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- Thread starter DaddyBigBucks
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bkochmc;654129; said:
Quinn had a pick-6, a pick returned inside the red zone, and a lost fumble returned for a TD. That's 17 points that the opposition got without their offense having to gain a yard. His worst game was significantly WORSE than what Troy did on Saturday.
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JohnnyCockfight
Beer is God's proof that he loves us.
An additional point would be the Brady Quinn fumble that Lamar Woodley returned for a touchdown.
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With one month left, and between 2 and 4 games left for almost all of the candidates, Smith's unimpressive performance against the Illini allowed some contenders to close the gap. It's obvious that the primary competition in the voting is Brady Quinn, even though he wouldn't be getting very many second place votes if he had the same stats at another school.
Troy is now 6th in the country in passing efficiency. His 22 TD's are also sixth, and his 22/3 TD/Int ratio is tied with Kevin Kolb of Houston for the best in the nation. He had a nice scramble on Saturday, but nothing to wow those watching the Heisman highlight reels.
Steve Slaton had two straight second half fumbles (one returned for a TD), which coupled with his team's loss, severely hurt his chances at the award, despite 156 yards and 1 TD on 18 carries. He has 1215 yards rushing with 10 TDs and a fine 7.2 average, so he still has a chance to get to the ceremony.
West Virginia QB Pat White threw for 220, and ran for 125 yards and 4 TDs, but the loss to Louisville prevented him from making a big move. His 6/5 TD/interception ratio drags him down, depsite his outstanding running ability.
Quinn had a fine statictical day, 23 of 35 for 346 yards and 4 TDs, against a North Carolina team that has yet to defeat a Division 1-A opponent this year. He is now 19th in the nation in passing efficiency, which doesn't account for the fact that 3 of his turnovers were returned for TDs. The fact that the ND-USC game can't be realistically hyped as a 'winner gets a Championship game bid' will slow the hype machine just a tad.
Garrett Wolfe had a bye week. Although still the nation's leading rusher, with 1479 yards (6.9 per carry), his chances to win are now virtually zero, and he is unlikely to get a trip to NY.
Mike Hart had 25 carries for 154 yards and 1 TD. He had the ball poked out of his hand near his own goal line, which resulted in a safety, and stopped his no-fumble streak. He is gaining 128 yards per game, with 4.9 yards per carry, and 10 TDs. He'll make some All-America teams, but he isn't going to get many 1st place Heisman votes.
Ray Rice (Rutgers) had a bye week, and gets this week's Thursday night stage as the State University of New Jersey hosts Louisville, who now seemingly controls it's destiny in the BCS Championship Game race. Rice is averaging just over 150 yards per game rushing, with 5.4 ypc and 13 TDs.
Ian Johnson (Boise St.) - had 24 carries for 136 yards and 2 TDs against a 1-win Fresno State team. Although he leads the nation in scoring with 20 TDs, he appears to be a good player on a very good team that plays weaker competition, and will get little attention the rest of the way.
Candidates who helped themselves this week:
- Colt Brennan (Hawaii) - Still leads the nation in both passing efficiency (189.95) and TD passes (39, with 6 picks). He's third in passing yards with 3347, completing 72.9% of his passes. He was 18-29 for 413 yards with 6 TDs and 1 interception as Hawaii blasted a bad Utah State team 63-10. Unfortunately for Brennan, most of the voters never see any of his games, but he has thrown 30 TDs in his last 6 games. In my opinion, he should be in the top 5 of the Heisman race, and deserves a trip to New York City if he continues to perform at the same level.
- DeSean Jackson (Cal) - Had a 72-yard punt return TD, and caught 3 passes for 58 yards. He has 680 yards receiving for 8 TDs and 3 punt returns for TDs on the year.
- Calvin Johnson (Ga. Tech) - Had 9 catches for 168 yards and 2 TDs, and an 8-yard run. He's 13th in receiving yards with 795, and tied for 3rd with 11 receiving TDs.
- Nate Longshore (Cal) - Was 20-24 for 266 yards with 3 TDs and no picks, with 2 runs for 17 yards in the 38-24 win over UCLA. He's now 11th in passing efficiency, still unknown to many nationally, and USC's loss ast week prevented him from having the chance at being the giant-killer.
- Colt McCoy (Texas) - The redshirt freshman was 23-29 for 346 yards, with 3 TDs and no interceptions. He also ran 7 times for 6 yards. He's now 2nd in the country in passing efficiency, including an excellent 27/4 TD/pick ratio.
