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.

Heisman Watch: Nov. 11

By Nate Sandstrom

In short:
1. Michael Crabtree, So., WR, Texas Tech.
2. Graham Harrell, Sr., QB, Texas Tech.
3. Colt McCoy, Jr., QB, Texas.
4. Sam Bradford, So., QB, Oklahoma.
5. Scott McKillop, Sr., LB, Pitt.

Down in Lubbock, Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree are battling each other in the race for the Heisman. The situation reminds me of New England's Randy Moss/Tom Brady MVP race last year.

I was in the minority in picking Randy Moss, and in this situation I show an apparent previously-unkown-to-me bias against QB's in taking Crabtree over Harrell. Partly I pick the sophomore wideout because I think that amazing TD that beat Texas was more Crabtree's catch than Harell's catch. I also like how he is second in the nation in scoring while playing in much bigger games than the leader, Michigna St. RB Javon Ringer (who has shriveled in the biggest spots).

Meanwhile, Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford and Texas QB Colt McCoy keep the Big 12 South well-represented on my mock ballot. I'm tempted to put Jeremy Maclin, #2 in the nation in all-purpose yards in the 5-slot, but I should probably leave the Big 12 for one slot and will select Pitt LB Scott McKillop, who is #2 in the nation in solo tackles, including 1.4 tackles for loss per game.

Elsewhere, Crabtree is not getting as much love at Heisman Pundit's straw poll or from ESPN's experts. However, ESPN's Rodney Gimore agrees with me in putting Crabtree #1.

Also, don't look now but junior Florida QB Tim Tebow is starting to make a strong run at defending his Heisman-ship from last year.

Heimsan Watch: Boy, is Javon Ringer out of this thing

By Nate Sandstrom

Well, as soon as I went against the national tide and put Javon Ringer on top and Colt McCoy third, this past Saturday reminded me again that I may be an idiot(.blogspot.com).

The same Ohio State team that nearly lost to Wisconsin two weeks ago held Ringer to 69 yards and kept the nation's leading scorer out of the end zone in a 45-7 romp. Ringer #1, err.... wrong.

Meanwhile, young Colt McCoy completes 29 of 32 passes (not a typo), runs for 2 TDs and throws for 2 more in the biggest game of the day. Needless to say, I have a new #1.

Sorry, Iowa RB Shonn Greene, stats accumulated against the Wisconsin D don't count. Illinois QB Juice Williams, that applies to you this weekend.

I changed up the links this week to bring you to hype Web sites rather than stat pages. Enjoy!

1. Colt McCoy, Jr., QB, Texas (Last week: 3rd). Smart and athletic, according to this Web site. What a catch!
2. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. (Not ranked). Follows up loss to Texas with 468-yard effort. And has the same Web site design as Colt McCoy. Pretty much guarentees they will be 1/2 in the voting.
3. Dez Bryant, Soph., WR, Oklahoma St. (Not ranked). Posts his second 200-yard game of the season in advance of match-up with Texas. Be his friend.
4. Scott McKillop, Sr., LB, Pitt. (5th). Piles up five tackles quicker than it takes my computer to load his Pitt Web site. How about a wiki Web page. Make up your own stories, then make them come true a la tonight's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
5. Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri. (4th). Drops a spot for second straight loss and his Web site's failure to mention that Mizzou lost at Texas.

ESPN's poll here. HeismanPundit's here.

Heisman Watch — Oct. 7

By Nate Sandstrom

I'm leaving my mock ballot for this week unchanged and have high hopes for 2008 Heisman Bowl I, Sam Bradford vs. Colt McCoy, otherwise known as Oklahoma vs. Texas. There will of course be several more Heisman Bowls in the Big 12 season but this one may be the most important.

The media exposure around this game is huge. The noon kickoff time will be broadcast in every U.S. TV market, and with all the guys vying for the Heisman Trophy it helps to get exposure early.

I'm not making any predictions on this until Friday and I have to DVR the game, but I will look forward to watching quarterbacks completing 80 percent of their passes. For whatever it means, Oklahoma won the EASports simulation 38-20.

Meanwhile, Chase Daniel still leads the ESPN poll. He also leads at Heismanpundit, but Bradford is #2 and McCoy #3. My ballot:

My ballot:

1. Sam Bradford, So., QB, Oklahoma. 205 passer rating (#2), 72%, 18 TD/3 INT for 1,665 yards.

2. Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri. 196.4 passer rating (#5), 76%, 15/1 for 1,665.

