My current top five is Tebow, Ryan, Dixon, Hart and McFadden. Here’s the first look at what each player has to do to win:
Darren McFadden was the preseason favorite, but Arkansas has struggled a bit and some of his numbers have suffered as a result.
Right now, McFadden has 993 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, plus 13 catches for 93 yards. He is one for two for 42 yards and a touchdown passing.
McFadden needs for Arkansas to finish strong and he needs to be seen as the main reason for the Hogs’ late surge.
The next four games will be challenge for Arkansas. First there is South Carolina at home this Saturday, then a road trip to Tennessee, a home game against an improved Mississippi State team and a road trip against LSU to close the season.
It seems a foregone conclusion that Arkansas is not going to Atlanta, so McFadden must make the most of these next four opportunities.
The problem is that I think that McFadden needs to get minimum 1,700 yards and 18 TDs to win the Heisman. That means he must average 175 yards and almost two touchdowns per game to close out the season. I think this will be difficult with Felix Jones in the same backfield.
But, if it happens, along with a strong Arkansas finish (including an upset of LSU), McFadden will have a strong case for the Heisman. After all, he will have led his team to a 9-3 record and a solid bowl berth after a dismal 1-2 start. His talent will not be in question and neither will his numbers. His preseason status as the front runner will serve him well when it comes to name recognition.
I think that if McFadden has another rough outing, though, and the Razorbacks lose again, then we can safely put his Heisman plans to bed.
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