- Darren McFadden (Arkansas) - Had 25 carries for 219 yards and 2 TDs as Arkansas downed South Carolina 26-20. Now 10th nationally in rushing with 1038 yards and 10 TDS; he has remaining chances to make an impression with home games against Tennessee and LSU, and a possible SEC title game.
Candidates who didn't help themselves this week:
- Eric Ainge (Tennessee) - He aggravated an injured ankle early in his teams's loss to LSU, and was only 1 of 6 for 3 yards. He's 13th in passing efficiency, and no longer in the top 10 of the Heisman race due to his team's 2nd loss and some other QBs moving up.
- John David Booty (USC - Was 12-21 for 203 yards, with 3 TDs and no interceptions in a 42-0 blowout at Stanford. He's 27th in passing efficiency, and the loss at Oregon State ended his slim chances.
- Chase Daniel (Missouri) - Was 20-38 for 284 yards with 0 TD passes and 2 picks in a 34-20 loss in a battle for the lead in the Big 12 North at Nebraska. He's now dropped to 33rd in passing efficiency and is no longer a candidate.
- James Davis (Clemson) - Had 20 carries for 90 yards and no TDs in a costly loss to Maryland. Davis is 9th in rushing yards with 1091, has a solid 6.3 average and 17 TDs on the ground.
- Ted Ginn, Jr. (tOSU) - Caught 5 balls for 26 yards, and didn't score in the close win at Illinois. Has 637 receiving yards (37th nationally), 1 punt return TD and 1 passing TD.
- P.J. Hill (Wisconsin) - Had 31 carries for 148 yards and no TDs as Wisconsin downed Penn St. 13-3. His 1370 rushing yards are second in the country; he's getting 5.6 ypc and has 13 TDs.
- Chris Leak (Florida) - Was 18-25 for 237 yards, with 1 TD and 3 picks, and a pair of 4-yard rushing TDs in a 25-19 win at Vanderbilt. He's 21st in passing efficiency and no longer being considered by most voters.
- Marshawn Lynch (Cal) - Had 20 carries for 81 yards and a TD, plus 4 catches for 45 yards and a TD, in Cal's 38-24 win over UCLA. His 988 rushing yards rank 12th in the country, but he has a fine 6.5 average.
- Tyler Palko (Pitt) - He was 11 of 23 for 159 yards and 1 TD and 3 picks in a 22-12 loss at South Florida. Still 3rd in the nation in passing efficiency, but 3 interceptions in a loss to South Florida really ended his chances.
My vote as of today (based on performance - not intended as a prediction of the votes):
01. Troy Smith
02. Colt Brennan
03. Ray Rice
04. Mike Hart
05. Colt McCoy
06. Brady Quinn
07. Steve Slaton
08. Ian Johnson
09. Pat White
10. Garrett Wolfe
11. P.J. Hill
12. Marshawn Lynch
13. Darren McFadden
14. Calvin Johnson
15. Nate Longshore
16. Ted Ginn, Jr.
Once a candidate, but now barely on the Heisman radar:
Eric Ainge
John David Booty
Chase Daniel
James Davis
Chad Henne
DeSean Jackson
Chris Leak
Tyler Palko
JaMarcus Russell
Sorry, but injuries cost you any chance you had:
Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma)
Brian Brohm (Louisville)
Michael Bush (Louisville)
Dwayne Jarrett (USC)
Bobby Reid (Oklahoma St.)
Troy is now 6th in the country in passing efficiency. His 22 TD's are also sixth, and his 22/3 TD/Int ratio is tied with Kevin Kolb of Houston for the best in the nation. He had a nice scramble on Saturday, but nothing to wow those watching the Heisman highlight reels.
Steve Slaton had two straight second half fumbles (one returned for a TD), which coupled with his team's loss, severely hurt his chances at the award, despite 156 yards and 1 TD on 18 carries. He has 1215 yards rushing with 10 TDs and a fine 7.2 average, so he still has a chance to get to the ceremony.
West Virginia QB Pat White threw for 220, and ran for 125 yards and 4 TDs, but the loss to Louisville prevented him from making a big move. His 6/5 TD/interception ratio drags him down, depsite his outstanding running ability.
