Wahoo Wire

In week 5 two of the top 3 candidates had the week off while the other stumbled. There is no clear favorite as of yet, and any number of candidates could make their case as we get into the thick of conference play. At this point here are my favorites:

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: Texas was off in week 5, so McCoy got some much needed rest before the Longhorns face the meat of their schedule. For the season McCoy has thrown for 1145 yards with 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. McCoy also has a rushing touchdown, but has not been the same dual-threat he was last year. That being said, McCoy should have a big game next Saturday against Colorado.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Lucky for Florida, their bye week came the week after Tebow suffered his first concussion, the most serious injury of his college career. The Gators must hope Tebow is a quick healer if they are to hold on to the number 1 ranking. So far this season Tebow has thrown for 643 yards and 6 touchdowns with just one interception, and rushed for 271 yards and 5 touchdowns. Florida faces its toughest test of the season this Saturday when they travel to Baton Rouge to take on undefeated LSU. Tebow will have to play well for the Gators to win. His Heisman hopes also depend on his performance.

Tony Pike, Cincinnati QB: Pike has quietly led Cincinnati to an undefeated record and the Bearcats continue to climb in the rankings. In Cincinnati’s blowout win over Miami of Ohio last Saturday Pike threw for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns. So far this season Pike has thrown for 1493 yards and 13 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. He also has a couple of rushing touchdowns. As long as Pike keeps Cincinnati in the BCS race his name will continue to be mentioned in the Heisman discussion. The Bearcats are off next Saturday, but they face a tough test on October 15^th against South Florida in Tampa.

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame QB: Clausen has been one of the best passers in college football all year, and his flair for the dramatic has gotten him back in the Heisman race. Last Saturday against Washington, Clausen led the Irish to their first overtime win in the Charlie Weis era, keeping Notre Dame relevant for the time being. In the 37-30 victory Clausen threw for 422 yards and 2 touchdowns with an interception. For the year Clausen has thrown for 1544 yards and 12 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. Notre Dame has two weeks to prepare for its biggest game of the year against USC at home. A Notre Dame victory engineered by Clausen would vault the Irish into the BCS race and put Clausen in the thick of the Heisman race.

Jahvid Best, Cal RB: Best had another abysmal performance on a big stage last Saturday against USC, rushing for just 32 yards in the 30-3 loss. Best’s Heisman hopes are all but dashed after two miserable games resulting in Cal losses. So far this season Best has rushed for 499 yards and 8 touchdowns as well as 1 touchdown reception. Cal has a much needed week off, but look for Best to get back on tract on October 17^th against UCLA.

Sentimental Favorite- Mikell Simpson: Simpson had his best game in a long time as the Wahoos pulled the surprising upset over North Carolina on the road. Simpson was the steady workhorse Virginia needed in the defensive struggle, rushing for 100 yards on 20 carries and the game’s only touchdown which sealed the UVa victory. After a horrendous start, UVa probably should be 2-2 and things don’t seem nearly as bad as they did after the loss to William & Mary. If Simpson can be this productive week in week out, we may not have to write off the 2009 campaign just yet.