The 2009 college football regular season is come to a close, and all the bowl matchups are set. This year’s Heisman race was as tight as any and several top candidates had a chance to make their case this week in conference championship games. Here are my final rankings:

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Assuming most voters waited until this week’s games were played to submit their ballots, Ingram is my pick to bring home the 2009 Heisman Trophy. Ingram had an amazing game in Alabama’s dominating victory over top-ranked Florida in the SEC Championship game, rushing for 113 yards and 3 touchdowns and also had 76 receiving yards. Ingram was the difference maker for the Crimson Tide, as the Florida defense could not contain him. For the season Ingram rushed for 1542 yards and 15 touchdowns and had 30 receptions for 322 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ingram is arguably the best player on the best team, and I believe he will strike the pose in New York this Saturday.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy got himself back in the race with a huge game against Texas A&M on Thanksgiving night, but his performance in the Big 12 Championship Game, throwing for just 184 yards with 3 interceptions and a rushing touchdown. McCoy did lead the Longhorns on a game winning drive late in the 4^th quarter, leading to the game winning field goal as time expired. This season, McCoy threw for 3512 yards and 27 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns. If voters submitted their ballots before conference championship games, McCoy may be the favorite to take home the Heisman.

Toby Gerhart, Stanford RB: Gerhart was off as Stanford finished the regular season against Notre Dame. Gerhart had arguably his best game of the season against the Irish, rushing for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns and even threw a touchdown pass in the shootout victory for the Cardinal. Gerhart has been the key to Stanford’s resurgence this year rushing for 1736 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2009. Gerhart is the darkhorse in this race, and is the only other candidate that I believe has a shot to win the Heisman.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow’s 2009 regular season ended on a bitter note with the crushing loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship. Tebow threw for 247 yards with a touchdown and an interception and added 63 yards on the ground, but Tebow could not get the Gators into the endzone against the tough Alabama defense. This season Tebow threw for 2413 yards and 18 touchdowns with 5 interceptions and rushed for 859 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Gators. I do not think Tebow will win the Heisman this year, but he will probably be invited to New York and be remembered as one of the greatest college football players of all time.

Kellen Moore, Boise State QB: Moore was one of the most impressive quarterbacks in the college football this season, leading the Broncos to another undefeated regular season and a BCS bowl berth. Moore threw for 272 yards and a touchdown in their regular season finale, a 42-7 victory over New Mexico State. For the season, Moore threw for 3325 yards and 39 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. Moore deserves an invite to New York for the work he has done in leading Boise State to another perfect regular season.

Week 12′s results leave the Heisman board unchanged except for one running back whose stock is rising fast. With only a couple weeks left in the season, these players must make the most of their opportunities to ensure a spot in New York and make their case to take home the trophy. Here are the favorites:

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Ingram made the most of his limited opportunities in Alabama’s blowout victory over Chattanooga, rushing for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 11 carries. Ingram has been impressive all season, rushing for 1399 yards and 12 touchdowns and catching 25 passes for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide offense. Ingram will have to carry the Tide offense when Alabama takes on arch-rival Auburn on the road this Friday.

Toby Gerhart, Stanford RB: Gerhart had another stellar performance last Saturday in Stanford’s loss to Cal, rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns. Gerhart did all he could to keep the Cardinal in the game, but in the end it just wasn’t enough. Gerhart’s numbers are the best in the country for college running backs, as he has rushed for 1531 yards and 23 touchdowns. The loss to Cal ends Stanford’s Rose Bowl dreams, but Gerhart still has one more chance to impressive voters on the national stage when Stanford takes on Notre Dame this Saturday.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow was impressive in Florida’s blowout victory over Florida International, throwing for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushing for 102 yards and another score. His 55 yard touchdown run made him the SEC’s all-time touchdown leader. So far this season Tebow has thrown for 1945 yards and 14 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions and has rushed for 706 yards and 11 touchdowns. Look for Tebow to have another big game against rival FSU this Saturday.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy had his best game of the season to date, throwing for 396 yards and 4 touchdowns against Kansas. The Longhorn victory also locked up Texas’ spot in the Big 12 Championship game, something they missed out on last season. The victory was also McCoy’s 43^rd as a starter, making him the winningest quarterback of all time. This season McCoy has thrown for 3024 yards and 23 touchdowns with 9 interceptions. Look for McCoy to pad his stats in a Thanksgiving day showdown against Texas A&M.

