Houston’s Case Keenum is starting to make a name for himself in this year’s Heisman race.

Later on Tuesday, I’ll have the latest Heismanpundit.com Heisman Poll and you’ll see that Keenum makes his first appearance in the weekly survey.

In two weeks, he’ll get a chance to really get things going as Houston takes on Texas Tech.  Later, the Cougars play Mississippi State.  Getting three wins over BCS conference teams–including top five Oklahoma State–would be nothing to sneeze at.

I still think Keenum will use this season to lay the groundwork for a serious Heisman run in 2010, when elite candidates like Tebow, McCoy and Bradford will all (most likely) be gone.  He could also be aiming for the all-time NCAA passing yardage mark next season and the rising Cougars might even make a run at a major bowl.

It will be difficult for Keenum to get to New York this year, but stranger things have happened.  Having another 5,000-yard passing year wouldn’t hurt.