Handicapping the Heisman
| 16
|
by The Beast
Favorites
John David Booty- Sr.- QB- USC Outside of Reggie Bush, the Heisman Trophy has typically been awarded to the quarterback on the nation's top team. With the USC Trojans slated as the nation's number one team, Booty certainly fits that description. The Trojans did lose All-Americans Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett at wide receiver but Booty still has plenty of talent to work with. It also doesn't hurt that Left Tackle Sam Baker returns to help protect Booty's blind side. If he stays healthy and the Trojans make it to New York than expect Booty to get an invitation to New York City.
Steve Slaton- Jr.- RB- West Virginia The country has been on the Steve Slaton bandwagon for the past two seasons, and the junior running back intends to ride that momentum all the way to the Big Apple. Last season, Slaton finished 4th in the Heisman voting, while rushing for 1,744 yards and 16 touchdowns. West Virginia has a fairly weak schedule in 2007 so Slaton will certainly get a chance to pad his stats.
Colt Brennan- Sr.- QB- Hawaii The numbers that Colt Brennan put up in 2007 were reminiscent of video game statistics. However, Hawaii played an extremely weak schedule, and voters did not seem to take those numbers seriously as he finished just fifth in the final voting. If he can put up similar numbers than he might earn an invitation to New York but because Hawaii's schedule is even weaker this year, it's hard to imagine voters taking him seriously.
Darren McFadden- Jr. - RB- Arkansas After rushing for 1,647 yards and 14 Touchdowns and finishing second in the 2006 Heisman voting, McFadden appears to be the front-runner for the 2007 race. People forget that McFadden was only a sophomore in 2006 and also played injured for the first two games of the season. What hurts him in 2007, is the fact that Arkansas might not be capable of winning the SEC and reaching the BCS. According to many preseason magazines, Arkansas is being labeled as the 2nd or 3rd place team in the SEC West. His Heisman fate is dependent upon his team's performance. If Arkansas is average, than he will need a monster season. If Arkansas can reach the BCS than he will certainly walk away with the trophy.
Knocking on the Door
Mike Hart- Sr.- RB- Michigan Mike Hart may be one of the nation's most consistent players, putting up solid numbers year after year. In 2006, Hart finished with 1,562 and 14 touchdowns as Michigan earned a trip to the Rose Bowl. Hart lacks the flash of a guy like McFadden which could coast him a few votes down the line. What makes him a contender is the consistent numbers that he puts up. If Michigan can again reach the BCS than he certainly has an inside track for a top five finish.
Brian Brohm- Sr.- QB- Louisville In 2006, Brian Brohm led Louisville to the school's first BCS victory while throwing for over 3,000 yards. With the return of his top two wideouts, Harry Douglass and Mario Urrutia, Brohm looks to continue his success. If Louisville makes the BCS or even finishes undefeated, Brohm certainly appears capable of winning the trophy.
DeSean Jackson- Jr.- WR- California DeSean Jackson is one of College Football's most exciting players, while bringing back memories of USC great Reggie Bush. Jackson has the unique ability of lining up as a wide receiver in addition to being one of the nation's best kick returners. In 2006, he scored thirteen total touchdowns while gaining over 1,000 receiving yards. If Cal can win the Pac Ten and beat USC, look for Jackson to be celebrated even more.
Colt McCoy- So.- QB- Texas While just of freshman in 2006, McCoy still managed to throw for 29 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions. The 2007 schedule only has a few marquee games and the Longhorns have an excellent chance of running the table. If Texas makes it to the BCS title game, than McCoy will likely end up with a solid chance of winning the Heisman.
Dark Horses
Brandon Ore- Jr.- RB- Virginia Tech While unknown to most of the country, Brandon Ore still had a solid 2006 campaign as he rushed for over 1,100 yards. After two full seasons in Blacksburg, Ore looks to have an even bigger 2007 season. With another 1,000 yard season, Ore could certainly earn an invite to New York provided the Hokies win the ACC.
P.J. Hill- So. - RB- Wisconsin As a freshman in 2006, P.J. Hill rushed for 1,569 yards while leading the Wisconsin Badgers to a 12-1 record. Now a sophomore, Hill looks to continue the success that he started a year ago. The Badgers are being pegged as a top ten team and national title contenders so Hill will certainly have an excellant shot.
Sam Keller- Sr.- QB- Nebraska The former Arizona State QB is now in an offense that will throw the ball a lot. Nebraska plays in enough big-time games for Keller to certainly be in the spotlight. Look for him to receive a few votes if the Huskers end of winning the Big XII.
What Will Happen?
I firmly believe that Darren McFadden will have an incredible season, where he might even rush for over 2,000 yards. It will really be an exciting season for the Arkansas running back. On the other side, I feel that USC's John David Booty will have yet another solid season in which he throws for over 3,000 yards and records at least 30 passing touchdowns. In the end, Booty wins in a landslide only because USC is 12-0 and playing for the National Championship.
