the correct thing to do because you don’t want to jepardize all the other players. If the NCAA comes in and finds something that they did was inappropriate, then the whole team, and everything they have done, is punishable.”

RELATED: UGA athletic department updates Todd Gurley’s status

“I think that is what is happening at Florida State, so that is why I am sort of shocked at that situation.”

Walker probably knows a little something about the spotlight both Winston and Gurley are under on a consistent basis. The former Georgia running back was a three-time All-American and is strongly considered the best player to ever play at Georgia.

Because he is a past Heisman Trophy winner, Walker gets a vote every year. Winston, who won the Heisman Trophy last season, has had his fair share of off-the-field issues while at Florida State. It’s because of these issues, along with Gurley’s current suspension, that forces Walker to cast his vote for someone other than those two players.

“I did not vote for [Jameis Winston] because of anything he did on the field,” Walker explained on The Paul Finebaum Show. “When I won the Heisman, I hope it stood for more than me just playing football. I hope it stood for me being a person, how I did in school and for me being an athlete. Being an athlete is more than just playing the game. Being an athlete is about doing more.”

“I did not vote for Jameis because of that,” Walker added. “The Heisman Trophy is supposed to be about integrity. Until his act is cleaned up, I cannot give him my vote. And it is the same time with Todd Gurley. Right at this moment, I cannot give Gurley my vote. If he comes back and I see a change then, that vote can be there. But at this time today, I cannot give them my vote.”

The take by Walker certainly is interesting as it seems the more vocal opinions within this debate often side with that of the athlete. However, Walker’s strong stance on both Winston and the star running back from his alma mater is certainly a refreshing, albeit, surprising take.

(h/t to Kipp Adams for transcription of quotes)