Quinn had a fine statictical day, 23 of 35 for 346 yards and 4 TDs, against a North Carolina team that has yet to defeat a Division 1-A opponent this year. He is now 19th in the nation in passing efficiency, which doesn't account for the fact that 3 of his turnovers were returned for TDs. The fact that the ND-USC game can't be realistically hyped as a 'winner gets a Championship game bid' will slow the hype machine just a tad.
Garrett Wolfe had a bye week. Although still the nation's leading rusher, with 1479 yards (6.9 per carry), his chances to win are now virtually zero, and he is unlikely to get a trip to NY.
Mike Hart had 25 carries for 154 yards and 1 TD. He had the ball poked out of his hand near his own goal line, which resulted in a safety, and stopped his no-fumble streak. He is gaining 128 yards per game, with 4.9 yards per carry, and 10 TDs. He'll make some All-America teams, but he isn't going to get many 1st place Heisman votes.
Ray Rice (Rutgers) had a bye week, and gets this week's Thursday night stage as the State University of New Jersey hosts Louisville, who now seemingly controls it's destiny in the BCS Championship Game race. Rice is averaging just over 150 yards per game rushing, with 5.4 ypc and 13 TDs.
Ian Johnson (Boise St.) - had 24 carries for 136 yards and 2 TDs against a 1-win Fresno State team. Although he leads the nation in scoring with 20 TDs, he appears to be a good player on a very good team that plays weaker competition, and will get little attention the rest of the way.
Candidates who helped themselves this week:
- Colt Brennan (Hawaii) - Still leads the nation in both passing efficiency (189.95) and TD passes (39, with 6 picks). He's third in passing yards with 3347, completing 72.9% of his passes. He was 18-29 for 413 yards with 6 TDs and 1 interception as Hawaii blasted a bad Utah State team 63-10. Unfortunately for Brennan, most of the voters never see any of his games, but he has thrown 30 TDs in his last 6 games. In my opinion, he should be in the top 5 of the Heisman race, and deserves a trip to New York City if he continues to perform at the same level.
- DeSean Jackson (Cal) - Had a 72-yard punt return TD, and caught 3 passes for 58 yards. He has 680 yards receiving for 8 TDs and 3 punt returns for TDs on the year.
- Calvin Johnson (Ga. Tech) - Had 9 catches for 168 yards and 2 TDs, and an 8-yard run. He's 13th in receiving yards with 795, and tied for 3rd with 11 receiving TDs.
- Nate Longshore (Cal) - Was 20-24 for 266 yards with 3 TDs and no picks, with 2 runs for 17 yards in the 38-24 win over UCLA. He's now 11th in passing efficiency, still unknown to many nationally, and USC's loss ast week prevented him from having the chance at being the giant-killer.
- Colt McCoy (Texas) - The redshirt freshman was 23-29 for 346 yards, with 3 TDs and no interceptions. He also ran 7 times for 6 yards. He's now 2nd in the country in passing efficiency, including an excellent 27/4 TD/pick ratio.
- Darren McFadden (Arkansas) - Had 25 carries for 219 yards and 2 TDs as Arkansas downed South Carolina 26-20. Now 10th nationally in rushing with 1038 yards and 10 TDS; he has remaining chances to make an impression with home games against Tennessee and LSU, and a possible SEC title game.
Candidates who didn't help themselves this week:
- Eric Ainge (Tennessee) - He aggravated an injured ankle early in his teams's loss to LSU, and was only 1 of 6 for 3 yards. He's 13th in passing efficiency, and no longer in the top 10 of the Heisman race due to his team's 2nd loss and some other QBs moving up.
- John David Booty (USC - Was 12-21 for 203 yards, with 3 TDs and no interceptions in a 42-0 blowout at Stanford. He's 27th in passing efficiency, and the loss at Oregon State ended his slim chances.
- Chase Daniel (Missouri) - Was 20-38 for 284 yards with 0 TD passes and 2 picks in a 34-20 loss in a battle for the lead in the Big 12 North at Nebraska. He's now dropped to 33rd in passing efficiency and is no longer a candidate.
- James Davis (Clemson) - Had 20 carries for 90 yards and no TDs in a costly loss to Maryland. Davis is 9th in rushing yards with 1091, has a solid 6.3 average and 17 TDs on the ground.
- Ted Ginn, Jr. (tOSU) - Caught 5 balls for 26 yards, and didn't score in the close win at Illinois. Has 637 receiving yards (37th nationally), 1 punt return TD and 1 passing TD.