C.J. Spiller, Clemson RB: Spiller was solid in Clemson’s 34-21 victory over Virginia, rushing for 58 yards and a touchdown to go with 5 receptions for 39 yards. The win also put Clemson in the ACC Championship Game which gives Spiller another chance to impress the voters. Spiller has been one of most dynamic running backs in college football this season rushing for 894 yards and 7 touchdowns as well as making 29 receptions for 421 yards and 4 touchdowns. Look for Spiller to play well against rival South Carolina on Saturday.

Sentimental Favorite- Mikell Simpson: Simpson played well against Clemson, rushing for 84 yards on 14 carries and catching 2 passes for 43 yards in a touchdown before leaving the game early with an injury. Simpson has been solid for the Cavaliers this year rushing for 370 yards and 5 touchdowns to go with 26 receptions for 227 yards and another score. Hopefully Simpson will be able to play in his final game as a Cavalier against Virginia Tech. The game could also be Al Groh’s last as head coach.

Week 11′s results shook up my Heisman board a bit, but the race is clearing up as the regular season nears its end. Here are my favorites:

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Ingram had an impressive performance against Mississippi State, rushing for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 31-3 victory for the Crimson Tide. Ingram has carried the Alabama offense all year rushing for 1297 yards and 10 touchdowns to go with 25 receptions for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ingram should be able to put up big numbers against Chattanooga which doesn’t have a defense comparable to the SEC defenses Ingram is used to facing.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow was solid in Florida’s win over South Carolina, throwing for 199 yards and a touchdown and added another touchdown in the victory for the Gators. So far this season Tebow has thrown for 1730 yards and 12 touchdowns with 4 interceptions and also has 604 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Tebow should be able to pad his stats next Saturday against Florida International assuming Urban Meyer lets him play more than a few series.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy made the most of his limited playing time last Saturday against Baylor throwing for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns before being pulled early in the 47-14 victory for the Longhorns. McCoy also tied the FBS record for wins as a starter with 42. This season McCoy has thrown for 2628 yards and 19 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Look for McCoy to set the wins record next week against Kansas.

C.J. Spiller, Clemson RB: Spiller has been a great game against NC St. rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown. He also caught and even threw a touchdown in the 43-23 victory for the Tigers. So far this season Spiller has rushed for 836 yards and 6 touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 382 yards and 4 touchdowns. Spiller figures to have a big game next week against Virginia. Hopefully Al Groh has something planned to contain him. Otherwise it could be another long day for Wahoo fans.

Toby Gerhart, Stanford RB: Gerhart and Stanford have flown under the radar for most of the 2009 college football season, but the Cardinal’s performance against perennial power USC have put the program on the map and made Gerhart’s Heisman chances legitimate. Gerhart rushed for 178 yards and 3 touchdowns on 29 carries against the once-vaunted Trojan defense, helping Stanford control the ball and earn a 55-21 victory. So far this season Gerhart has rushed for 1395 yards and 19 touchdowns. Look for Gerhart to carry the load for the Cardinal next week against Cal. Stanford is an Oregon loss away from potentially winning the Pac-10 and a Rose Bowl berth. If Gerhart can lead Stanford to Pasadena the Heisman may be his.

Sentimental Favorite- Chris Cook: Another game, another disappointing performance for the Hoos. Cook provided the lone highlight for the Cavaliers, a 58 yard interception return for a touchdown, in the 14-10 loss to Boston College. The loss ends UVa’s bowl hopes and potentially Al Groh’s tenure as head coach. Hey, maybe it’s not all bad right? Hopefully UVa can end the losing streak next Saturday against Clemson.

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Ingram has finally risen to the top of my board after another impressive game against SEC West rival LSU, rushing for 144 yards on 22 carries in the 24-15 victory for the Crimson Tide. He was also a factor in the passing game, catching 5 balls for 30 yards. So far this season Ingram has rushed for 1148 yards and 8 touchdowns and has 24 receptions for 216 yards and 3 more touchdowns. If Alabama finishes the season undefeated Ingram will likely head to New York City as the favorite to win the Heisman. Ingram figures to have a big game next Saturday against Mississippi State.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow had a solid performance against Vanderbilt throwing for 208 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown in the Gator victory. Tebow has been solid all year throwing for 1531 yards and 11 touchdowns with 4 interceptions and rushing for 578 yards and 9 touchdowns. Though his numbers this season do not compare favorably to those of prior years, his leadership skills and intangibles make him one of the best players in college football. Look for Tebow to have a big game against the Ole Ball Coach and South Carolina next Saturday.

