Here’s a look at the top candidates for the Heisman Trophy:
Front-runners:
Ken Dorsey
senior quarterback, Miami
After two solid performances, Dorsey put up numbers that were closer to Heisman standards in a 44-21 win over Temple. He completed 20-of-35 passes for 314 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. In three games, Dorsey is 44-for-80 for 626 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. His next task comes in the form of Boston College. Last season, the Hurricanes escaped with an 18-7 victory over the Eagles. In that game, Dorsey threw a career-high four interceptions.
Byron Leftwich
senior quarterback, Marshall
Despite enduring a 47-21 loss to Virginia Tech, Leftwich held his own. He completed 31-of-49 passes for 406 yards, while throwing three touchdowns and one pick. The loss hurt his chances, however, 406-yards passing against a defense like the Hokies can’t be overlooked. In just two games, he has passed for 875 yards, while completing 58-of-90 passes for seven touchdowns and one interception.
MSU’s hope:
Charles Rogers
junior wide receiver, MSU
Rogers continues to rack up big numbers and close in on an NCAA record. In the 46-22 loss to California last week, Rogers caught nine passes for 166 yards and a touchdown. Rogers has caught at least one touchdown in 11 consecutive regular-season games - one shy of the NCAA record. He’ll have a chance to tie the record and build his Heisman stock on a national stage when the Spartans host No. 12 Notre Dame on Saturday. This season, Rogers has 22 catches for 459 yards and four touchdowns.
Darkhorse:
Maurice Clarett
freshman tailback, Ohio State
Clarett rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries in a 25-7 victory over then-No. 10 Washington State. His rushing total was the sixth best in Buckeye history and the second best by a freshman - two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin rushed for 239 yards against North Carolina in 1972. In three games, Clarett has rushed for 471 yards (leading the Big Ten) and six touchdowns on 63 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
