Player, total points (first place votes in parentheses)

1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–31 (8)

2. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State–26 (3)

3T. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan–4 (1)

Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State–4

5. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State–3 (1)

6T. Case Keenum, QB, Houston–2

Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkanas–2

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford–2

Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon–2

10T. Matt Barkley, QB, USC–1

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama–1

About the poll
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for three players each week. Tabulations are made on a 3-2-1 basis, with three points awarded for a first-place vote, two points for a second-place vote and one point for a third-place vote.  The last two years the Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote in 2008 and the top four in 2009.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News.

Chris Huston, owner of Heismanpundit.com, coordinates and also votes in the weekly poll.

HP’s Thoughts
Right now, it’s Kellen Moore and Terrelle Pryor duking it out for the Heisman.  You couldn’t find two more radically different types of quarterbacks.  Moore is undersized and epitomizes his Boise team’s insurgent run at the BCS establishment, while Pryor is the superior athlete symbolic of the traditional power that is Ohio State.  A host of possible contenders are jockeying for position, but it’s too early to tell if most of them can stick with the two front runners.
 
From a Voter
“That was one of the most memorable opening-day performances in college football history.  In one week, Kellen Moore has become the clear Heisman favorite. He is the little quarterback for the little team that could.” — Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel.

Heisman Game of the Week
No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 12 Miami — It’s Terrelle Pryor’s chance to match Moore’s heroics in an equally high-profile setting between two top 12 teams.  Play well in a win here and Pryor could be the new poll leader next week.

Player to Watch
Denard Robinson, Michigan — Robinson’s first start went about as well as anyone could’ve imagined as he rushed for 197 and threw for 186 in a convincing win over Connecticut.  He’s got a chance to show it was no fluke this week against Notre Dame.  If he puts up numbers like this against the Irish, he’ll be a legit candidate.

This Week in Heisman History
Ty Detmer completed 38 of 54 for 406 yards and three touchdowns as BYU shocked No. 1 Miami, 28-21, in Provo in 1990.  Detmer would go on to set several NCAA passing records and win that year’s Heisman Trophy, with the key to his victory being that early-season win over Miami.

1. Mark Ingram, Jr., RB, Alabama – 26 (6) 
2. Terrelle Pryor, Jr., QB, Ohio State – 18 (2) 
3. Kellen Moore, Jr., QB, Boise State – 12 (2) 
4. Jacquizz Rodgers, Jr., RB, Oregon St. – 6 (2) 
5. Case Keenum, Sr., QB, Houston – 4 (1) 
     Ryan Mallett, Jr., QB, Arkansas – 4 
7. Ryan Williams, So., RB, Virginia Tech – 3 
8. Dion Lewis, So., RB, Pittsburgh – 2 
9. Jake Locker, Sr., QB, Washington – 1 
     John Clay, Jr., RB, Wisconsin – 1 
     Michael Floyd, Sr., WR, Notre Dame – 1

About the poll
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for three players each week. Tabulations are made on a 3-2-1 basis, with three points awarded for a first-place vote, two points for a second-place vote and one point for a third-place vote.  The two years the Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote in 2008 and the top four in 2009.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News.

Chris Huston, owner of Heismanpundit.com, coordinates and also votes in the weekly poll.

HP’s Thoughts
A relatively weak preseason field means incumbent Mark Ingram holds a solid lead over No. 2 Terrelle Pryor.  The surprising strength of Kellen Moore in this poll puts him in early striking distance of the top if he can lead his team to a win over Virginia Tech next Monday.  With only two seniors on this list, some of these guys could be in the Heisman conversation for the next two or three seasons.
 
From a Voter
“Voters can’t retract their 2005 Reggie Bush ballots, but at least they can vote for the second coming of Vince Young. Pryor’s remarkable mobility will overshadow a suspect arm, especially if the Buckeyes roll to the title game.  Meanwhile, Mark Ingram has the best chance to repeat as Heisman winner since Sam Bradf…, er, I mean Tim Tebow. Ingram’s biggest problem may not be the target on his back or Bama’s brutal schedule, but the back who is going to siphon his carries, Trent Richardson.” — J.B. Morris, ESPN The Magazine.

Heisman Game of the Week
No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 10 Virginia Tech — This game features Heisman hopefuls Kellen Moore and Ryan Williams in the most high profile matchup of the opening week.  Whoever shines in this Monday night showdown could emerge as the early favorite.

Player to Watch
Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State — Pryor’s name recognition and unique skill set, combined with his status as the quarterback for a top five team, gives him an advantage over most of the other candidates in this race.  Now, can he finally fulfill his ample potential?

