The Heisman race is a mess, but one must soldier on.   Eventually, someone must take control.

Here is my latest list of the players with the best chance of actually winning the Heisman Trophy.  This is not a predicted order of finish.

1. Colt McCoy, Texas–Preseason favorite McCoy is back on top of this list after putting together a pretty good game against Missouri (26/31, 269 yards, 3 TD/1 int).  Doesn’t sound like much of an accomplishment, does it?  But in this particular Heisman race, it’s a big deal.  I think that if McCoy leads the Longhorns past Oklahoma State, then it’s highly likely that Texas finishes the regular season undefeated.    On his current pace, McCoy will have 3,354 passing yards and 26 TD passes (and 15 picks) by the time of the Heisman vote.   This, combined with his status as the quarterback of an undefeated team, would make him an attractive option for many voters.  Of course, there is a chance he heats up and increases his stats at a more productive pace, too.  As long as he maintains at least a 2-to-1 ratio with his TD and INTs, I think his numbers will suffice when compared to the other candidates in the race.

2. Mark Ingram, Alabama–Ingram was steady against Tennessee, rushing for 99 yards on 18 carries while being held out of the end zone for the first time this season.  He didn’t melt down under the pressure of being a new Heisman front runner, but he didn’t exactly take the bull by the horns, either.  On the year, he has 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns, with an average of 6.56 yards per carry.  He is on pace to have 1,631 yards and 13 touchdowns by the time of the Heisman vote.  Ingram likely has two mega-showdowns left on his schedule: LSU in two weeks and maybe Florida in the SEC title game.  Lead Bama to wins in both those games and he could take home the Heisman. 

3. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame–Clausen continued his dream season, as he led yet another fourth-quarter comeback in Notre Dame’s 20-16 win over Boston College.   He threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.  He is on pace to have 3,514 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and just three picks by the time of the Heisman voter.  There’s no doubt that Clausen should finish with the best numbers out of any of the main candidates.  But the question with Clausen is how forgiving voters will be of Notre Dame’s schedule.  Sure, the Irish might finish 10-2, but I think there is a healthy skepticism out there over how good they are. 

4. Tim Tebow, Florida–Tebow still has a chance to win, but he must increase his production immediately.  He had his worst passing game of the season against Mississippi State, throwing for 127 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions (both of which were returned for six).  He did rush for 88 yards and a score, but this was not vintage Tebow by any means.  He is on pace to have 2,152 passing yards, with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions by the time of the Heisman vote (along with 865 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground).  This kind of production is not nearly enough to win the Heisman…in any year but this one! 

If the vote were held today

1. Mark Ingram

2. Tim Tebow

3. Jimmy Clausen

4. Colt McCoy

5. Case Keenum

6. Ndamukong Suh

7. Eric Berry

8. Jacquizz Rodgers

9. Tony Pike

10. C.J. Spiller

Had another rotten week against the spread last week, going 3-7, which puts me at 30-39-1 on the year.  As usual, these are the games in which I see some sort of play and, also as usual, take my advice at your own risk!

Miami (-4.5) vs. Clemson–The Tigers are coming off a nice win, but it’s time to come back to earth against Miami.  I like Jacory Harris to have a big day and for the ‘Canes to win solidly.

Miami 31, Clemson 17

Purdue (-11) vs. Illinois–It looks to me like the Illini have given up on the Zooker.  Four of the five Boilermaker losses have come by less than a touchdown and Purdue is riding high after last week’s win over Ohio State, so they’ll keep the momentum going here. 

Purdue 35, Illinois 14

Idaho (+15.5) at Nevada–This seems like an out-of-whack line.  Not sure why Idaho isn’t getting any respect from the oddsmakers, but I think they should cover here.

Nevada 31, Idaho 28

Arkansas (+6.5) at Ole Miss–I like the Razorbacks to win this one outright.  The Razorbacks have made an amazing defensive turnaround, holding Florida and Auburn down considerably the last two weeks and I like that trend to continue against the Rebels.

Arkansas 24, Ole Miss 20

Iowa (+1.5) at Michigan State–I’ve picked against Iowa a few times this year and have been burned.  Not this time.  It looks like the Hawkeyes are on their way to a magical season.

Iowa 27, Michigan State 17

Auburn (+7.5) at LSU–I think Auburn gets back on track offensively but falls short thanks to a breakout game by Russell Shepard.

LSU 34, Auburn 31

Oregon State (+21) at USC–The Beavers are rebounding nicely after their typical slow start.  I think they give USC a game for three quarters before the Trojans pull away.

USC 38, Oregon State 28

Stanford (-6.5) vs. Arizona State–The Cardinal have come down to earth a bit after a nice start.  I think Stanford rights the ship and puts up a solid win over the Sun Devils thanks to another great day by Andrew Luck.

Stanford 35, Arizona State 24

Duke (-4) vs. Maryland–Can Duke get to a bowl for the first time since 1994?  Win this one and there’s an outside chance.  Maryland is terrible and I think the Dukies get the win.

Duke 26, Maryland 17

Central Michigan (-8.5) at Bowling Green–The Chippewas are on a roll and have a chance to win out after dropping its opener to Arizona.  BG won’t be able to stop Dan LeFevour and CMU wins.

Central Michigan 41, Bowling Green 23