The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award (often known simply as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman), named after former college football player and coach John Heisman, is awarded annually to the most outstanding collegiate football player in the U.S. Although not the only award honoring the best player in college football, it is considered the most prestigious individual player honor in American college football. It is awarded in December before the postseason bowl games.
2007 - 2008 Heisman Trophy Watch
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award (often known simply as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman), named after former college football player and coach John Heisman, is awarded annually to the most outstanding collegiate football player in the U.S. Although not the only award honoring the best player in college football, it is considered the most prestigious individual player honor in American college football. It is awarded in December before the postseason bowl games.
2007 - 2008 Heisman Trophy Watch
Here are Todd McShay's Oct. 2 selections.
1. Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Woodson has been remarkably efficient as Kentucky's signal-caller thus far. The senior quarterback has completed 67.1 percent of his passes for 1,309 yards with 16 touchdowns through five games. He finally threw his first interception of the season on Saturday, but not before he extended his NCAA record-breaking streak of pass attempts without a pick to 325. Unfortunately for Woodson, a brutal three-game stretch versus South Carolina, LSU and Florida will likely knock Kentucky from the ranks of the undefeated.
2. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Boston College has sleepwalked through its last two games versus Army and UMass, but Ryan's overall body of work through five games speaks for itself. The senior gunslinger has thrown for 1,545 yards and 11 touchdowns. His composure versus Jon Tenuta's defense in the decisive victory at Georgia Tech was fun to watch.
3. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
McFadden is without question the most talented individual in college football today. Let's put it this way: If he elects to leave school early for the 2008 NFL draft, then McFadden could become the first running back selected No. 1 overall since Ki-Jana Carter in 1995. As we all know, the trophy typically goes to the biggest offensive star on the nation's best team. But with all the chaos atop the rankings and with LSU and USC void of a Heisman-like standout, McFadden could become the exception to the rule -- a la Barry Sanders.
4. DeSean Jackson, WR/RS, Cal
Cal's thrilling victory at Oregon propels the team to a No. 3 ranking and Jackson right back in the Heisman mix. The junior receiver hauled in 11 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson was limited -- partially due to a sprained thumb -- to only 67 receiving yards in the previous two games (Louisiana Tech and Arizona) combined, making his performance Saturday that much more dramatic. Is there any doubt that Jackson is the nation's most electrifying playmaker? Not from where I stand, at least.
5. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
I'm a realist. So I understand that Hart has almost no chance of collecting the hardware in New York this December. At this point, though, I would argue that Hart is more valuable to Michigan than any other player in the country to his respective team. Not only did Hart circle the wagons emotionally following embarrassing losses to Appalachian State and Oregon in the Big House, he also has led by example with 446 yards on 109 carries during the Wolverines' current three-game win streak.
2007 - 2008 Heisman Trophy Race:
Heisman Trophy News 10/09/07
Heisman Trophy News 10/04/07
Heisman Trophy News 09/25/07
Heisman Trophy Race as of 09/14/07
Heisman Trophy Race as of 09/08/07