This Week in Heisman History
Miami’s Vinnie Testaverde went just 12 of 25 for 163 yards and threw three interceptions, but the Hurricanes snapped Florida’s 21-game home winning streak, 23-15, to kick off what was to be an undefeated regular season. Testaverde would go on to win the Heisman Trophy.

On this subject, Heismanpundit.com recently queried a portion of its crack cadre of Heisman voters who, for the past two seasons, have proven to be the most accurate gauge of Heisman voter sentiment.

Of the 10 voters canvassed by HP, seven believed that Bush should not have his award taken away.

“Any benefit he received was off the field,” said one voter.  ”Thus, it had no impact on how he performed on the field.  If he was found to have used a performance-enhancing drug, then I would take away the Heisman.”

A strong majority agreed with that train of thought.

“Although it appears he was receiving illegal benefits, Bush was playing college football and I’ve got a hunch he’s not the only Heisman winner that received illegal benefits,” said another voter. “Besides, stripping him of the trophy won’t change the fact that he was a Heisman winner. Do you then give it to Vince Young…and would Young even want it?”

One voter contended that Bush shouldn’t lose his membership in the Heisman fraternity “unless they kick O.J. out first.”

This overall vibe in support of Bush didn’t prevent a few voters from feeling cheated by the whole ordeal.

“As a Heisman voter, I would feel as if I had been duped if Bush knowingly took illicit payouts from a wannabe sports agent while in college,” said a voter.  ”On the Heisman ballot, it says you are voting for the most “outstanding” college football player, not the most outstanding professional football player masquerading as a collegian.”

The Heisman Trophy has been awarded to the most outstanding collegiate football player since 1935.  In all that time, the award has never been rescinded or vacated.  Bush, who now plays for the New Orleans Saints, is a part of an overall NCAA investigation of USC activities post-2004.

The results of the investigation are expected to be due within the next week.

The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week during the college football season. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on.  Each of the last two Heismanpundit polls picked the eventual winner and was (overall) the most accurate survey in the country.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News and Chris Huston of Heismanpundit.com.

Final HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll, Dec. 7, 2009
1. Mark Ingram
2. Toby Gerhart
3. Colt McCoy
    Ndamukong Suh
5. Kellen Moore
6. Tim Tebow
    C.J. Spiller
8. Golden Tate
9. LaMichael James
10. Case Keenum
     Jeremiah Masoli

Actual Final Heisman Results
1. Mark Ingram
2. Toby Gerhart
3. Colt McCoy
4. Ndamukong Suh
5. Tim Tebow
6. C.J. Spiller
7. Kellen Moore
8. Case Keenum
9. Mardy Gilyard
10. Golden Tate

The first four in the HP poll and the final results are basically the same. The discrepancies come after that, with Moore fifth in the HP poll and seventh in the actual results, Tebow fifth in the actual but tied for sixth in the HP poll, Golden Tate eighth in the HP poll but 10th in the actual results and Case Keenum eighth in the actual results but 10th in the HP poll. Plus, the HP poll had no mention of Mardy Gilyard but did included LaMichael James and Jeremiah Masoli.

Past HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll Results

2008
Projected: 1. Sam Bradford 2. Tim Tebow 3. Colt McCoy 4. Graham Harrell 5. Michael Crabtree
Actual: 1. Sam Bradford 2. Colt McCoy 3. Tim Tebow 4. Graham Harrell 5. Michael Crabtree

2007
Projected: 1. Tim Tebow 2. Darren McFadden 3. Colt Brennan 4. Chase Daniel 5. Dennis Dixon
Actual: 1. Tim Tebow 2. Darren McFadden 3. Colt Brennan 4. Chase Daniel 5. Dennis Dixon

The final HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll of the season is in and Alabama running back Mark Ingram is the leader following his 113-yard rushing performance against No. 1 Florida in the SEC title game.

Ingram grabbed four first-place votes and totaled 46 points to retake the top spot back from Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

“I moved Ingram to the top of my ballot around mid-season, and nothing has made me change my mind,” said one voter. “What he did Saturday against a quality Florida defense was my final validation.”

The vote by the weekly panel of 13 Heisman voters was hardly a slam dunk for the sophomore running back, however, and the race appears to be very muddled going into Saturday’s Heisman ceremony.  Stanford’s Toby Gerhart (43 points, 2 first-place votes), Texas’ McCoy (36 points, 1 first-place vote) and Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh (36 points, 4 first-place votes) all garnered significant support.  A total of six different players received first-place votes, tying the poll’s season high.

