It’s been a while since we had such a wide-open Heisman Trophy race. Last year, Troy Smith was all but assured the Heisman Trophy even before he faced Michigan. The year before that, it was either Reggie Bush or Vince Young, with few others even considered. But this year, it’s a bit different. There’s only two undefeated teams left in Division-1A and neither Kansas or Hawaii have generated the hype worthy of a Heisman candidate. Because ranking my top five would be next to impossible, I’ll just throw out five names.
Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU. This is where the definition of Heisman Trophy gets a bit skewed. The trophy should be awarded to college football’s best player, which Dorsey (or Michigan tackle Jake Long) is. Instead, it’s often turned into “the guy with the best stats on the best team.” Watch a couple of defensive series and you’ll see how valuable Dorsey is. He’s disruptive, he commands a double team on every play and he’s the cog of a defense that’s surrendering just 236 yards a game, the lowest in the country.
Colt Brennan, QB Hawaii. ESPN finally got around to broadcasting a Hawaii game and Brennan didn’t disappoint, throwing for nearly 400 yards and two touchdown passes before going down to a concussion. But Hawaii doesn’t play anybody, it’s that simple. Brennan can put up these eye-popping numbers and play on Sunday. But until then, he’s going to be seen as a system quarterback the same way Timmy Chang was. Brennan will get a big shot at boosting his resume against Boise State in a couple weeks. Win that one and Hawaii could find themselves in a BCS bowl.
Dennis Dixon, QB Oregon. If I had to make a pick, it would be Dixon. He’s thrown 20 touchdowns to just 3 interceptions but more importantly, he’s matured enough to lead Oregon to a #2 ranking in this week’s BCS. A year after throwing 12 touchdowns and 14 picks, Dixon, along with running back Jonathan Stewart, has the Ducks just three wins away from the BCS National Championship Game. He’s also ran for another eight touchdowns.
Chase Daniel, QB Missouri. While preseason Heisman hopefuls Brian Brohm and John David Booty have gone by the wayside, Dixon and this year’s surprise, Chase Daniel, have made a name for themselves. Daniel has thrown 26 touchdowns and just 9 interceptions for the #5 Tigers. Blowout wins over then-ranked Texas Tech and Nebraska help his cause. Daniel will get a shot at Kansas next Saturday. If he wins that, he’ll earn a rematch with Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game.
Tim Tebow, QB Florida. Tebow has the eye-popping numbers but his team also has three losses. Everytime I watch Florida play, I come away more impressed with him. When it’s all said and done, Tebow could finish the year with 3,000 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards and 50 total touchdowns. Those are Madden numbers. The Heisman Trophy has never been won by a sophomore but if there’s any year to give it to one, this would be it.
Honorable Mentions
Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia
Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
Ray Rice, RB Rutgers
Rashard Mendenhall, RB Illinois