3. Colt McCoy, Jr., QB, Texas. 197.9 passer rating (#4), 79%, 16/3 for 1,280

4. Javon Ringer, Sr., RB, Michigan St. Javon Ringer 164.7 ypg (#2), 12 rush TDs (T-#1).

5. David Johnson, Sr., QB, Tulsa. 214.8 passer rating (#1). 69%, 23/5 for 1,682.

For more NCAA stats, click here.

Heisman Watch: Sept. 30

By Nate Sandstrom
Could the Big 12 season decide the Heisman Trophy winner? I think the answer is yes, as I have 3 Big 12 QB's at the top of my ballot in Bradford, McCoy and Daniels. In fact, the Big 12 is home to four of the nation's top five passers. And six of the top 10. And nine of the Top 20.

Meanwhile, Javon Ringer, who is one of my favorite players not on Wisconsin except for the day he plays Wisconsin, keeps racking up yardage, now posting three straight games with 198+ rushing. That said, I'm a little worried he'll wear out without a second back to spell him this year.

My other top RB this year, Knowshon Moreno, drops after the Alabama debacle.

I looked to Conference USA for the number five spot, ultimately going with Tulsa QB David Johnson, the nation's top rated passer, over Rice WR Jarett Dillard who is a TD machine in the suddenly high-powered Rice offense.

Here's my poll:

1. Sam Bradford, So., QB, Oklahoma. 209.1 rating. 72%, 16/2 for 1,293.
2. Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri. 193.4 rating. 76%, 12/1 for 1412.
3. Colt McCoy, Jr., QB, Texas.209.7 passer rating. 80%, 14/1 for 1,018. 278 yards rush, 4 TD.
4. Javon Ringer, Sr., RB, Michigan State. #2 rusher with 179.4 ypg and leads the nation with 12 TDs.
5. David Johnson, Sr., QB, Tulsa. 227.2 passer rating is tops in the nation! 73 %, 19/4, 1,505 yards passing with 12.75/att.

My Internet is running really slow tonight, so I'll update who everyone else has on Wednesday.

***Wednesday update****
So ESPN's experts poll looks pretty similar to my mock ballot, with four of our top five the same. Heisman Pundit's poll looks about the same. Neither gives a sniff to David Johnson, who really doesn't have a chance because of Tulsa's weak schedule. I love his numbers though.

Heisman Watch: Sept. 16, 2008

By Nate Sandstrom

Sam Bradford's second straight 5-TD performance has him jumping into the lead on my mock ballot this week after Knowshon had a mediocre game against SC.

Javon Ringer moves into the Top 5 this week, despite a low ypc. I expect more games like last week for him though.

My full ballot:

1) Sam Bradford, So., QB, Oklahoma. 214.4 rating fueled by nearly 80 percent completion and 12/2 ratio.
2) Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri. 197.5 rating with 10/1 ratio. Mizzou-OU could be Heisman Bowl.
3) Knowshon Moreno, So., RB, Georgia. So-so game at SC, but many more chances to show his talent. Still has 6.6 ypc and 7 TD's.
4) Javon Ringer, Sr., RB, Michigan State. After 282-yard show he is firmly on the radar. Cal game looks worse after Bears lost at Maryland, but Ringer has a nose for the end zone and will keep putting up numbers.
5) Brandon Tate, Sr., WR, North Carolina. All-purpose All-Star averages 30 yards per time he touches the ball.

Meanwhile, Heisman Pundit lists Chase Daniel as the favorite, since he's a senior. Daniel also leads at ESPN.

Heisman Watch: Sept. 9, 2008

By Nate Sandstrom

Of course it's too early to do this. Last year, I was ready to give the award to DeSean Jackson at this point. That being said, two of the other guys (Brennan and McFadden) in my Top 5 would up being finalist so who knows?

Tim Tebow was the first sophomore to win the Heisman last year, and maybe it's trend. I've included three sophs on my initial mock ballot.

1) Knowshon Moreno, So., RB, Georgia. Carried the ball just 26 times but for 227 yards and 6 TDs!
2) Sam Bradford, So., QB, Oklahoma. Top dog on #1 team is #8 nationally in pass efficiency with 76.7%, 578 yards and 7/2 ratio.
3) Chase Daniel, Sr., QB, Missouri. 307 ypg total offense in pair of wins on high-powered offense.
4) Nicolas Girgsby, So., RB, Arizona. Racked up 304 and 5 TDs on the ground in the 'Cats' first two contests.
5) Dennis Pitta, Jr., TE, BYU. How about these TE numbers? 21 catches for 361 yards in wins over last year's I-AA #1 and at Washington.