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame QB: Clausen put up fantastic numbers against Navy, throwing for 452 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the loss cripples his Heisman chances. He also made several costly mistakes including two costly turnovers. This season Clausen has thrown for 2770 yards and 20 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. He has been arguably the best passer in the country this year, but his inability to lead Notre Dame to a big victory has hurt his chances. He gets another chance next week when the Irish take on top-10 ranked Pitt.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy put up impressive numbers against Central Florida, throwing for 470 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 35-3 win for the Longhorns. So far this season McCoy has thrown for 2447 yards and 17 touchdowns with 9 interceptions. McCoy’s numbers are not as good as his from last year, but as long as Texas keeps winning he’s got as a good a shot as anyone to take home the Heisman. Look for another big game from McCoy next Saturday against Baylor.

Kellen Moore, Boise State QB: Moore had another big game last week against Louisiana Tech, throwing for 354 yards and 3 touchdowns with an interception in the 45-35 victory for the Broncos. Moore has been great all year throwing for 2259 yards and 27 touchdowns with only 3 interceptions. He has also led Boise State to an undefeated record. Moore figures to put up big numbers next Saturday against rival Idaho.

Sentimental Favorite- Rashawn Jackson: Just like last week, Jackson is the lone bright spot of another disappointing performance by the Cavaliers. Jackson rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown on just 8 carries, averaging almost 10 yards per carry. Jackson should definitely have more than 8 carries going forward as the Cavaliers should commit to Jackson as he has been the most effective offensive player on the field of late. Hopefully UVa can bounce back next Saturday when Boston College comes to Charlottesville.

It has been awhile since the Heisman race was this open this late in the season. There are still a number of candidates who could bring home the hardware next month in New York. Hopefully the stretch run will provide some drama. Here are my favorites:

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame QB: Clausen had another solid performance in Notre Dame’s 40-14 blowout of Washington State, throwing for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns in just 3 quarters of action. Clausen has been arguably the best passer in all of college football in 2009, throwing for 2318 yards and 18 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. Look for Clausen to stay hot next Sunday against Navy.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow rebounded on Saturday against Georgia, accounting for 4 touchdowns in the 41-17 victory. Tebow threw for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushed for 85 yards with 2 more touchdowns on the ground. Tebow broke Herschel Walker’s SEC record for rushing touchdowns in the second quarter and now has 51 in his career. This year Tebow has thrown for 1323 yards with 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions and has rushed for 551 yards and 8 touchdowns. Expect big numbers from Tebow next Saturday when Florida takes on SEC punching bag Vanderbilt.

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Ingram was off this week, but he has set himself apart from the rest of the running backs in college football so far this year. For the season he has rushed for 1004 yards and 8 touchdowns and has added 19 receptions for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ingram is often asked to carry Alabama’s offense singlehandedly as he takes direct snaps in the Wildcat formation several times each game. Alabama has a huge game against LSU next Saturday and Ingram will have his chance to state his case for the Heisman.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: Texas didn’t need a big game from McCoy in the Longhorns’ 41-14 rout of Oklahoma State. McCoy threw for 171 yards and a touchdown in the blowout and has thrown for 1977 yards and 15 touchdowns with 8 interceptions in 2009. Look for McCoy to have a big game next Saturday against Central Florida.

Kellen Moore, Boise State QB: Moore has been impressive all season, leading the Broncos to an undefeated record and a top 10 ranking, and last Saturday was no different. Moore threw for 278 yards and 3 touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown in Boise State’s 45-7 victory over San Jose State. This season Moore has thrown for 1905 yards and 24 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. Moore is a darkhorse in the race, but his performance cannot be ignored. Moore should have another strong performance next Friday against Louisiana Tech.

Sentimental Favorite- Rashawn Jackson: Jackson was a small bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance for the Cavaliers, rushing for 83 yards on 16 carries. Not much else I can say since UVa lost to Duke for the second straight year, something that seemed unfathomable a couple years ago. The season looks all but lost for Cavaliers as a trip to Miami looms next Saturday. It will take a much better performance the Hoos to even compete with the Hurricanes.

