Heisman Watch: Oct. 20

By Nate Sandstrom

Due to my work schedule I've never watched fewer college games than I have in the current season. So maybe that's why it seems there has been less Heisman talk that usual.

Before sophomore Alabama RB Mark Ingram's showcase game on Saturday night, I couldn't have told you who was the favorite, but in case you're interested, here's a round-up of some preliminary polling.

• At Heisman Pundit, Ingram, the nation's #4 ypg rusher, has a narrow lead over Florida senior QB Tim Tebow in a two-man race.

• A similar tight race at the top of the ESPN poll, though Notre Dame Jr. QB Jimmy Clausen is running a slightly closer third (don't ask me how Clausen is #3).

• Look for an updated Heisman Watch from USA Today tomorrow; though don't expect a result that's much difference.

Those who've followed my personal preferences for Heisman candidates over the years know I love stat stuffers (think Jordy Nelson, Michael Crabtree, Kevin Smith) as much as most voters like winning QB's, so here are a few guys I'd ask you to make note of:

• Chris Owusu, Soph., WR/KR, Stanford. Owusu is averaging more than 23 yards a play each time he touches the ball, including 3 kick return touchdowns. Not that he's purely a special teams guy, he's topped 80 yards receiving and hauled in a pass TD in the past two games at Oregon State and at Arizona.

• Freddie Barnes, Sr., WR, Bowling Green. In the past two weeks Barnes has posted 32 catches for 438 yards and 6 TDs! Unfortunately, those big performances have come against Kent State and Ball State. Against Missouri and Boise he was held out of the end zone with 14 catches for 94 yards, though he did score twice in BG's opening Thursday upset of Troy. Barnes is not a legit Heisman candidate because of his performance against the toughest team on the schedule, but after reaching 85-882-8 in six games, his year is worth watching.

• O'Brien Schofield, Sr., DE, Wisconsin. O'Brien Schofield told a Madison reporter that he can't be blocked, and after watching his performance against Iowa, one of the best OL's in the country, he is about right (2 TFLs and a fum rec). Schofield has helped make the Badgers D the best it's been since the 12-1 2006 team. Along the way he's made a nation-leading 16.5 TFL (-82 yards) as well as notching 6.5 sacks. Defensive players have a tough time winning the Heisman, especially on a team bound to lose 3-4 games, but make sure you have a chance to watch Schofield before the year's end.