Others considered: Javon Ringer, Sr., RB, Michigan State; Daryll Clark, Sr., QB, Penn St.; Juice Williams, Jr., QB, Illinois; Jeremy Maclin, So., WR, Missouri


At Heisman Pundit, Beanie Wells is still listed as the favorite; although this weekend is probably a make or break situation for he and USC QB Mark Sanchez. ESPN's Heisman Watch should be out later today.

Heisman Watch Final

I can't remember a year when I had less of an opinion on who should win the Heisman (other than not Matt Ryan).

The final Heisman Pundit poll gives it to Tim Tebow, barely over Darren McFadden. At ESPN, the poll also goes to Tebow, although Ivan Maisel gives it to Dennis Dixon. Tebow also leads at USA Today and the New York Times.

It looks like Tebow will win, and it's hard for me to argue against a guy who accounted for 51 touchdowns in 12 games. That was on a schedule that featured 8 bowl teams, and another, in Troy, that could've been.

But people say it's wide open for a reason.

Here's a look at the other contenders.
Quarterbacks:
• Sam Bradford, Fr., Oklahoma
For: Nation's leader in pass efficiency, we saw what OU looked like without him
Against: 8-19, 2 picks in loss to Colorado
• Tim Tebow, Soph., Florida
For: 51 TDs, more than 3,000 passing, 750 rushing
Against: three-loss team; what was his defining win? South Carolina? Tennessee in Sept.?
• Colt Brennan, Sr., Florida
For: Gaudy numbers, nearly 4,200 passing with 38 TDs, led game-winning drives
Against: Those game-winning drives were against SJSU, Washington
• Dennis Dixon, Sr., Oregon
For: Led nation's best offense until he blew out his knee against Arizona, 161.2 passer rating
Against: Missed last three games as Ducks slid from BCS to Sun Bowl
• Patrick White, Sr.,West Virginia
For: One of the nation's best dual threats; led explosive offense
Against: Is he Dennis Dixon with worse numbers against worst competition?; loss to Pitt

Next Tier: Todd Reesing, Chase Daniels, Cullen Harper, Graham Harrell, Andre Woodson

Running Backs:
• Kevin Smith, Jr., Central Florida
For: Could set NCAA rushing record, with exception of SF game, came up big when needed
Against: Plays in Conference USA
• Darren McFadden, Jr., Arkansas
For: Does everything well, #4 in rushing
Against: May not be best running back on team; Ark. lost four games
• Rashard Mendenhall, Jr., Illinois
For: Led Illini to Rose Bowl with 6.2 ypc
Against: Juice Williams considered hero of Ohio State game
• Chris Wells, Soph., Ohio State
For: Made more clutch runs when needed than anyone I saw
Against: Only finished 12th in rushing
• Felix Jones, Jr., Arkansas
For: Averaged 9.1 ypc, one of top kick returners in the nation
Against: Probably not best running back on team; Ark. lost four games

Next Tier: Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Mike Hart, Jonathan Stewart, Jamaal Charles, Javon Ringer, Knowshon Moreno, Ian Johnson, C.J. Spiller

Best at other positions: WR: Jordy Nelson, Michael Crabtree, Ryan Grice-Mullen, Mario Manningham, DeSean Jackson; TE: Travis Beckum, DL: George Selvie, Chris Long, Shawn Crable, Nick Reed, Maurice Evans, Eric Norwood, Jonal Saint-Dic; LB: Scott McKillop, Jordan Dizon, Erin Henderson, Mike Klinkenborg, James Laurenaitis, DB: Aqib Taliq, Leondis McKelvin, Jack Ikegwuonu, Alphonso Smith, Trae Williams

If I had a real Heisman ballot I can only vote for three, so here it is.
1. Tim Tebow: Can't ignore the numbers on that schedule
2. Dennis Dixon: Would've won if he stayed healthy
3. Kevin Smith: Expect him to set the rushing record, he has to be on ballot
If I could vote for 5:
4. Chris Wells: Maybe I watched more Ohio State than other people, but he always impressed me
5. Darren McFadden: Does it all.

It's been fun. I'm sure I left some people out, on my best of the rest. Tell me about it!

