.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
Let's cut through the garbage, the pomp, the circumstance, the PR BS and the hype surrounding the greatest individual award in all of sports. The Heisman Trophy goes to the most celebrated quarterback or running back from a top BCS team or a top 25 non-BCS program. And while others will be acknowledged here if they have any prayer of potentially finishing in the top five, it'll take something extraordinary to get on this list.
downlevel descriptionThis video requires the Adobe Flash Player. Download a free version of the player.
This isn't a ranking of the best players or the top NFL prospects. This is an attempt to put the finger on the pulse of the Heisman chase. So without further ado, here are the current favorites at the moment. These listings will change week after week with players moving in and out of the categories.
No current chance to win,but with finalist potential
QB Matt Barkley, Fr. USC
This week: at Ohio State.
Last week: 15-19, 233 yds, one TD in win over San Jose State.
The debut couldn't have gone better with a nearly flawless performance in the win over San Jose State. Now it's national-coming-out-party time with the big game against Ohio State. All the insiders know how good he is, and now it could be the time when the world figures out that the arm, the poise and the talent make him the total package.
WR Dez Bryant, Jr. Oklahoma State
This week: Home vs. Houston.
Last week: three catches, 77 yards, two TDs, two punt returns for 29 yards in win over Georgia.
His teammates, QB Zac Robinson and RB Kendall Hunter, politely excused themselves from the Heisman discussion, at least for the moment, after mediocre days against Georgia. Bryant made a slew of mistakes and appeared to be rattled by the Dawg defensive backfield, but he also blew the game open with his two big scoring grabs.
QB Todd Reesing, Sr. Kansas
This week: At UTEP.
Last week: 13-20, 208 yds, two TDs, 13 carries, 79 yards in win over Northern Colorado.
The buzz is starting build. It's almost like everyone forgot about how good he has been over the last two years, and while it was only Northern Colorado he rocked against, he came out and showed that he's going to be a statistical monster. If he keeps rushing for scores, his Heisman stock will shoot up.
On the radar, but we're looking for more
RB Jahvid Best, Jr. California
This week: Home vs. Eastern Washington.
Last week: Ten carries for 137 yards and two touchdowns in win over Maryland.
Unfortunately, few ended up watching his scintillating runs in the blowout over the Terps, and that's unfortunate. His 73-yard touchdown dash ended the game before it really even started. His problem will be the bulk numbers. Cal will be able to blow out many teams so badly that he won't see enough carries to get the Heisman types fired up.
QB Jimmy Clausen, Jr. Notre Dame
This week: at Michigan.
Last week: 15-18, 315 yards, four TDs in win over Nevada.
Counting the Hawaii win at the end of last year, Clausen has completed 37 of his last 44 passes for 716 yards and nine touchdowns with no interceptions in his last two games. Now he and the Irish are front and center on the national stage, and he'll get plenty of chances to get in the thick of the Heisman race. Team success will be vital to his chances, and it'll all come down to the October 17 date with USC.
RB Jonathan Dwyer, Jr. Georgia Tech
This week: Home vs. Clemson.
Last week: Seven carries for 95 yards and two touchdowns in win over Jacksonville State.