- P.J. Hill (Wisconsin) - Had 31 carries for 148 yards and no TDs as Wisconsin downed Penn St. 13-3. His 1370 rushing yards are second in the country; he's getting 5.6 ypc and has 13 TDs.
- Chris Leak (Florida) - Was 18-25 for 237 yards, with 1 TD and 3 picks, and a pair of 4-yard rushing TDs in a 25-19 win at Vanderbilt. He's 21st in passing efficiency and no longer being considered by most voters.
- Marshawn Lynch (Cal) - Had 20 carries for 81 yards and a TD, plus 4 catches for 45 yards and a TD, in Cal's 38-24 win over UCLA. His 988 rushing yards rank 12th in the country, but he has a fine 6.5 average.
- Tyler Palko (Pitt) - He was 11 of 23 for 159 yards and 1 TD and 3 picks in a 22-12 loss at South Florida. Still 3rd in the nation in passing efficiency, but 3 interceptions in a loss to South Florida really ended his chances.
My vote as of today (based on performance - not intended as a prediction of the votes):
01. Troy Smith
02. Colt Brennan
03. Ray Rice
04. Mike Hart
05. Colt McCoy
06. Brady Quinn
07. Steve Slaton
08. Ian Johnson
09. Pat White
10. Garrett Wolfe
11. P.J. Hill
12. Marshawn Lynch
13. Darren McFadden
14. Calvin Johnson
15. Nate Longshore
16. Ted Ginn, Jr.
Once a candidate, but now barely on the Heisman radar:
Eric Ainge
John David Booty
Chase Daniel
James Davis
Chad Henne
DeSean Jackson
Chris Leak
Tyler Palko
JaMarcus Russell
Sorry, but injuries cost you any chance you had:
Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma)
Brian Brohm (Louisville)
Michael Bush (Louisville)
Dwayne Jarrett (USC)
Bobby Reid (Oklahoma St.)
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si.com
It's a race again
OSU Smith falls back to pack; Hart, Quinn back in it
We may just have a Heisman race after all. After a very un-Heismanlike effort against Illinois, quarterback Troy Smith has, at least in these eyes, opened the door.
He's not asked to do as much as, say, a Brady Quinn, so when Smith does get the chance to make a play he must take advantage of it, which he has done for much of this year. But he didn't do it on Saturday.
Despite what happened at Champaign, he's still the leader, but considering how important the guys just below him on the list are to their teams, it's not Smith's trophy yet.
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State, QB, Sr.
Last week: 13-of-23 passing, 108 yards, 1 INT; 11 rushes, 37 yards in a 17-10 victory at Illinois
Season: 158-of-237 passing, 2,006 yards, 22 TDs, 3 INTs; 53 rushes, 206 yards, 1 TD
Heisman-o-meter: After completing 4 of 5 passes and driving his team to a touchdown on the game's opening drive, Smith ended up having his worst game this season. It wasn't that he was bad. He was just off, especially in the second half, and so was the Buckeyes' offense. His margin for error has dwindled.
Up next: Saturday at Northwestern
2. Mike Hart, Michigan, RB, Jr.
Last week: 25 rushes, 154 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 8 yards in a 34-26 victory over Ball State
Season: 259 rushes, 1,281 yards, 10 TDs; 13 receptions, 122 yards
Heisman-o-meter: Hart fumbled for the first time in two years, but, after a few workmanlike games, he finally got loose like we know he can. He may not be as flashy or have the gaudy stats of others on this list, but the toughness he displays when he runs wins me over every time.
Up next: Saturday at Indiana
3. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame, QB, Sr.
Last week: 23-of-35 passing, 346 yards, 4 TDs in a 45-26 victory over North Carolina
Season: 216-of-338 passing, 2,579 yards, 25 TDs, 4 INTs
Heisman-o-meter: Not even Troy Smith generates as many e-mail responses as Quinn. Half of them say he should be moved ahead of Smith; the others believe he doesn't belong above Colt McCoy. I almost needed to flip a coin to decide between Quinn and Hart at No. 2, but I decided to go with the Michigan back for now, even though Quinn is coming off a game in which he was locked in from the outset. (An aside: Was it just me or did it seem like Carolina's corners were giving Jeff Samardzija way too much cushion?)
Up next: Saturday at Air Force
4. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB, Fr.