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch-- (almost) Nov. 13, 2007

The Heisman Race is winding down, in what has been one of the least memorable races I can remember. Last year was also boring although that's because Troy Smith led almost wire-to-wire.

I think the games and upsets have been so good this year that many players from many teams are popping up. Heisman Pundit calls it a three-man race. I mostly agree with his analysis.

ESPN has Dixon in the lead as well, for some reason people are still voting for Matt Ryan. I would think the losses would hurt D-Mc more, especially since Felix out-stats him.

Chase Daniel, Sam Bradford and Todd Reesing were all near misses on my Top 10, but whichever of those three emerge from the Big 12 as champ certainly have a good shot.

1. Dennis Dixon, Sr., QB, Oregon — Runs nation's best "O." 20/3, 163.1; also 549 and 8 TD rush.
2. Tim Tebow, So., QB, Florida — 7 TDs against SC! 23/5, 177.1; 718 and 19 TD on ground.
3. Pat White, Jr., QB, West Virginia — Game winner agains L'ville. 157.7 and 803 for 10 rush.
4. George Selvie, So., DE, South Florida — Sick numbers. 14.5 sacks, 30.5 TFL.
5. Jordy Nelson, Sr., WR, Kansas State — All over. 99 rec, 2 TD pass, 2 PR TD.
6. Leodis McKelvin, Sr., CB, Troy — 3 PR TD and all over in the defensive backfield.
7. Darren McFadden, Jr., RB, Arkansas — 143 ypg and versatile, but has bad games in Ls.
8. Felix Jones, Jr., RB, Arkansas — 103 ypg and 9.1 ypc. Also averages 32.7 KR, with 2 TD.
9. Jordon Dizon, Sr., LB, Colorado — Tops in solo tackles with 93. Plus 11 TFL, FF, 2 PD.
10. Chris Long, Sr., DE, Virginia — Faces lots of blocks but still has 12 sacks, 7 PD.

Heisman Watch, Post-Week 9

Alright, it's 1:30 a.m. and I'm almost caught up.

Heisman Pundit keeps Tebow on top and has Matt Ryan #2 and Dixon #3.

ESPN's poll has Ryan #1, Dixon #2 and Tebow #3.

It seems the race is finally taking shape as we head into November.

NO Matt Ryan on my list. Despite his comeback at VT he completed less than 50% of his passes in that game and is not in the NCAA's top 50 rated passers. He is getting purely good QB on good team votes.

No player links in this section today because I've got to go to bed.
(last week)
1. Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon. (1) No jinx last week. Leader of top offense.
2. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. (4) Came up big against USC D.
3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. (2) Still the nation's #1 rated passed passer.
4. Matt Forte, RB, Tulane. (-) 5 200-yd games in last 6. 74 against LSU.
5. Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas St. (-) 82 yards+ in every game. Plays big in big games.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch: Oct. 23

It seems like every week I slide someone into the top spot, they fall back. No one seems to want to win this thing.

QBs dominate the ESPN poll, with Tebow on top.

I'm not loving Matt Ryan like everyone else, but I'll jump on the bandwagon if he can beat Va. Tech on Thursday (don't expect that to happen).

Heisman Pundit calls this a four-man race and also has Tebow on top.

I'm going to buck the trend and give my top vote to Ducks QB Dennis Dixon. As you can see from past posts on Heisman watch, this almost guarantees Oregon will lose to USC.

This week's top five:
1. Dennis Dixon,QB,Oregon. (NR) Pretty much 100 yards rushing and 200 yards passing at rival Washington. Leads what is probably the nation's best offense. 165.8 passer rating, 69.3% and 17/3. Rushes for 59.4 ypg and 7 TDs.
2. Tim Tebow,QB,Florida. (2) Five TDs in Kentucky holds off Wildcats' bid for back-to-back upsets. Haspassed for 66.1%, 17/3 and 177.5 rating. Oh yeah, and rushed for 82.5 per and 10TDs.
3. Chase Daniel,QB,Missouri. (NR) Maybe not the same duel threat as Dixon and Tebow, but led a shredding of Texas Tech last weekend. Daniel still rushes for 30 per and 3 TDs and has passed for 69.2, 17/7 and a 150.1 rating.
4. Jonathan Stewart,RB,Oregon. (NR) Pat White and Steve Slaton got the preseason hype, but Dixon/Stewart are leading the top backfield. Stewart shredded the Huskies defense for 257 on Saturday. He now averages 134.3 ypg and 7.17 ypc! He also returns kicks to the tune of 29.8 per.
5. Felix Jones,RB,Arkansas. (NR) Felix has no chance to win, but I wanted to get him in the discussion at least one week. D-Mc gets all the pub, but his backfield mate has put up the scarier numbers. 110.6 ypg, 9.56 ypc and 7TDs in part-time duty. He also has returned two kicks for touchdowns and averages 31.6 per return.


