The 2006 Heisman Wars: Part I
| 18
|
by user Drpatriot
It is now Week 7, and there have been many surprises so far this year. Rutgers, Missouri and Arkansas in the Top 25. Louisville in the Top 10. And finally, there are the emerging Heisman candidates. This year looks to be a tough Heisman voting year, as there are many players who deserve the trophy so far. However, we see that there are some who deserve the trophy more than others. So now I present to you the first edition of The Heisman Wars.
A quick preview of what you will see below: a well-known QB leading his team to stardom; a game-changer for the Michigan Wolverines (but not the one you would expect); a fantastic passer who is quietly leading his team to the top of its division; a star-studded talent at WR from the South; an unheralded RB who has demolished the competition; and the reason why Rutgers is in the Top 25.
1. Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State University
This young quarterback has played excellently this year, leading the Buckeyes to a #1 ranking in the USA Today, AP, and ArmchairGM college polls. His 68.2% completions rate, his 15 TDs and his mere 2 interceptions give him a 170.55 rating on the year, one of the best among college QBs. However, the fact that he has been able to lead his team to a #1 rank is the reason that he is here.
2. Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois
Wolfe has been the best runningback in college football this year, rolling for 1343 yards on 156 carries. That is 8.6 yards per carry. Never mind that he's in the MAC-10, as he put up 285 total yards and a touchdown against Ohio State. If Troy Smith falters and Ohio State loses, this man will rocket straight up to the top of the charts.
3. Mario Manningham, WR, University of Michigan
4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| WR #1 | 24 | 527 | 9 |
| WR #2 | 29 | 551 | 8 |
These two stat lines are, at worst, equal, with #1 having a slight edge because of the extra touchdown. The first line, WR #1, belongs to Mario Manningham. The second line, WR #2, belongs to Calvin Johnson, who ESPN calls "the best athlete and overall player" of their Heisman candidates. Manningham has revived the deep pass for Michigan, catching 4 passes for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns against Notre Dame, who at the time was ranked #2 in the nation. Manningham has not slowed down since, picking up 319 more yards and 5 more touchdowns against Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan State. With these stats, Manningham leads the NCAA in receiving touchdowns and is the only wide receiver to rank in the Top 10 scorers in the NCAA.
The number four spot goes to Calvin Johnson. Though Johnson is having an excellent year as well, he is ranked slightly lower because he was unable to bring his team up for the win against Notre Dame in the way that Manningham was.
5. Tyler Palko, QB, Pittsburgh
Palko has quietly led the Panthers to the #1 spot in the Big East. With a disappointing loss to Michigan State as their only blemish, Pittsburgh is currently 2-0 in the Big East and is surprisingly at the top of the conference standings. Most of this is due to Palko, who has a stellar 70.5% completion rate, 15 TDs, an NCAA-leading 10.2 yards per pass, and only four sacks on the year.
Honorable Mention: Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
Rice has been one of the best RBs in the NCAA this year, trampling opponents with 806 yards and 11 touchdowns. This sophomore is on the rise and looks to continue to have a great year. If Rutgers continues its success, watch out.