Voter commentary reflected the split:

“It’s long past time Heisman voters abandon their traditional, restrictive criteria and award the “most outstanding player,” regardless of position. Suh was hands down the most dominant player in the country on either side of the ball, and his performance in the Big 12 title game firmly solidified his stature. ”

“C.J. Spiller may be more exciting and Toby Gerhart more punishing, but no running back has been more effective against a tougher schedule than Ingram.”

“Golden Tate is as outstanding as he is underrated. Why he isn’t getting more Heisman love is beyond me.  He should not be penalized because his team stunk.”

“Toby Gerhart was consistently excellent this season. He never had a bad game. Stanford’s four losses or his lack of playing on the final weekend should not be held against him.”

Since ultimately you can’t take a cash advance to buy more votes, some sort of history is sure to be made on Saturday.  Ingram could become Alabama’s first Heisman winner or runner up, while McCoy could become the first Heisman runner up to come back and win the award since Herschel Walker did it in 1982.  Meanwhile, Gerhart would be the first non-USC winner from the Pac-10 since 1970 and Suh would be the first pure defensive player to win.

About the Poll
 
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on.  Last year’s final Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote, including the winner.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News.

Chris Huston of HeismanPundit.com coordinates and also votes in the poll.

The Final HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll, 12/7/09
Total points, with first place votes in parantheses

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama–46 (4)

2. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford–43 (2)

3. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas–36 (1)

    Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska–36 (4)

5. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–11 (1)

6. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida–7

    C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson–7

8. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame–5 (1)

9. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon–2

10. Case Keenum, QB, Houston–1

     Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon–1

1. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas–58 (7)

2. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford–47 (3)

3. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama–28 (1)

4. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida–24

5. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–13 (1)

6. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame–10 (1)

7. Case Keenum, QB, Houston–7

8. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson–5

9. Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas–2

10. Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon–1
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska–1
Jacqizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State–1

About the Poll
 
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on.  Last year’s final Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote, including the winner.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News. 

Chris Huston of HeismanPundit.com coordinates and also votes in the poll.
 
HP’s Thoughts
 
Colt McCoy has finally done what voters have been expecting of him all season and, as a result, this Heisman race is now his to lose.  If he can lead Texas to a win over Nebraska on Saturday, he’ll become the third Longhorn Heisman winner and just the fifth player to win after coming in second the year before.  Should McCoy slip up in a loss to the Cornhuskers, Toby Gerhart is in position to take home the Pac-10′s first trophy by a non-USC player since fellow Cardinal Jim Plunkett won it in 1970.
 
Heisman Game of the Week
 
No. 1 Florida vs. No. 2 Alabama–This game will feature a former Heisman winner (Tebow) and a former Heisman front runner (Ingram).  While both of these players are now longshots to win the 2009 trophy, the SEC title game could have a profound effect on the outcome of this race, as both will draw significant support when the ballots are tallied.  At the very least, this game provides one last chance to appreciate one of the great players in Heisman history in Tebow. 

Player to Watch

Colt McCoy, Texas–As it turns out, the player many thought was the preseason favorite to win the 2009 Heisman (including HP) has actually lived up to the expectations.  Not only has he produced another excellent season, but he has led his team to the brink of a national title berth.  Through it all, McCoy has handled the pressure as well as anyone possibly could.  His reward will be to go down as one of the great players in college football history.

This Week in Heisman History

A total of 65 voters ballots were cast for the inaugural Heisman Trophy, awarded to the University of Chicago’s Jay Berwanger in 1935.  Actually, at the time it was not called the Heisman. The Award was the Downtown Athletic Club’s Trophy to the Outstanding College Football Player East of the Mississippi River. In October of 1936, John Heisman, then the DAC’s Director of Athletics, passed away and the Award was named in his honor.

2. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas–40 (1)

3. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford–33 (1)

4. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida–20

5. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson–13

6. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–9

7. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame–7 (1)

Case Keenum, QB, Houston–7

9. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska–3

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State–3

11. Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon–1

Dexter McCluster, RB, Mississippi–1

About the Poll
 
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on.  Last year’s final Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote, including the winner.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News. 

Chris Huston of HeismanPundit.com coordinates and also votes in the poll.
 
HP’s Thoughts

It looks like this twisting and turning race has finally come down to Ingram and McCoy.  Whichever of these two can finish strongest will win the Heisman.  While Gerhart, Tebow and Spiller aren’t in position to take the top prize, they can still influence the outcome based on how they close out their seasons.  To wit: A vote for Gerhart or Spiller could be a vote otherwise meant for Ingram, while a vote for Tebow might’ve gone for McCoy.  This one is going down to the wire and could be the closest Heisman race since 2001.