Last week: 23-of-29 passing, 346 yards, 3 TDs in a 36-10 victory over Oklahoma State
Season: 170-of-246 passing, 2,051 yards, 27 TDs, 4 INTs
Heisman-o-meter: After much re-evaluation, McCoy jumps from No. 9. The reasoning: Ignoring his stats for a moment (which have been sensational by the way), he has been nails in Texas' biggest wins, throwing two key touchdown passes in the comeback against Oklahoma, driving the Horns to a game-winning field goal at Nebraska and rallying them from a 21-point deficit at Texas Tech. Few on this list can say they have as much impact in as many big wins as this cool 20-year-old.
Up next: Saturday at Kansas State
5. Steve Slaton, West Virginia, RB, Soph.
Last week: 18 rushes, 156 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 74 yards in a 44-34 loss at No. 5 Louisville
Season: 169 rushes, 1,215 yards, 10 TDs; 12 receptions, 161 yards
Heisman-o-meter: Last week's No. 2 was on his way to a huge night before losing feeling in his left arm, which led to fumbles on consecutive carries in the third quarter. The second fumble was returned for a touchdown and completely changed the momentum in what would eventually be a Mountaineers' loss. As impressive as Slaton's been all year, it would be difficult to vote for a guy who coughed up the ball twice in his team's biggest game of the year.
Up next: Saturday vs. Cincinnati
6. Marshawn Lynch, Cal, RB, Jr.
Cal's Marshawn Lynch is arguably the most electrifying running back in the nation.
Aaron Kehoe/US PRESSWIRE
Last week: 20 rushes, 81 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD in a 38-24 victory over UCLA
Season: 152 rushes, 988 yards, 9 TDs; 23 receptions, 261 yards, 4 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: He didn't have a huge rushing day, but his 24-yard touchdown catch-and-run gave more support to the belief that this man is the most electrifying running back in college football. On the play he darted in and then out and turned a screen pass that was going nowhere into a Heisman-caliber highlight. I can't imagine what his numbers would be if he didn't lose carries to Justin Forsett.
Up next: Saturday at Arizona
7. P.J. Hill, Wisconsin, RB, Fr.
Last week: 31 rushes, 148 yards in a 13-3 victory over Penn State
Season: 245 rushes, 1,370 yards, 13 TDs; 15 receptions, 172 yards, 1 TD
Heisman-o-meter: After Hill sat out much of last week's victory over Illinois with a minor neck injury, coach Bret Bielema said on his radio show that his big running back needed to take some "toughen-up pills." Hill took no offense to the comment, but he responded with a bullish effort against a Nittany Lions defense that's allowing just 102.4 yards on the ground. It's a shame college football fans won't get to see him face the Ohio State defense this year.
Up next: Saturday at Iowa
8. Ray Rice, Rutgers, RB, Soph.
Last week: Idle
Season: 223 rushes, 1,203 yards, 13 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: Rice has been a staple on this list all season, but one of the reasons he isn't higher is because Rutgers' schedule is more formative as a basketball slate (North Carolina, Illinois, Pitt, Connecticut, etc.) than a football one. On Thursday, he finally gets a chance to prove his worth, and he meets a defense that didn't exactly slow down Steve Slaton.
Up next: Thursday vs. No. 3 Louisville
9. Darren McFadden, Arkansas, RB, Soph.
Last week: 25 rushes, 219 yards, 2 TDs; 4 kickoff returns, 96 yards in a 26-20 victory at South Carolina
Season: 167 rushes, 1,038 yards, 10 TDs; 7 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD; 5 kickoff returns, 115 yards; 1-of-1 passing, 9 yards, 1 TD
Heisman-o-meter: Hogs fans, you can stop your e-mail campaign. McFadden has made the list, and I apologize if it seems I am a bit late to the party. I have always been amazed by his Sunday-caliber skills, but he had not made the list previously because his production never seemed to catch up with his ability. Until now.
Up next: Saturday vs. No. 13 Tennessee
10. James Davis, Clemson, RB, Soph.
Last week: 20 rushes, 90 yards in a 13-12 loss against Maryland
Season: 171 rushes, 1,081 yards, 17 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: Davis really had only one big run, a 42-yarder that set up a field goal. Otherwise he averaged 2.5 yards per carry. He's clinging to the final slot on this list and could easily have been replaced by someone else, perhaps Virginia Tech's Branden Ore or even Hawaii's Colt Brennan.
Up next: Saturday vs. N.C. State
It's a race again
OSU Smith falls back to pack; Hart, Quinn back in it
We may just have a Heisman race after all. After a very un-Heismanlike effort against Illinois, quarterback Troy Smith has, at least in these eyes, opened the door.
