Heisman Watch: Oct. 14, 2008

By Nate Sandstrom

I don't know who to put at the top of my mock ballot this week. I figured it would be easy, with the winning QB of the Oklahoma-Texas taking the top spot. However, I kind of feel like Texas WR Jordan Shipley was the true star of the biggest game of the season thus far. I can't put Shipley in yet though because he doesn't rank among the leaders in any major state categories.

Still Texas QB Colt McCoy took the lead this week at Heisman Pundit and at ESPN's poll. However, he held a narrow edge over losing Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford who still tossed 5 TDs.

Meanwhile, the leading favorite at most polls, Chase Daniel, accounted for 450 yards against a now Top 10 team but also threw 3 picks in a 3-point home loss.

The Big 12 will be home to the next Heisman Bowl — Heisman Bowl 2008 II — when Daniel and Missouri head to Texas to take on McCoy and Texas.

Yet, I'm turning to the Big 10 for the top of this week's ballot. Michigan State RB Javon Ringer takes the lead after a big-time showing in a road win at previously undefeated Northwestern. Meanwhile, the QB of my now-#1 Penn State, Daryll Clark, joins the watch for the first time after he led the Lions to a 48-7 thrashing of my Badgers.

Pitt senior LB Scott McKillop also joins the watch off a bye week. McKillop moves in based on monster show in upset of South Florida two weeks ago and David Johnson barely leading Tulsa past SMU this week.

On another note, North Carolina WR and super retunrer Brandon Tate, a longshot for the Heisman but a favorite of mine, is out for the year after injuring his knee on a punt return on Saturday. He averaged nearly 22 yards everytime he touched the ball.

This week's vote:

1. Javon Ringer, Sr., RB, Michigan State. 158.9 ypg rushing (#2 nationally), 14 TD's (#1).
2. Daryll Clark, Sr., QB, Penn St. 160.6 passer rating (#11), 10TD/2 Int. 145 yads rushing, 6 TDs.
3. Colt McCoy, Jr., QB, Texas. 189 passer rating (#4), 79.3 % completion, 17/3. 348 rush, 4 TDs.
4. Chase Daniel, Sr. , QB, Missouri. 180.5 rating (#5), 76% completion, 16/4 ratio.
5. Scott McKillop, Sr., LB, Pitt. 7.4 solo tackles per game (#2), 1.8 TFL per game (#6).