Heisman Game of the Week

Texas vs. Texas A&M–The nation will tune in to the annual battle between the Aggies and Longhorns while stuffed on turkey and mashed potatoes.  It’s the only college game on Thanksgiving Day, so McCoy will have the Heisman spotlight to himself.  He’d better get off to a fast start in this one before the tryptophan kicks in.

Player to Watch

Mark Ingram–Mr. Ingram, get ready for your Heisman close up.  While McCoy takes center stage on Thursday, the big game on Friday will be between Auburn and Alabama.  Heisman ballots have been sent out, so many of the voters will be taking a close look at Ingram for the first time.  If they like what they see, he’ll be set up to clinch the Heisman one week later against Florida in the SEC title game. 

This Week in Heisman History

Playing with two broken ribs on his 23rd birthday, Auburn’s Bo Jackson ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns…all to no avail as the Tigers lost, 25-23, to Alabama on a last-second, 52-yard field goal by Van Tiffin in 1985.   Jackson would go on to win the Heisman by the smallest margin ever–a mere 45 points over Iowa’s Chuck Long.

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama–59 (10)

2. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas–35 (1)

3. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford–33 (1)

4. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson–23

5. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida–16

6. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–14

7. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame–6 (1)

8. Case Keenum, QB, Houston–6

9. Dion Lewis, RB, Pitt–1
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon–1
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska–1

About the Poll
 
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on.  Last year’s final Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote, including the winner.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News. 

Chris Huston of HeismanPundit.com coordinates and also votes in the poll.
 
HP’s Thoughts
 
After weeks of ho-hummery, the Heisman race is finally developing some intrigue.  Quarterback after quarterback has fallen by the wayside and now running backs Mark Ingram, Toby Gerhart and C.J. Spiller have come out of nowhere to stake claims to the trophy.  While Colt McCoy remains a strong challenger, there’s now a good chance a running back will win the Heisman for just the second time this decade.

Heisman Game of the Week

No. 25 Cal at No. 17 Stanford–Most thought Jahvid Best would be the top Heisman candidate from the Bay Area.  Instead, it’s Stanford’s Gerhart making a serious run for the award, gaining 649 yards and scoring nine touchdowns in the last four games–three of them against ranked opponents.  If Gerhart keeps things rolling against the ranked Bears, he’ll probably be heading to New York.   

Player to Watch

Kellen Moore, Boise State–This year’s Heisman race has been a bit disappointing thanks to some lackluster quarterback play.  But count Moore as an exception to that sentiment.  The Boise State sophomore leads the nation in passing efficiency and has thrown 32 touchdowns versus just three interceptions.  He’s likely to log a top 10 Heisman finish this year and head into 2010 as one of the preseason favorites.

This Week in Heisman History

Doug Flutie executed play call “Flood Tip 55″, a 48-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to wide receiver Gerald Phalen with no time left, as Boston College squeaked by Miami, 47-45, in 1984.  Flutie went 34 of 46 for 472 yards and three touchdowns against the Hurricanes.  Contrary to popular belief, the amazing play was not what tipped the 1984 Heisman to Flutie, as most of the votes were already mailed in before the game.

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama–55 (9)

2. Case Keenum, QB, Houston–29 (1)

3. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas–28 (2)

4. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida–24

5. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson–16

6. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford–11

7. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska–8

8. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame–7 (1)

    Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–7

10. Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas–6

11. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame–3

12. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon–1

About the Poll
 
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on.  Last year’s final Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote, including the winner.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News. 

Chris Huston of HeismanPundit.com coordinates and also votes in the poll.
 
HP’s Thoughts
 
Mark Ingram appears to be in firm control of this race after his 144-yard rushing effort in the Tide’s win over LSU.  This means he’s on track to win the Heisman as long as he finishes strong and doesn’t slip up against Florida in the SEC Title game.  However, keep an eye on Colt McCoy of Texas, who is making a late run for the trophy.  I see the race as being between these two candidates, though as many as five players could be invited to New York for the award ceremony. 
 
From a Voter
 
“Julio made the highlight reel, but for the fourth or fifth game in a row, it was Ingram piling up yards when ‘Bama had to have them–especially with Greg McElroy continuing to struggle.  Yes, Tebow and McCOy had nice games, but they’ve lacked the consistency of Ingram, who in my mind is consolidating his grip on the award.”  –  a Heisman voter.