Bonus sleepers:
I love KSU WR Jordy Nelson, but he needs to score more on offense. if Troy upsets Arkansas and runs the table, DB/return man Leondis McKelvin should get a look. No defensive players ever win, but what about USF DL George Selvie, has 11.5 sacks and 21.5 TFLs.

--NS

Heisman Watch

Only one player who was in my Top 5 last week played for a winning team, so I have another shake-up this week. Honestly, this has to be one of the most wide open races I can recall in recent years. I moved Michael Crabtree to the top of my ballot on numbers, but I don't know if he has a great chance. He's a freshman and plays for a team that has always scored points, meaning the credit goes to Coach Leach's system.
(Last week's rank)
1. Micahel Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech (3). Sick raw numbers. In seven games he's caught 78 passes for 1,244 yards and 17 TDs. By the way, this is his first year playing receiver.
2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida (NR). He's a media favorite and gets the chance to play in a lot of high-profile games. So far he's posted great numbers, completing 65.5 percent of his passes with 13/3 for a 173.1 passer rating. He's also rushed for 500 yards and 9 TDs.
3. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illnois (2). Slowed by Iowa D but got just 15 carries in loss. Still has posted 839 rushing yards for a 6.5 avg. and 10 TD.
4. Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State (NR). Mr. Everything for upstart K-State. 56 catches for 727 yards and 3 TDs. Has also thrown two TDs and has returned 4 punts for 172 yards, including a TD in blowout win at Texas.
5. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan (NR). Campaign was buried after an 0-2 start, but leads the nation in yards (1,078) and 100-yard games (7). Has a shot if Michigan keeps winning.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch, Oct. 9

I couldn't drop DeSean Jackson on an off-week, but Rashard Mendenhall is now breathing down his neck on my unofficial ballot.

1. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. 28 rec., 312 yds rec., 2 TD receiving, 1 TD rushing and 1 PR TD. The numbers aren't great in themselves, but he's had the home run plays that have Cal #2 in the country.
2. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois. 129 rush ypg, 6.8 ypc, 10 rush TD. 2 rec TD. Junior RB burst into this race with 3TDs against Badgers.
3. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. 179 ypg, 17 TDs, 15.3 ypc. Shattering records. He's only a freshman.
4. Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri. 149.9 passer rating, 1,712 yards, 15/4; 188 rushing yards, 3 TDs. Oklahoma game will make or break his campaign.
5. Kellen Lewis, QB, Indiana. 141.6 rating, 1,463 yards, 15/6; 449 rushing, 3 TDs. If Lewis can pull a couple upsets, he could be guiding the Hoosiers to a New Year's Day bowl. Not even Randle-El did that.

Also considered — Jordy Nelson, Tim Tebow, Kevin Smith

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch -- Post-Week 5

Me of little faith. A week after I drop DeSean Jackson he lights up the Oregon defense and retakes the lead on my ballot. Sorry I'm going abbreviated this week, but I'm sick and need to go to bed.

1. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. See above.
2. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. Likely rushing champion.
3. P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin. Illinois game is P.J.'s chance to break into lead.
4. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. It's the system? Everyone knows he's coming and they can't stop him.
5. Kellen Lewis, QB, Indiana. Don't expect him to stick around long, but multi-purpose threat invokes Randle-El days. Stomping Iowa helps.

Heisman Watch — Post-Week 4

Darren McFadden and DeSean Jackson, my top two all year, fall out this week. McFadden keeps racking up yards, but Arkansas keeps losing. Jackson's injured thumb meanwhile seems to be limiting his production to the point where he's falling out of consideration. A big game against Oregon this week could bring him back.

Steve Slaton and Pat White have a chance to make their respective cases in a big time showdown against a top defense in South Florida on Friday.

1. Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia. 617 yards from scrimmage, 10 TDs and a long highlight reel.
2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. 8 TDS in the air, 5 on the ground and a passer rating of 197.96! We'll see if he can keep it up in a tough SEC schedule.
3. Pat White, QB, West Virginia. Completed 18 of 20 passes in route of ECU. Has 6 TDs through the air and on the ground. Passer rating is now 174.82.
4. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. Defenses don't find anything funny about what he has done to them. Went over 150 for the second straight week against Stanford. In four games has racked up 503 yards for 7.7 ypc and 4 TDs. Chance to raise profile against Cal.
5. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. Continues to rack up yards in the Knights offense. In three games, has posted 490 yards for 5.8 ypc, 7 TDs. May not have strength of schedule to stay up here.

Rising — P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin; Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Heisman Pundit keeps McFadden on top.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch — Week 3

I've got a new #1. Even though Arkansas lost, Darren McFadden was a major reason the Hogs rallied back from down 21-0. DeSean Jackson was limited by injury and drops to number two.

Last weeks ranking in parentheses.

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. (2) Went for 195 yards on the ground and two TDs against 'Bama. He and Felix Jones ran the Tide ragged, although 'Bama eventually rallied in a see-saw game. For the year, McFadden has rushed 346 yards on the ground in two games and has also caught five passes and tossed a 42-yard TD.
McFadden hype site here.
2. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. (1) Not much of a stat line against La. Tech as he is nursing a sprained thumb. He has just 112 receiving yards but also two 70-yard plus TDs this year, one on a reverse and another on a punt return. He has the highlight reel to impress voters.
3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. (NR) What a difference a 39-point win over Tennesse makes. Everyone has loved Tebow's talent, but look at his numbers! He's completed 73.8 percent of his passes for a rating of 228.76. By the way, he's rushed for 192 yards. If Gators keep winning, Tebow will move up.
4. Steve Slaton, RB, W. Virginia. (3) Slaton sliced through the Maryland defense again last week, posting 137 yards rushing and 2 TDs. That brings his total for the year to an I-A-leading 9 TDs. He shares the ball with the many other players in the 'Neers offense, but you have to consider Slaton threat #1.
5. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. (5) I keep Smith in the dark horse position, even though the Knights upset bid against Texas fell short. Racked up a total of 366 yards and 4 TDs on the ground against N.C. State and the Longhorns. Could really pad the stats when he gets into C-USA schedule.


Click here for ESPN's take. Heisman Pundit also has McFadden on top.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch: Post-Week 2

No change in the top, but I move in some preseason favorites.

Last weeks ranking in parentheses.

1. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. (1) Jackson maintains the top spot because he keeps making big plays. Jackson took a reverse 73 yards to the house in Cal's 34-28 win over Colorado St. on Saturday. So far, he has 9 rec for 84 yards and 3 rushes for 99 yards. Expect another dynamite play against La. Tech's siv defense this week.
2. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. (2) Can't drop McFadden for a week off. 151 yds rushing for a TD and threw a 42-yd TD against Troy, but big test is this week at 'bama.Check out this site for more McFadden hype.
3. Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia.(NR) Slaton gets his annual crack at the team that didn't want him on Thursday. Last year against Maryland he rushed for 195 and 2 TDs.Expect his to make the Terps D pay. Here's a Steve Slaton hype site. So far he has racked up 255 yards on the ground and 6 overall TDs
4. Colt Brennan, QB, Hawaii. (NR) The Rainbows could go undefeated this year, but may have lost Saturday without Brennan. In Hawaii's gun-slinging offense, Brennan has posted mind-boggling number, completing 76 percent of his passes for 964 yards and 10 TDs. Should face his toughest opponent yet this Saturday against UNLV.
5. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. (5) 217 yds, 2 TD in upset win over N.C. State two weeks ago, but will have a bigger chance to show his skills against Texas on Saturday.


To see a USA Today poll on the Heisman race, click here, ESPN's take.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman watch

It's a little silly to start debating the Heisman winner after the first weekend of college football, but it will be a regular feature so I'm going to get in the habit of posting on Tuesdays.

Based on Saturday...
1. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. A human highlight reel. 45 receiving yards, a 21 yard run and a 77-yard punt return TD in Cal's revenge game against Tennessee.
2. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. 151 yds rushing for a TD and threw a 42-yd TD against Troy.
3. Marlon Lucky, RB, Nebraksa. 233 yds, 2 TD's in a Husker rout over Nevada.
4. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. 408 yds and 2 TD in a key win against Wake.
5. Kevin Smith, RB, C. Florida. 217 yds, 2 TD in upset win over N.C. State.

Once teams like Louisville and Florida start playing real teams, expect Tim Tebow, Brian Brohm and others to show up.

--Nate