Wahoo Wire

After 6 weeks of the college football season, no Heisman candidate has distanced himself from the rest of the field, and there has been no signature Heisman performance just yet. The number of candidates is shrinking, but among them the Heisman is completely up for grabs. Here are my top 5 candidates:

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy was solid in Texas’ 38-14 win over Colorado, going 32/39 for 265 yards with one touchdown and one interception. In the 2009 campaign McCoy has thrown for 1410 yards and 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He also has a rushing touchdown. McCoy hasn’t put up the same numbers he did last year, but he still has time to impress Heisman voters. McCoy has his biggest game of the season next Saturday when the Longhorns travel to Dallas to take on Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout. A big game from McCoy and a win for Texas could distance him from the rest of the field.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: After a week of uncertainty as to whether or not Tebow would play for Florida in the Gators’ biggest game of the season at LSU, number 15 was in the starting lineup and lead the Gators to a gritty 13-3 victory. Tebow’s numbers weren’t great as he threw for 134 yards and a touchdown with an interception, but his leadership and presence in the huddle made all the difference. So far this season Tebow has thrown for 777 yards and 7 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. He also has 309 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Look for Tebow to play even better next Saturday when Florida takes on Arkansas.

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame QB: Clausen and the Fighting Irish were off this week as Notre Dame got an extra week to prepare for its biggest game of the season as USC travels to South Bend. For the season Clausen has thrown for 1544 yards and 12 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. If Clausen can lead Notre Dame to an upset victory over the Trojans it will go a long way towards putting Notre Dame back in the national spotlight and boost his Heisman chances a great deal.

Tony Pike, Cincinnati QB: Cincinnati was off last week, but Pike and the Bearcats have been one of the best kept secrets in college football so far this year. This season Pike has passed for 1493 yards and 13 touchdowns with 3 interceptions and also has two rushing touchdowns. If Pike keeps the Bearcats undefeated he will continue to climb the Heisman ladder. Pike will have to play big to lead Cincinnati to victory next Saturday when the Bearcats travel to Tampa to take on South Florida.

Jacory Harris, Miami QB: Harris has hovered around the bottom of my board for most of the season, but his skill and poise is the main reason why the U is back in college football. In Miami’s blowout win over Florida A&M Harris threw for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. So far this season Harris has thrown for 1225 yards and 10 touchdowns with 7 interceptions. He also has a rushing touchdown. Look for a big game from Harris next Saturday when Miami takes on Central Florida.

Sentimental Favorite- Mikell Simpson: Simpson followed up his impressive performance against UNC with a great one against Indiana. Simpson was a big reason for UVa’s offense explosion in the 47-7 victory, rushing for 83 yards and four touchdowns on 15 carries. He was also a factor in the passing game, catching four balls for 66 yards. Unfortunately Simpson left in the third quarter with a neck injury, and as UVa fans we can only hope that it’s not serious. So far this season Simpson has rushed for 247 yards and 5 touchdowns and also has 16 catches for 148 receiving yards. Losing Simpson would be a devastating blow for the Cavaliers as UVa tries to salvage its season after an 0-3 start.