As the season nears the halfway point, the Heisman picture is starting to clear up, as many of the initial favorites have fallen off the board. Here are my favorites to win the award through the first six weeks of the college football season.

Chase Daniel, Missouri QB: Daniel had another impressive performance last week in what was perceived as a tough road test for Missouri against Nebraska, throwing for 252 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 52-17 blowout. Daniel has been nearly flawless all season, throwing for 1,664 yards and 15 touchdowns with only 1 interception. Daniel is torching opposing defenses, completing over 75 percent of his passes. Daniel and the Tigers may face there biggest test yet in undefeated Oklahoma State next Saturday.

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB: Bradford and his teammates avoided the trap game upset against Baylor, as the star quarterback threw for 372 yards and 2 touchdowns in the rout. Bradford’s numbers are on par with Daniel’s, as he has thrown for 1,665 yards and 18 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions so far this season. Bradford and the rest of the Sooners face their toughest challenge of the season in an undefeated, top-five Texas team next Saturday in the Red River Shootout. A solid performance from Bradford will only improve his Heisman stock.

Colt McCoy, Texas QB: McCoy’s excellence thus far this season can no longer be ignored, as he has officially leapt into the thick of the Heisman race. McCoy had a solid performance against Colorado, throwing for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. So far this season McCoy has thrown for 1,279 yards and 16 touchdowns with 3 interceptions. He also leads the Longhorns in rushing with 317 yards and 4 touchdowns. McCoy and Co. will march into Dallas to take on No. 1 Oklahoma – and fellow Heisman candidate Sam Bradford – this Saturday.

Max Hall, BYU QB: Hall has done a magnificent job leading BYU to an undefeated 5-0 record and a Top-10 ranking this season. Hall continued his hot streak in last week’s win over Utah State, throwing for 303 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. So far this season he has thrown for 1,587 yards and 17 touchdowns with 4 interceptions. Look for another big game from Hall next week when BYU takes on New Mexico. If Hall continues his spectacular play, BYU may crash the BCS bowl party, and Hall may crash the Heisman Trophy Presentation Ceremony. (Editor's Note: Fun facts about Hall...he is a redshirt junior...transferred from Arizona State after redshirting there his freshman year...he is married.)

Javon Ringer, Michigan St. RB: Ringer jumps onto the board despite his worst performance of the season, rushing for 91 yards in a win over Iowa. Excluding last week’s performance, Ringer has been the best running back in the country, rushing for 988 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. Michigan State will have to state near the top of the Big 10 standings for Ringer to have a chance to win the Heisman. The Spartans face a tough test next Saturday against undefeated Northwestern on the road.

Sentimental favorite: Marc Verica, Virginia QB: This section was purposefully left out last week following the 31-3 loss to Duke, but I am pleased to bring it back after a surprising effort by UVa against Maryland. Verica made possibly the greatest one week improvement in the history of college football, going 25 for 34 through the air for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions in the 31-0 shutout of Maryland. Verica also added a rushing touchdown. Cedric Peerman deserves recognition as well, rushing for 110 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Hopefully UVa can continue this trend next Saturday when East Carolina comes to town.

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