He's not asked to do as much as, say, a Brady Quinn, so when Smith does get the chance to make a play he must take advantage of it, which he has done for much of this year. But he didn't do it on Saturday.
Despite what happened at Champaign, he's still the leader, but considering how important the guys just below him on the list are to their teams, it's not Smith's trophy yet.
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State, QB, Sr.
Last week: 13-of-23 passing, 108 yards, 1 INT; 11 rushes, 37 yards in a 17-10 victory at Illinois
Season: 158-of-237 passing, 2,006 yards, 22 TDs, 3 INTs; 53 rushes, 206 yards, 1 TD
Heisman-o-meter: After completing 4 of 5 passes and driving his team to a touchdown on the game's opening drive, Smith ended up having his worst game this season. It wasn't that he was bad. He was just off, especially in the second half, and so was the Buckeyes' offense. His margin for error has dwindled.
Up next: Saturday at Northwestern
2. Mike Hart, Michigan, RB, Jr.
Last week: 25 rushes, 154 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 8 yards in a 34-26 victory over Ball State
Season: 259 rushes, 1,281 yards, 10 TDs; 13 receptions, 122 yards
Heisman-o-meter: Hart fumbled for the first time in two years, but, after a few workmanlike games, he finally got loose like we know he can. He may not be as flashy or have the gaudy stats of others on this list, but the toughness he displays when he runs wins me over every time.
Up next: Saturday at Indiana
3. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame, QB, Sr.
Last week: 23-of-35 passing, 346 yards, 4 TDs in a 45-26 victory over North Carolina
Season: 216-of-338 passing, 2,579 yards, 25 TDs, 4 INTs
Heisman-o-meter: Not even Troy Smith generates as many e-mail responses as Quinn. Half of them say he should be moved ahead of Smith; the others believe he doesn't belong above Colt McCoy. I almost needed to flip a coin to decide between Quinn and Hart at No. 2, but I decided to go with the Michigan back for now, even though Quinn is coming off a game in which he was locked in from the outset. (An aside: Was it just me or did it seem like Carolina's corners were giving Jeff Samardzija way too much cushion?)
Up next: Saturday at Air Force
4. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB, Fr.
Last week: 23-of-29 passing, 346 yards, 3 TDs in a 36-10 victory over Oklahoma State
Season: 170-of-246 passing, 2,051 yards, 27 TDs, 4 INTs
Heisman-o-meter: After much re-evaluation, McCoy jumps from No. 9. The reasoning: Ignoring his stats for a moment (which have been sensational by the way), he has been nails in Texas' biggest wins, throwing two key touchdown passes in the comeback against Oklahoma, driving the Horns to a game-winning field goal at Nebraska and rallying them from a 21-point deficit at Texas Tech. Few on this list can say they have as much impact in as many big wins as this cool 20-year-old.
Up next: Saturday at Kansas State
5. Steve Slaton, West Virginia, RB, Soph.
Last week: 18 rushes, 156 yards, 1 TD; 3 receptions, 74 yards in a 44-34 loss at No. 5 Louisville
Season: 169 rushes, 1,215 yards, 10 TDs; 12 receptions, 161 yards
Heisman-o-meter: Last week's No. 2 was on his way to a huge night before losing feeling in his left arm, which led to fumbles on consecutive carries in the third quarter. The second fumble was returned for a touchdown and completely changed the momentum in what would eventually be a Mountaineers' loss. As impressive as Slaton's been all year, it would be difficult to vote for a guy who coughed up the ball twice in his team's biggest game of the year.
Up next: Saturday vs. Cincinnati
6. Marshawn Lynch, Cal, RB, Jr.
Cal's Marshawn Lynch is arguably the most electrifying running back in the nation.
Aaron Kehoe/US PRESSWIRE
Last week: 20 rushes, 81 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD in a 38-24 victory over UCLA
Season: 152 rushes, 988 yards, 9 TDs; 23 receptions, 261 yards, 4 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: He didn't have a huge rushing day, but his 24-yard touchdown catch-and-run gave more support to the belief that this man is the most electrifying running back in college football. On the play he darted in and then out and turned a screen pass that was going nowhere into a Heisman-caliber highlight. I can't imagine what his numbers would be if he didn't lose carries to Justin Forsett.
