The Heisman Trophy remains the one of the most prestigious awards in all of sport, as only the Sullivan Award proves a rival in the field of amateur competition. Whilst frequently just another way to recognize the best quarterback or running back on the best team, the Heisman nonetheless generates debate, which is good for college football. Last year at this time, Ohio State's Troy Smith had led the Buckeyes to a 3-0 record--most persuasively a 24-7 win over then-#2 Texas--and in so doing displaced frontrunner Brady Quinn, whose Irish fell to Michigan in rather decisive fashion. The battlelines for this season have yet to be drawn.
Darren McFadden, the best player in college football, actually passed Quinn to finish second in the 2006 race, in addition, he is a running back, which would seem to augur well for his chances. Unfortunately, D-Mac is plagued by an already-two loss team that doesn't rate among the nation's elite programs. Worse, his numbers don't appear on course for a 2,000 yard 25 TD campaign now clearly necessary to wrest the award away from a competitor likely to contend for the national championship. Don't forget, Arkansas remained mathematically alive for the Not-Fiesta well into November, affording #5 an opportunity to achieve national recognition--especially after the Hogs hammered Auburn on the Plains. So, who can win it?
Tim Tebow, QB, FLA: His team is top-five, and he is already a known commodity, plus his combination rush/pass skills always go over well with the committee. Issues? For one, LSU. The tenacious Bayou Bengal defense could make mincemeat of his hopes, he may have two shots though, if Florida can win in Columbia and beat the Dawgs. A Heisman is likely in his future, though I'm thinking more 2008.
Mike Hart, RB, MICH: RT2020's preaseason pick, but the second loss to Oregon is a drag on the effort. Still, huge days at Wisconsin and, well, another game to close the season will give him a chance. Yet, like McFadden, Michigan is no longer a title contender, which means 2,000 yards is closet to a prerequisite for joining Woodson, Howard, and Harmon. He also has no chance when measured against the Oregon QB.
DeSean Jackson, WR, CAL: Two TDs in an upset of USC will put him in the race, otherwise, Desmond's cheerleading aside, I just don't see it. His school is not powerful enough, even if they are top-five material this autumn. I almost think CAL has to go undefeated, and even then, likely not enough.
Andre' Woodson, QB, UK: HOMER! HOMER! Well, a win next week against the OBC on the Coast and his name will appear on every ballot. Face facts: Kentucky last started 4-0 in their mythical 1950 title season of Bryant and Parilli! Even a home split against LSU and Florida, provided he plays well, will not knock him from the race. A ten-win season with that, ahem, record still intact would provide a strong resume. He's on course for a trip to NYC.
John David Booty, QB, USC: Four Heismans in seven seasons sounds almost impossible, yet this Trojan signal-caller, in big games @ CAL and ORE, will once again receive the opportunity to become the eighth USC star to hoist the hardware. Unlike any other candidate save Woodson, his destiny is entirely in his hands. A 12-0 USC mark will almost guarantee him at least second place, dispatched only by a 2,000 tailback, or a player from the SEC (or both).
Colt Brennan, QB, HI: His model is Andre Ware, the 1989 recipient from Houston that put up such gaudy numbers it made Tony Rice look pedestrian. I think he will make some Pro Bowls at the next level, yet I cannot look favorably on giving the award to him due to strength of schedule. It simply is not there. Worse, he would not have a potential BCS win (Hawaii is likely to receive a bid if undefeated) to buttress his argument. Great QB, but no.
Dennis Dixon, QB, ORE: Dixon v. Booty, Autzen, only one will exit with intact Heisman hopes. Actually, Dixon needs a UM resurgence (all the way to the Top 10?) more than an undefeated season. Oregon has posted a Heisman finalist as recently as 2001 and the swoosh money would ensure a competitive campaign if the Ducks don't falter to a Pac-10 weakling. He beats USC, though, and Michigan goes to the Rose Bowl, well, I think it's his to lose in the last few weeks of the season.
Pat White/Steve Slaton, QB/RB, WVA: I feel for these guys, but their hopes had rested on an undefeated Louisville showing up in Morgantown. Oops. Rutgers and South Florida are still there, yet these Mountaineers truly needed that high-profile game. WVA's typical late-season swoon, if replicated in 2007, would completely alienate their Heisman backers. The same written today was true of 2006: if undefeated, they have a chance--and a way in Pisacataway is crucial.
Yes, we could look at OU's Bradford, however, until proven otherwise freshmen do not win the Heisman Trophy, and certainly not before a sophomore. The "Big" 12 also does not provide enough statement games for Oklahoma. If the Sooners thrash Texas and finish 13-0, well, Bradford is headed to the ceremony... in a clapping role. Like Tebow, though, we may see more of him soon.
The ballot:
1. Andre' Woodson
2. Mike Hart
3. Tim Tebow
4. Darren McFadden
5. Dennis Dixon
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