Heisman Watch 4th Edition

There were a lot of meaningful games last week that kept college football fans on their toes. Heisman contenders are now getting into mid-season form and it should be exciting to watch them the next couple of weeks.1. Vince Young, QB, Texas, Jr.

So far, Vince Young has been the only number one on my watch and I think he is solidifying his place at number one. He played one of the most important games of the season last week and played great. Texas was playing Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout and led his team to a 45-12 victory. Texas has lost the last 4 games against Oklahoma and this win is just adding to Vince Young’s legacy. Vince Young threw for 241 yards and 3 TD’s. He also rushed 17 times for 45 yards. Is there anything this guy can’t do? He proved last week he can win the game by throwing the ball as well as running. Vince has a great arm too. When he throws the ball, it just looks like he flicks his wrist and the ball goes 40 yards. I think winning the Red River Shootout really has helped him on his way to winning the Heisman.

2. Reggie Bush, RB, USC, Jr.

Reggie Bush had another great game against Arizona. He rushed for 110 yards on 14 carries and 16 receiving yards on 2 receptions. Bush continues to produce for USC and the tandem between him and LenDale White is a very powerful one. Bush was limping after a play last game and was taken out. He got an MRI and tests came back negative. He has been diagnosed with a bruise on his knee and should be able to start against Notre Dame. USC is going to need him if they want a good chance of winning. Reggie Bush has been making a statement all year and can’t slow down now if he wants to win the Heisman.

3. Matt Leinart, QB, USC, Sr.

Matt Leinart has been looking more human than ever the past few weeks. Although he hasn’t had a bad season, he’s not playing as unbeatable as last year. Other teams are getting pressure on him and not letting him just sit back in the pocket. Last week, Matt Leinart threw for 360 yards and 2 TD’s. He also threw an INT. I think teams are finally figuring out how to stop him. He’s becoming a lot more beatable and it is hurting his chances of a repeat for the Heisman. The next game against Notre Dame will be really pivotal not only for Matt Leinart but USC. If he and USC get beat Matt Leinart could be dropping fast in the Heisman watch.

4. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame, Jr.

The offensive mastermind, Charlie Weis, has had a week to prepare and Notre Dame could be facing the biggest game of the season. Brady Quinn will be tested in this game and this could really be big for his legacy also. If Notre Dame can stop the chance of USC winning the championship again it would mean a lot for college football. Just like it means a lot for Notre Dame, it means a lot to Brady Quinn. Depending on whether he wins this game or not, it could mean movement in the Heisman watch. The USC game is a game to watch and should be a great one between 3 Heisman contenders.

5. Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota, Jr.

Laurence landed himself the number 5 spot because of his sheer run production. He had a career low against Penn State and then comes back to run 36 times for 126 yards and a TD. Maroney is a dependable back that you can run a lot and get a lot of production out of him. With every game he rushes for 100+ yards, the closer he gets to a 2000 yard season and the Heisman trophy. He also helped Minnesota win the Brown Jug which has been Michigan’s for 19 years. Laurence Maroney could be moving on up.

Outside looking in:

Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA, Jr.
This guy came out of no where and is playing great for UCLA. He is making his way to the national scene and is hanging with the big guys. It will be interesting to see how he progresses and if he can make his way to the top 5 in the Heisman watch.

Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin, Jr.
Brian has been outside looking in for a while because there is a lot of competition this year. Last week against Northwestern he rushed for 122 yards on the ground and 128 yards receiving. Wisconsin is facing Minnesota next week and it should be quite the running back duel.

Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State, Jr.
He dropped pretty far because of the competition but he’s not out yet. He’s going to have to have some convincing numbers and games to work himself back into the top 5.

LenDale White, RB, USC, Jr.
LenDale has really impressed me this year. He has to share the carries with Reggie yet he still puts up great numbers. This season he has rushed for 616 yards and 10 TD’s. If Reggie Bush ever gets hurt, watch out for LenDale White.

Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama.
Alabama had a bye last week so there is not much to say about Brodie this week. Next week Alabama is playing Ole Miss so Brodie needs to have a great game to keep his Heisman hopes alive.