Up next: Saturday at Arizona
7. P.J. Hill, Wisconsin, RB, Fr.
Last week: 31 rushes, 148 yards in a 13-3 victory over Penn State
Season: 245 rushes, 1,370 yards, 13 TDs; 15 receptions, 172 yards, 1 TD
Heisman-o-meter: After Hill sat out much of last week's victory over Illinois with a minor neck injury, coach Bret Bielema said on his radio show that his big running back needed to take some "toughen-up pills." Hill took no offense to the comment, but he responded with a bullish effort against a Nittany Lions defense that's allowing just 102.4 yards on the ground. It's a shame college football fans won't get to see him face the Ohio State defense this year.
Up next: Saturday at Iowa
8. Ray Rice, Rutgers, RB, Soph.
Last week: Idle
Season: 223 rushes, 1,203 yards, 13 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: Rice has been a staple on this list all season, but one of the reasons he isn't higher is because Rutgers' schedule is more formative as a basketball slate (North Carolina, Illinois, Pitt, Connecticut, etc.) than a football one. On Thursday, he finally gets a chance to prove his worth, and he meets a defense that didn't exactly slow down Steve Slaton.
Up next: Thursday vs. No. 3 Louisville
9. Darren McFadden, Arkansas, RB, Soph.
Last week: 25 rushes, 219 yards, 2 TDs; 4 kickoff returns, 96 yards in a 26-20 victory at South Carolina
Season: 167 rushes, 1,038 yards, 10 TDs; 7 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD; 5 kickoff returns, 115 yards; 1-of-1 passing, 9 yards, 1 TD
Heisman-o-meter: Hogs fans, you can stop your e-mail campaign. McFadden has made the list, and I apologize if it seems I am a bit late to the party. I have always been amazed by his Sunday-caliber skills, but he had not made the list previously because his production never seemed to catch up with his ability. Until now.
Up next: Saturday vs. No. 13 Tennessee
10. James Davis, Clemson, RB, Soph.
Last week: 20 rushes, 90 yards in a 13-12 loss against Maryland
Season: 171 rushes, 1,081 yards, 17 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: Davis really had only one big run, a 42-yarder that set up a field goal. Otherwise he averaged 2.5 yards per carry. He's clinging to the final slot on this list and could easily have been replaced by someone else, perhaps Virginia Tech's Branden Ore or even Hawaii's Colt Brennan.
Up next: Saturday vs. N.C. State
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CleveBucks
Serenity now
Two Heisman finalists named Colt? What the hell is this world coming to?
Looks like a weak year for Heisman candidates when Brennan, McCoy, and Ian Johnson are garnering top 5 votes.
Looks like a weak year for Heisman candidates when Brennan, McCoy, and Ian Johnson are garnering top 5 votes.
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While I don't expect to see Brennan in New York City, he has had a phenomenal season. Hawaii has finally developed a running game, has a solid O-Line, and a great group of receivers that do a lot with the ball after the catch. Yeah, the competition isn't very good, but you still have to execute. UH finishes up with Louisiana Tech, San Jose St., Purdue, and Oregon State, not exactly a who's who of elite college football defenses. I believe that you will be able to see Brennan on national t.v. against Oregon State on December 2. Now, I am not advocating Colt for the Heisman, just that he has had a special season. I fully expect Troy to win it, provided that business is taken care of in the next two weeks. Troy has shown an uncanny ability to play his best when it counts the most.
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When they give the trophy to a freshman it will demean itself so much it probably will never recover.CleveBucks;654591; said:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/11/06/bc.fbc.t25.texas.mccoy.ap/index.html
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- With Colt McCoy piling up touchdown passes and keeping No. 4 Texas on the edge of the national title chase, the redshirt freshman quarterback is hearing his name as a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
Fat chance, McCoy said Monday.
"Troy Smith's got it sewed up," he said of the Ohio State quarterback who beat Texas 24-7 on Sept. 9.
Still, McCoy has put up some impressive numbers in his first season. His 27 touchdown passes set a Texas single-season record, and he's only two shy of the NCAA freshman record. His pass-efficiency rating of 172.1 is No. 2 nationally behind Colt Brennan of Hawaii (190.0).
After Texas' 36-10 win over Oklahoma State, Longhorns coach Mack Brown praised his QB but said he doesn't think freshmen should be up for the Heisman.
Monday, Brown seemed tired of hearing about it.
"I don't have any control over the Heisman or Vince (Young) would have won it," Brown said. "I don't know who votes. I don't know who goes. I know we're trying to get Colt ready to play next week so we're not talking about Heisman anymore.