After 8 weeks the Heisman trophy is still completely up for grabs. No candidate has managed to separate himself from the others, but a spectacular performance by any one of the candidates could set them apart. Here are my favorites:

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame QB: Clausen led the Irish to another come from behind victory in the fourth quarter against Boston College, throwing for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 20-16 win. Clausen’s leadership has improved drastically this season as he has led Notre Dame on several game winning drives late. So far this season he has thrown 2050 yards and 16 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. Look for Clausen to have another big game Saturday night against Washington State. If Clausen can help Notre Dame win out he has a legitimate chance to win the Heisman.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow had a tough outing last Saturday against Mississippi State throwing for 127 yards and two interceptions. He did rush for 88 yards and 1 touchdown in the 29-19 victory. So far this season Tebow has thrown for 1159 yards and 8 touchdowns with 4 interceptions and rushed for 466 yards and 5 touchdowns. Tebow and the Gators face a tough test next Saturday when the take on Georgia in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Ingram is quickly climbing the Heisman charts as he continues to be the engine that makes the Alabama offense go. In Saturday’s 12-10 win over Tennessee Ingram rushed for 96 yards, most of them coming out of the Wildcat formation. So far this season Ingram has rushed for 1001 yards and 8 touchdowns and has caught 19 passes for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. Alabama is off next week, but Ingram and the Tide will face one of their toughest tests of the next against LSU on November 7. If Ingram can lead to Tide to victory, his Heisman stock will continue to rise.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy bounced back from his disappointing performance against Oklahoma, throwing for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 41-7 blowout victory over Missouri on national television. So far this season McCoy has thrown for 1806 yards and 14 touchdowns with 8 interceptions. He also has a rushing touchdown. McCoy has fallen down the Heisman board and will need to post huge performances the rest of the way to climb back up. A big performance against Oklahoma State next Saturday would be a nice start.

Case Keenum, Houston QB: Keenum had subpar performance last Saturday against SMU, throwing for just 233 yards and a touchdown in the 38-15 win. Keenum passing statistics are second to none in college football, as he has thrown for 2734 yards and 20 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. He also has 3 touchdowns on the ground. Look for Keenum to continue to put up big numbers next Saturday against Southern Miss.

Sentimental Favorite- Robert Randolph: Randolph was responsible for all of Virginia points on Saturday, kicking 3 field goals including a 49 yarder in the 34-9 loss. He did, however, miss his first field goal of the season, but given the conditions that is forgivable. That being said, you know it’s probably a bad week for the Hoos if the kicker is the sentimental favorite. Hopefully we bounce back against Duke on Saturday.

After 7 weeks, the Heisman race is starting to heat up. No candidate has managed to separate himself from the others, but that could change as the teams get into the meat of the conference schedule. Here are my favorites:

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow is at the top of my board for the first time this year, but is far from unfamiliar territory for the 2007 Heisman winner. Tebow engineered an impressive game winning drive in the waning moments of Florida’s close call against Arkansas. Tebow threw for 255 yards and a touchdown and added 69 rushing yards in the 23-20 victory. For the year Tebow has thrown for 1032 yards and 8 touchdowns with 2 interceptions to go with 378 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Look for Tebow to have a big game next week against Mississippi State.

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame QB: Clausen did everything he could to rally the Irish to a come from behind victory against arch-rival USC on Saturday, but in the end he fell just short. His efforts will not go unnoticed by Heisman voters, however, as he threw for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions and also added a rushing touchdown. Clausen has been the top passing quarterback so far this year throwing for 1804 yards and 14 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. Look for Notre Dame to bounce back next Saturday against Boston College. If Clausen can help Notre Dame win the rest of their games he has a decent shot to take home the Heisman.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy had a disappointing game against arch-rival Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout, but the Texas victory kept his Heisman hopes alive. McCoy threw for just 127 yards and a touchdown with an interception in the 16-13 defensive struggle. So far this season McCoy has thrown for 1537 yards and 11 touchdowns with 7 interceptions. He also has a rushing touchdown. McCoy will have to start putting up Heisman like numbers if he wants to move back up the board. McCoy will need to play well if Texas is to stay unbeaten when visit Missouri.

Tony Pike, Cincinnati QB: Pike was off to a strong start against South Florida before leaving the game with an injury to his non-throwing arm. Pike threw for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns and no interceptions in the 34-17 victory. So far this season Pike has thrown for 1633 yards and 15 touchdowns with 3 interceptions. He also has 2 touchdowns on the ground. Pike will likely miss next Saturday’s game against Louisville, but hopefully he won’t be out for much longer than that.

Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Ingram has been extremely impressive for Alabama all season, and last Saturday’s game was no different. Ingram ran for 246 yards and a touchdown in the 20-6 victory for the Crimson Tide. So far this season Ingram has rushed for 905 yards and 8 touchdowns and also has 186 receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions. Ingram should been a big factor against Tennessee next Saturday.

Sentimental Favorite- Rashawn Jackson: Jackson filled in admirably for the injured Mikell Simpson, rushing for 90 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries in the 20-9 Wahoo victory. So far this year Jackson has rushed for 199 yards and a touchdown to go with 14 receptions for 148 yards. UVa should continue to lean on Jackson for as long as Simpson is out. Hopefully the Hoos can continue their winning ways next Saturday against Georgia Tech.

]]> http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/10/19/heisman-watch-post-week-7/feed/ 0 http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/10/11/heisman-watch-post-week-6/ http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/10/11/heisman-watch-post-week-6/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:41:48 +0000 Drew Sutton http://www.wahoowire.com/?p=758

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.

]]> http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/10/11/heisman-watch-post-week-6/feed/ 0 http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/10/04/heisman-watch-post-week-5/ http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/10/04/heisman-watch-post-week-5/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:37:36 +0000 Drew Sutton http://www.wahoowire.com/?p=712

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.

]]> http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/10/04/heisman-watch-post-week-5/feed/ 1 http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/09/28/heisman-watch-post-week-4/ http://www.wahoowire.com/2009/09/28/heisman-watch-post-week-4/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:52:47 +0000 Drew Sutton http://www.wahoowire.com/?p=657

After four weeks, the Heisman race is tightening up as certain candidates slip while others rise. It looks right now to be a 3 horse race, but there are still a few others who could move up the board and bring home the trophy. Here are my favorites:

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy had a solid performance in Texas’s dominant victory over UTEP, throwing for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns with an interception before sitting out most of the 2^nd half. For the season McCoy has thrown for 1145 yards with 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He has yet to be the dual threat he was last season as he has just one rushing touchdown, but he hasn’t needed to be. Texas is off next week, but look for them to trounce Colorado on October 10^th.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow was off to an impressive start last Saturday against Kentucky, throwing for 103 yards and a touchdown to go with 123 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, before being sacked and taken out of the game with concussion-like symptoms. 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. Luckily Florida also has a bye next week, and they will need Tebow to be 100% when they travel to Baton Rouge to take on LSU on October 10^th.

Jahvid Best, California RB: Best stumbled last week against Oregon, rushing for just 55 yards and no touchdowns in the blow-out loss. The loss is especially detrimental to his chances, as Cal will need to stay near the top of the Pac-10 to give Best a chance to take home the Heisman. So far this season Best has rushed for 467 yards and 8 touchdowns and also has a receiving touchdown. USC travels north to take on the Bears this Saturday, and a bounce-back game from Best and a victory over the Trojans would put him right back in the race.

Jacory Harris, Miami QB: Harris struggled last Saturday against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg as both he and the Hurricanes returned to Earth after two impressive victories. Harris went 9-25 for 150 yards and an interception. He also fumbled twice, and lost one of them. For the year Harris has thrown for 806 yards and 5 touchdowns with 3 interceptions and also has a rushing touchdown. Miami’s incredibly tough 4 game stretch ends next Saturday against Oklahoma, and if Harris can lead Miami to a surprising victory, he’ll be right in the thick of things.

Case Keenum, Houston QB: Keenum is definitely the darkhorse in this race, as the Heisman voters do not like to give the award to players from smaller conferences, but Keenum’s performances are just too hard to ignore. Keenum led Houston to a come from behind victory over Texas Tech, its second upset over a Big 12 conference team this season. In the game Keenum threw for a ridiculous 430 yards and a touchdown with an interception and added a touchdown on the ground. So far this season Keenum has thrown for 1155 yards and 8 touchdowns with just two interceptions to go with 3 rushing touchdowns. Keenum should put up huge numbers next week against UTEP and its 93^rd ranked defense.

Sentimental Favorite: Since UVa had its best result of the year thus far during a bye week, there’s not too much to celebrate. At upset victory over a suddenly vulnerable Carolina team could turn things around.

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