Heisman Race Handicaps

[DKW 86 7,437]

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/...3470.xml&coll=1

HANDICAPPING THE HEISMAN TROPHY

Monday, July 31, 2006

Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame -- He's the only returnee from last year's top 10 (No. 4) receiving votes for the Heisman, has already rewritten the Fighting Irish record book, and plays the glamour position for the nation's most famous program. That's a hard combination to beat. EIGHT ½ HEISMANS

Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma -- As Matt Leinart proved last season, one off game can sink a Heisman candidacy for a quarterback faster than any other position. As the focal point of the Sooners' offense, Peterson figures to get the opportunity to pile up impressive numbers. SEVEN ½ HEISMANS

Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State -- Quinn may have gotten more accolades last year, but it was Smith who had 408 total yards against the Irish in the Fiesta Bowl. A smaller version of Vince Young, Smith gets an early chance for a showcase performance when the Buckeyes visit Texas on Sept. 9. SIX HEISMANS

Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn -- He's playing for the SEC favorites with an experienced quarterback to keep things balanced and a terrific offensive line in front of him. Plus, unlike predecessors Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown, Irons doesn't have to share time. FIVE HEISMANS

Brian Brohm, QB and Michael Bush, RB, Louisville -- Dual Heisman campaigns rarely succeed (unless you have a Leinart and Reggie Bush on the same team), but the Cardinals are making a push for both. Michael Bush's 24 touchdowns in just 10 games gives him plenty of highlight potential, and Brohm will challenge Quinn as the best pro-prospect QB. The Cardinals' game against Miami on Sept. 16 is a must for both candidacies. FOUR AND ½ HEISMANS

Pat White, QB and Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia -- Ditto about dual campaigns. Slaton, coming off a Sugar Bowl record 204 yards in the Mountaineers' victory against Georgia, has the best shot of the two. While White executes Rich Rodriguez's offense to perfection, West Virginia was 115th nationally in passing last year. FOUR HEISMANS

Ted Ginn Jr, WR-KR, Ohio State -- Probably the fastest player in college football now that Xavier Carter has turned pro in track, Smith is a Bushesque threat to score whenever he touches the ball. With first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes departed, those opportunities should increase. THREE ½ HEISMANS

Chris Leak, QB, Florida -- It's either boom or bust for Leak. Either he'll master Urban Meyer's spread-option offense and lead the Gators to at least the SEC East title or he'll lose his job to freshman Tim Tebow. Here's guessing the former is more likely to happen, but Leak still will have a hard time getting an invite to New York City. THREE HEISMANS

Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State -- You've got to have a pure defensive player on the list, and who better than the player Hall of Famer Jack Ham calls the best linebacker ever to play at Penn State?" Posluszny, who would be in the NFL if he hadn't suffered a knee injury in the Orange Bowl, needs 88 tackles to become the Nittany Lions' career leader. TWO HESIMANS

Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois -- Who's he? Only the nation's leading returning rusher (1,580 yards in only nine games). But playing in the obscurity of DeKalb, Ill., only makes Wolfe this year's version of Memphis' DeAngelo Williams. ONE HEISMAN

[rchandlerh 0]

take away the option that leak has to do and let him be the pocket passer that he is and he'd be in the top 5 hands down. as much as i am an kenny won't win it because he plays against the top defenses in the country and unfortunately won't be able to put up those crazy numbers. However we will be watching another top 5 draft choice this fall

[SKCAUB 0]

take away the option that leak has to do and let him be the pocket passer that he is and he'd be in the top 5 hands down.  as much as i am an    kenny won't win it because he plays against the top defenses in the country and unfortunately won't be able to put up those crazy numbers.  However we will be watching another top 5 draft choice this fall

253853[/snapback]

Bo gained 1700+ yards against those top defenses and won it. And while NOBODY is Bo...it is possible....

[WAR-MATT 2]

Will KI get enough carries to win it? With the stable of running backs we have, I doubt it.

[quietfan 233]

Will KI get enough carries to win it? With the stable of running backs we have, I doubt it.

253869[/snapback]

And while CTT says we'll always be a running team, Borges' "Gulf Coast" offense will let Brandon Cox pass quite a bit if the receivers come along. That will also cut into Kenny's carries.

[WarTim 3,456]

Kenny is one of the BEST rbs in America. He will not win it, but, it is an honor for him to be mentioned. As has already been stated, I do not think he will get enough carries to put up Heisman numbers.

But,.....You just never know.