Heisman Game of the Week
 
No. 1 Florida at South Carolina–The Gators haven’t been the same offensively this season.  As a result, Tebow’s numbers have decline markedly and now he needs a jolt to kickstart his campaign.  A stellar performance against a good South Carolina defense would do just that.  However, a poor outing would, for all intents and purposes, bring his run for a second Heisman to a close.  If history is any guide, I wouldn’t count him out just yet.        

Player to Watch

C. J. Spiller, Clemson–Spiller is coming off a school-record 312 all-purpose yards against Florida State and now he’s beginning to make some noise in the Heisman race.  He is as spectacular a player as there is in college football.  He is on pace to become one of just five players to crack the 7,000-yard career mark in all-purpose yardage and he’s just one kickoff return touchdown away from the owning the NCAA career mark in that category.  If he puts together some more games like he had against FSU and Clemson wins the ACC, look out.

This Week in Heisman History

Ron Dayne rumbled 31 yards off right tackle to break Ricky Williams’ one-year-old NCAA career-rushing record, part of a 216-yard effort by the senior tailback in Wisconsin’s 41-3 win over Iowa in 1999.  He went on to handily beat out Joey Hamilton and Michael Vick in the 1999 Heisman voting.  Dayne’s final total of 6,397 career rushing yards still stands today.

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama–48 (6)

2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida–27 (3)

3. Case Keenum, QB, Houston–26 (1)

    Colt McCoy, QB, Texas–26
 
5. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame–25 (1)

6. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State–14

7. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame–8 (1)

   Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska–8 (1)

9. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State–6

10. Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee–3

    Jeremiah Masoli, QB, Oregon–3

12. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon–1

About the Poll
 
The HeismanPundit.com Heisman Poll is made up of 13 Heisman voters from across the country. They vote for five players each week. Tabulations are made on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis, with five points awarded for a first-place vote, four points for a second-place vote and so on.  Last year’s final Heismanpundit poll was the most accurate in the country, picking five of the top six finishers in the Heisman vote, including the winner.

Members of the panel include: Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, Teddy Greenstein and Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune, Olin Buchanan and Tom Dienhart of Rivals.com, Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman, Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com, J.B. Morris of ESPN the Magazine, Austin Murphy, B.J. Schecter and Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated, plus Dick Weiss of the New York Daily News. 

Chris Huston of HeismanPundit.com coordinates and also votes in the poll.
 
HP’s Thoughts
 
Being the only running back seriously contending for the Heisman has been to Mark Ingram’s benefit, as voters appear to be unable to settle on which quarterback should serve as the alternative to the Alabama sophomore.  Tebow, Keenum, Clausen and McCoy are all at around the same level of support, but one of them will need to break the logjam to shake up the race.  Can Ingram hold them off and become just the second running back to win the Heisman in this decade?  We might have an answer after this Saturday.

From a Voter

“I think Clausen has had a Heisman-type season for Notre Dame and that’s why he’s No. 1 on my ballot right now.  His stats are excellent and, more importantly, the Irish would be a mess without him. With him, they might make a BCS bowl.  I think Jacquizz Rodgers is the best all-purpose back in the nation, while Case Keenum has been consistently dominant for Houston.” — Chris Huston, HeismanPundit.com
 
Heisman Game of the Week
 
No. 9 LSU at No. 3 Alabama–This game could determine Ingram’s Heisman fate.  Put up big numbers in a win against the Tigers and he will be in the driver’s seat, headed for a Heisman showdown with Tebow and Florida in the SEC title game.  If he gets bottled up, though, he’ll lose his current lead in the race and will need to finish out strong to have a shot at the Heisman.   

Player to Watch

Kellen Moore, Boise State–The nation’s leader in passing efficiency has an outstanding 24-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio…and Heisman voters are beginning to take notice.  Recent Heisman polls indicate a jump in voter support for the Boise State sophomore.  He’ll have an opportunity to impress more voters in a nationally televised game against Louisiana Tech on Friday night.  If he can lead the Broncos to a BCS berth, he could crack the top five in the voting.

This Week in Heisman History 

Herschel Walker ran for 219 yards and three touchdowns–one of them a first quarter 30-yarder up the gut of the Gators defense–to lead Georgia to a 44-0 victory over Florida in Jacksonville on Nov 6, 1982.  Walker, who gained 649 yards in three career games versus the Gators, went on to win the Heisman Trophy as a junior, beating out such luminaries as John Elway and Eric Dickerson.