Heisman race? Glad you asked
Posted: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:47 PM
NEW YORK -- Having relocated here for the week from the home office in Los Angeles, we’ll turn out attention to the Heisman Trophy race for the first time this season.
With the top 10 candidates having played at least five games this season, there’s enough of a body of work to start handicapping the race to get here for the ceremony on Dec. 8, and, more importantly, all the parties that go on before and afterwards.
We’ll be back in three weeks to take another look at this battle royal and focus in on a survivor in this competition to be selected as college football’s most outstanding player not named Glenn Dorsey.
Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as Stephon Marbury’s on a breakaway
It would take a Mets-esque collapse for last year’s runner-up to not make a return visit. At this pace, McFadden will finish in the neighborhood of 1,900 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Matt Ryan, Boston College QB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as a decked-out Red Sox fan finding trouble in Yonkers
Not since the days of Doug Flutie has there been this much excitement in Chestnut Hill and today the quarterback is bigger and better. With the Eagles off to their best start in 65 years, Ryan will be one of those rare Bostonians given a warm reception in the Big Apple.
Tim Tebow, Florida QB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as Osi Umenyiora’s vs. Donovan McNabb
Sophomores don’t get invites very often, but barring injury, Tebow will systematically continue to post big numbers and produce the kind of captivating highlights that the voters like.
Mike Hart, Michigan RB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as Senator Clinton’s in the primary
Not only is he consistently putting up impressive totals and exhibiting the best ball security we’ve ever seen, but Hart’s leadership and courage make him a player that’s really hard to ignore.
Andre' Woodson, Kentucky QB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as Derek Jeter’s batting average at Tenjune
If the voting took place before last Thursday’s game at South Carolina, he probably would have won the darn thing. Thanks to the Gamecock pass rush and a couple errors in judgment, he’s fallen back into the middle of the pack.
DeSean Jackson, Cal WR-PR
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as the Boss’ new manager being better than Joe Torre
If Cal can avoid the storm of upsets hitting various parts of the country each week, Jackson will be at the center of all the hype. On the other hand, the way things are going, the Bears could also find themselves in the Holiday Bowl.
Chase Daniel, Missouri QB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as Chad Pennington’s to make the Pro Bowl
Saturday’s outstanding performance in the dominating 41-6 victory over Nebraska vaulted Daniel into the mix, but this weekend’s visit to Norman could result in a short stay.
Colt Brennan, Hawaii QB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as Britney Spears joining the cast of Wicked
Injuries have kept a lid on his snaps and stats, but better days ahead and an undefeated record will keep him within range until further notice. Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell is watching closely. He’ll probably finish with better numbers than Brennan, making an early case to get here in 2008.
Dennis Dixon, Oregon QB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as A-Rod’s for being in pinstripes next season.
The Ducks will go as far as Dixon takes them, and vice versa. If Oregon beats USC in Eugene on Oct. 27, you can be sure that there will be a lot of SportsCenter moments provided by the ultra-athletic Duck quarterback, who’ll instantly gain lots of support.
John David Booty, USC QB
Odds to make it to Manhattan: Same as A.J. being capable of taking over for Tony some day
In the 21st century, it seemed as if it was a rite of passage for whoever was taking snaps at USC to barge into the Big Apple. But there’s been no punch to Booty’s season and Stanford knocked him out entirely.
