Heismanpundit

Oh, my how this season is turning into a toughie to analyze.  I am sure that there are quite a few more twists and turns to go.   For now, here’s how I see it.  Remember, these are the guys with the best chance of actually winning :

1.  Colt McCoy, Texas– I thought McCoy would pull it out .  The only problem now is, can he survive Texas’ tough gauntlet in the weeks to come?  I doubt it.  But there is little doubt that he controls the race right now.  If Texas keeps winning, he will win the Heisman.  Beating Oklahoma was a signature game and he was masterful, going toe-to-toe with Sam Bradford .  Texas is McCoy’s team in the same was it was Vince Young’s team a few years back.  Voters will reward him accordingly.   Right now, McCoy is on pace to have 3,114 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, plus 696 rushing yards and 8 TDs by the time the Heisman vote is due.  Those are Heisman worthy numbers.

Last week: 28 of 35, 277 yards, 1 TD, 14 carries, 31 yards.   Season: 131 of 165, 1,557 yards, 17 TDs, 3 ints., 189.02 rating, 59 carries, 348 yards, 4 TDs.

2. Chase Daniel, Missouri– As tough as Saturday’s loss was for Missouri, Daniel is still in this race.  How does he rebound?  Simple.  Just beat No. 1 Texas and Heisman front runner Colt McCoy on Saturday.  Then, win out the rest of the schedule.  With a Texas loss, no other legitimate Heisman candidate would be playing for an undefeated team, so voters won’t penalize Daniel for losing to a good OSU team if the other candidates also have one loss.  Remember, Daniel is a well-known commodity, so if all other things like stats, team record, etc., are equal, his name recognition has a good chance of pulling him through.  Whatever the case, the game at Texas will determine his fate.  Win and he’s got a good shot at taking the Heisman if he finishes strong.  Lose, and he’s done.  At this point, he is on pace for 4,110 passing yards, plus 32 TDs and 8 ints by the time of the vote.  Definitely Heisman worthy numbers.

Last week: 39 of 52, 390 yards, 1 TD, 3 ints., 7 rushes, 46 yards   Season: 158 of 208, 2,055 yards, 16 TDs, 4 ints., 180.49 rating, 22 carries, 120 yards.

3. Max Hall, BYU– Hall is the dark horse waiting on the outside for the front runners to stumble.   He’s on a team that is likely to go undefeated if it can get by one last hurdle–the Utah matchup at season’s end.  He’ll have the numbers.   He’s on pace for 3,704 passing yards, plus 40 touchdowns and 8 ints.  But can he break through all the noise that the more prominent candidates are making?   I think he will have to go on a pretty crazy tear to get more attention.

Last week: 22 of 34, 265 yards, 3 TDs, 0 ints.   Season: 152 of 215, 1,852 yards, 20 TDs, 4 ints., 170.03 rating.

Note on Sam Bradford: The OU quarterback was damn good against Texas and his numbers continue to amaze.  But something tells me that his best chance at winning the Heisman will come next season.  I’m sticking by the Heismandments in his case.

If the vote were held today:

1. Colt McCoy

2. Chase Daniel

3. Sam Bradford

4. Max Hall

5. Graham Harrell

6. Tim Tebow

7. Daryll Clark

8. Javon Ringer

9. Zac Robinson

10. Knowshon Moreno