"He is playing great. He is playing as well as anybody in the country. The Heisman usually changes by the week anyway."
Brown said he's been impressed by how McCoy has handled the situation.
"He's played with focus each week and he hasn't let all the publicity and attention change who he is," Brown said. "That's a hard thing to do. I'm really pleased with his attitude and work ethic."
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Link
HEISMAN WATCH
Race tightens among QBs
By Wendell Barnhouse
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Star-Telegram writer Wendell Barnhouse assesses the top candidates for the Heisman Trophy:
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State: Smith had his worst game of the season Saturday against Illinois. But if the Buckeyes can finish the regular season 12-0, the Heisman is his.
2. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame: The Irish senior is lurking. He has 25 touchdowns and only four interceptions, and he plays for a high-profile team.
3. Colt McCoy, Texas: The redshirt freshman has 27 TD passes, a single-season school record. The Division I-A record for a freshman QB is 29.
Waiting list: Mike Hart, Michigan RB; Steve Slaton, West Virginia RB; Ray Rice, Rutgers RB; Marshawn Lynch, California RB; Darren McFadden, Arkansas .
HEISMAN WATCH
Race tightens among QBs
By Wendell Barnhouse
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Star-Telegram writer Wendell Barnhouse assesses the top candidates for the Heisman Trophy:
1. Troy Smith, Ohio State: Smith had his worst game of the season Saturday against Illinois. But if the Buckeyes can finish the regular season 12-0, the Heisman is his.
2. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame: The Irish senior is lurking. He has 25 touchdowns and only four interceptions, and he plays for a high-profile team.
3. Colt McCoy, Texas: The redshirt freshman has 27 TD passes, a single-season school record. The Division I-A record for a freshman QB is 29.
Waiting list: Mike Hart, Michigan RB; Steve Slaton, West Virginia RB; Ray Rice, Rutgers RB; Marshawn Lynch, California RB; Darren McFadden, Arkansas .
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During the 4th quarter of the Toledo-NIU game last night on ESPN2, the broadcast team (Saunders, James, and Flutie -- the normal Saturday ABC studio guys) ran through their Heisman ballots as if the voting were held today. All three had Troy Smith number one. Saunders had Adrian Peterson second, despite injury, while Craig James had Colt McCoy at two on his ballot. I don't recall who Saunders had third, but James had Darren McFadden as three on his. Flutie, however, had Troy Smith sweeping one, two, and three on his, reasoning that Troy has so clearly separated himself from everybody else, the closest competitor is probably Brady Quinn, who Flutie says still doesn't deserve to be any higher than about fourth.
Interesting because all three of them are actual Heisman voters, Saunders and James as media members, and Flutie has a ballot as previous Heisman winner. Not one of them had Quinn in the their top three, and Flutie pointed that now is the time that Quinn can pad his stats and accumulate gaudy statistics, but it won't matter, because the best Brady can do is be the unanimous runner-up.
Interesting because all three of them are actual Heisman voters, Saunders and James as media members, and Flutie has a ballot as previous Heisman winner. Not one of them had Quinn in the their top three, and Flutie pointed that now is the time that Quinn can pad his stats and accumulate gaudy statistics, but it won't matter, because the best Brady can do is be the unanimous runner-up.
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Welsh0913
Senior
Very interesting observation Dryden.... I do believe that there is not a consensus on who is #2. While ESPN's Heisman Watch has Quinn has the clear #2, it appears that much of the media, inclding James, Saunders and Flutie, as well as a lot of the guys from CBS Sportsline, do not have Quinn at #2.
It appears that the Michigan game may determine not only who goes to the BCS Championship game, but also Troy's fate with the Heisman. What intrigues me however is if OSU loses to Michigan, but Troy still has a decent game. What would the voters do then? I think its pretty clear that even if Troy has a sub-par game against Michigan and OSU still wins, the Heisman is still his.
It appears that the Michigan game may determine not only who goes to the BCS Championship game, but also Troy's fate with the Heisman. What intrigues me however is if OSU loses to Michigan, but Troy still has a decent game. What would the voters do then? I think its pretty clear that even if Troy has a sub-par game against Michigan and OSU still wins, the Heisman is still his.
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Dryden;655718; said:
I saw that also. It was nice to see that Flutie isn't still trying to promote Drew Tate. :tongue2:
I think Saunders actually had BQ as his #3.
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