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| Published: Oct 27, 2009 1:01 AM EST |
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Heisman Watch |
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1. Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati
The fact that a player remains No. 1 on my list after missing last week's game is a great example why this Heisman race is up for grabs. Under the circumstances of not playing, the best possible outcome occurred for Pike. Tim Tebow, struggled, Mark Ingram made a huge error, and Cincinnati remained unbeaten without their best player. The Bearcats still have West Virginia on their schedule and they close out the year in Pittsburgh in a game that could decide the Big East championship. If the Bearcats remain unbeaten, that final game will have huge ramifications on the Heisman. Nobody will mistake me for Miss Cleo, but right now, that's the future I see.
Stock: Steady
2. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
In a matter of minutes, the Heisman and possibly the national championship was hanging by a thread for Ingram. He made what quite possibly is the most unlucky error that could occur in that moment. He fumbled the ball while Alabama was trying to run out the clock. It was the first time he had ever fumbled the ball and his team nearly paid for it. Of course, Tennessee recovers the ball and capitalizes by scoring their first touchdown of the game. The Volunteers were still down, so they onside kick it, and go figure, they recover it. Tennessee then proceeds to get in field goal range and attempts a game winning kick. Lucky for Ingram, Terrence Cody is huge and the big man delivers a block kick heard around the SEC. Not only does it keep the dream of an unbeaten season alive, but also keeps Ingrams' Heisman campaign moving. Had that kick got off and gone through the uprights, it would've had devastating effects on the Heisman race. I cannot see a scenario where a player makes that type of error and still is able to rebound and win the Heisman. It would've taken a lot of hype, luck, and production to get back in the race. That's too difficult to expect from a team that has to play in the SEC. It almost happened, but almost doesn't count. Ingram's Heisman bid is still rolling.
Stock: Up
3. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The consistency that Clausen brings to the table has got to have pro scouts' attention. Right now, Clausen has a really good chance to be a top ten pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He's the real deal and the schedule he faces down the stretch is more soft than any 2009 Heisman contender. The one tough game will come against Pittsburgh, but beyond that, Clausen will be in position to pad his stats. Remember, Clausen already has his Heisman like moment with a come from behind win against Purdue. Right now, nobody contending for the Heisman really has that type of moment. If that's the reason why Notre Dame makes it to a BCS game, Heisman voters will surely take a strong look at Clausen.
Stock: Steady
4. Case Keenum, QB, Houston
How good is Keenum? He's so good that he can throw for 233 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions and people consider it a down game. Houston's schedule sets up nicely for them and they should make a respectable bowl game, but I still have trouble finding a scenario where I think Keenum has a realistic shot at winning the Heisman. It would take losses by Boise State and TCU for Houston to get back in the BCS picture and that seems like a longshot right now. Without that BCS Bowl, voters will ignore Keenum. It's not fair nor right, but it's reality. College football has taught us to expect the unexpected, so I'm not ruling him out at all entirely. I'm just not expecting the unexpected in this case either.
Stock: Steady
5. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
It looks like my preseason pick for the Heisman finally came out of his shell. McCoy had a great game against Missouri. He threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 13 yards on the ground. That's all great and it helps his case, but I'm starting to see a trend. Ghosts, Ghouls, Zombies and all of the other creatures of Halloween won't haunt McCoy this year. Having at least one interception in every game will. That's the trend McCoy is on right now, as despite a great game last week, he still threw a pick. He won't win the Heisman unless he breaks that trend. Will he do it Halloween night against Oklahoma State? I don't think so.
Stock: Up
6. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
It amazes me that some people still consider Tebow the favorite right now for the Heisman trophy. He's not period. He's inconsistent and he's having his worse college season since he became a full-time starter for Florida as a sophomore. Tebow rushed 22 times for 88 yards and a touchdown last week. He added 127 yards through the air, but he also threw two interceptions, both were returned for touchdowns. He's falling and right now, I don't think he deserves an invite to the ceremony. Still, I have a tough time doubting him. For whatever reason, Tebow always rises to the occasion. He's that good. Would it shock me to see him go through the rest of his schedule and dominate? Absolutely not, but time is running out.
Stock: Down
7. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
No respect. None at all. That's the story of Williams so far this season. In his head-to-head matchup with Mark Ingram, Williams proved to be a worth opponent. He totaled 113 yards and scored two touchdowns. Against Jacory Harris, Williams ran for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Yet those two are getting their names mentioned for the Heisman and not Williams. Granted, Virginia Tech has loss two games, but so has Miami. I also don't disagree that Ingram is one of the few Heisman hopefuls and I could actually see him winning it. However, the lack of respect for Williams stands out more than anything to me out of everyone on this list. Why the disrespect? The only conclusion I can draw is the fact that he's freshman and his time will come. You can count on that.
Stock: Steady
On the Bubble
Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Jahvid Best, RB, California
Josh Nesbitt, QB, Georgia Tech
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State |
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| Published: Oct 27, 2009 1:01 AM EST |
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