After last week’s action, the Heisman picture is not as clear as it seemed before. With a few weeks remaining in the 2008 college football season, there are still a number of candidates who could bring home the trophy. My top five candidates are as follows:
Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy was impressive on Saturday in the showdown of undefeated top-ten teams, but he was out-dueled by Graham Harrell, making the Heisman race that much more interesting. McCoy threw for 294 passing yards and 2 touchdowns in the loss to the Red Raiders, but also threw an interception which was returned for a touchdown in the third quarter and proved costly. McCoy showed brilliant leadership late in the fourth quarter, engineering an 11-play, 80 yard drive which produced the go-ahead touchdown for the Longhorns with 1:29 remaining. He simply left Graham Harrell and Texas Tech too much time. For the season McCoy has thrown for 2,579 yards and 23 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions, and has rushed for 428 yards and 7 touchdowns. McCoy is still the favorite because of how he played, but his margin for error has shrunk considerably. Look for McCoy and Texas to bounce back in a big way next Saturday against Baylor.
Graham Harrell, Texas Tech QB: Harrell was sensational last Saturday in the upset-victory over then-No. 1 Texas, throwing for 474 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win. Harrell sparked the biggest win in Texas Tech history with a last minute drive culminating in a stunning 28 yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree with 1 second remaining. For the year Harrell has thrown for 3,621 yards and 30 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions. He also has 6 rushing touchdowns and has led Texas Tech to the No. 2 ranking in the BCS Standings and AP Poll. Harrell has definitely given himself a chance to win the Heisman, but will have to finish the season the way he started it, and continue to lead Texas Tech to victories. The Red Raiders face another top-ten team next Saturday when Oklahoma State comes to Lubbock.
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB: Bradford had another great performance last Saturday against Nebraska, throwing for 311 yard and 5 touchdowns in the shootout victory. Bradford has put up great numbers all season, throwing for 3,086 yards and 34 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions. Look for Bradford to put up big numbers again next week when Oklahoma travels to College Station to take on Texas A&M. Bradford has a chance to bring home the Heisman, especially if he outplays Graham Harrell and leads Oklahoma to a victory over Texas Tech on November 22.
Tim Tebow, Florida QB: Tebow had a superman like performance last Saturday against rival Georgia, scoring 5 touchdowns in the blowout victory. Tebow reminded us just how much of a scoring machine he can be, and led the Gators to a huge win in a matchup of top-ten teams. So far this season, Tebow has thrown for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions, and has also rushed for 266 yards and 8 touchdowns. Tebow has not put up big numbers like the other candidates, but if he leads Florida to a SEC title he simply cannot be counted out of the Heisman race. Look for Tebow to lead the Gators to another big victory next Saturday against Vanderbilt.
Knowshon Moreno, Georgia RB: Moreno’s Heisman chances took a big hit on Saturday in Georgia’s loss to Florida, as he rushed for just 65 yards on 17 carries. Moreno could simply not get it going against Florida’s vaunted defense, and the Georgia offense suffered as a result. With the exception of last week Moreno has been one of the most electrifying players in the country, rushing for 990 yards and 12 touchdowns. Look for Moreno and the ‘Dawgs to rebound next Saturday against Kentucky.
Sentimental Favorite: Kevin Olgetree, Virginia WR: Olgetree was probably the Cavaliers best offensive player last Saturday in the loss to Miami, catching 5 passes for 71 yards to go with a rushing touchdown which give the Cavaliers the early lead. Olgetree made several nice catches, but it was not enough as missed field goals and costly turnovers led to a Virginia overtime loss. For the season Olgetree has 44 receptions for 545 yards and 4 touchdowns as well as the rushing touchdown in last week’s game. If Virginia is to stay at the top of the ACC’s Coastal Division, Virginia must beat Wake Forest on Saturday. Olgetree will need to make big plays in the passing game if Virginia is to score enough points to beat the Demon Deacons.
