I figured I might as well go ahead and give my thoughts on the Heisman. Even though it is way too early and things will change for sure before the end of the season. Here is my mid-September top 5 after 2 weeks:
Before I give my list, let me get one other thing out of the way. AS hopeful as I am that this is the year Texas will finally run the table in the regular season and make it to Pasadena, let's enjoy the ride before we worry about going undefeated. A big pet peeve of mine is trying to speculate who is going to lose to who and how we are going to find our way to the Rose bowl. I already see national sites (ESPN.com) getting fans of others schools (besides Texas and US) worried that they are going to be left out of the National Championship game like Auburn was last year. My advice to fellow football fans across the country is to enjoy each week and let the games play out before we worry about V-tech and Georgia getting left out of the national title game. You never know what is going to happen and this is what makes this sport so great despite the imperfections of the system.
OKay, rant over... Onto my top 5.
1A) Matt Leinart -- The defending Heisman winner has to be considered the favorite until proven otherwise. The only thing that irks me about Leinart is that he supposedly has a bodyguard now. I understand that he is basically a celebrity in LA, but I don't care how good of a college quarterback you are for USC. Requiring a bodyguard is a little much. With that said, the guy is easily the best passing QB in the college game right now, and he can pretty much bang any chick (including A-list actreses) in LA or anywhere else for that matter. He has to be the favorite right now.
1B) Vince Young -- If USC does lose or both Texas and USC go undefeated, Vince has a shot to beat Leinart either way because votes could be split between Bush and Leinart. Vince has such a great attitude on the field and his leadership qualities have transformed the entire Texas program. It's hard to believe that one guy can have that big of an impact on an entire program, but Vince YOung has done that with Texas. His win against Ohio St. may go down as one of the greatest moments in Texas history when it's all said and done. And damnit, the guy can pass too.
3) Reggie Bush -- There aren't enough adjectives to describe how Reggie Bush plays the game. Easily the most electrifying player in the game (no offense to Ted Ginn) and he may be even more valuable to the Trojans' success than Leinart. Can't wait to see him on the next level.
4) Lawrence Maroney -- If he was playing for Ohio St. or Michigan, the entire country would love this guy. But because he plays at Minnesota, he flies under the radar. Now that he doesn't have to share the backfied with cowboy Marion Barber (they both had 2 consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards), Maroney has the potential to put up some huge numbers this year. Through 2 games against Tulsa and Colorado St., he looks to be on pace for a monster season.
5) Brady Quinn -- If Charlie Weis can continue working miracles up in South Bend and ND somehow pulls off the miracle upset against USC, then Quinn has to be considered a darkhorse candidate. ND is still probably a couple years away from being a legitimate contender, but through 2 games, Quinn should be at least in the mix.
Others -- Chris Leak (Florida), Adrian Peterson (OU), Brad Smith (Mizzou), Brian Calhoun (Wisconsin), Ted Ginn (Ohio St.)
4 comments:
I like most of your picks for the Top 5, but it's still almost too early for me to decide, but since I have nothing better to do, here goes:
1. Vince Young - He had his moments against OSU, but he also made two horrible "Brett Favre" like throws that almost cost them the game. But until USC wins a game against a competive opponent, VY will hold the top spot.
2. Reggie Bush - Does anyone have more incredible highlight tape plays then him. I want him to win just so I can keep seeing his diving flips into the endzone for many years to come. He is so quick and fast that it's almost unfair for defenses. He is the most complete back both receiving and rushing since Faulk was at San Diego State. Let see what he does against ND's defense.
3. Matt Leinart - Best pure passing QB in the country. But with all of the weapons he has, I believe more of a product of the system. How many of Florida's QBs back in the day made a name for themselves in the pros. When Carson Palmer left, they feared who would replace him, I'm sure when Leinart leaves they will be just fine. Too bad USC doesn't play anybody until the Bowl Game, but he will be there at the end.
4. Adrian Peterson - Granted he struggled in the first game, but his performance in the second half of the Tulsa game made me forget all about it. He is running behind 4 new starters on the o-line (2 are true freshmen), has 2 horrible qb's, and a group of receivers that are average at best. He is truly a man amongst boys. I just dont' know how his body will hold up getting 30 carries a game.
5. A.J. Hawk - Granted mostly trying to get Trampe fired up, but he was dominating after the first drive of the game. 14 tackles, 2 sacks, force fumble, int. Pretty good line in the biggest game of the year. He is already a cult hero up North, and who else is the Big 10 going to have represent them.
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