Well, after Miami (Ohio) quarterback Ben Roethlisberger officially introduced the curse of The State News Dark Horse Heisman Pick (he threw four picks against Iowa last week), we get the luxury of adding some fresh stats and names into our considerations of candidates for the trophy. And without further adieu - in no particular order:
Front Runners:
Philip Rivers
Senior quarterback, North Carolina State
The senior from Athens, Ala., is ranked fourth in the nation in QB rating after leading the No. 14 Wolfpack to a 59-20 win over Western Carolina in week one. Rivers only threw four incomplete passes all game and connected on three touchdowns to go along with a 26-30 passing game that amounted to 320 yards. Rivers and the Wolfpack face off against Wake Forest next, then head north for a showdown in Columbus with the Buckeyes, who have a pretty decent quarterback of their own in senior Craig Krenzel.
Kevin Jones
Junior running back, Virginia Tech
Jones isn't putting up the flashiest of numbers - 83 yards on 22 carries for two touchdowns - but it's how he's doing it that's impressive. The guy has a target on his back, his chest, and his legs - yet he's still finding daylight. Against Central Florida, Jones was bouncing off would-be tacklers and dancing around the field like his bones where made of Silly Putty. Slowly and surely, he's going to produce the numbers that will make your jaw drop. If he doesn't, well that's just part of his plan: To make everyone miss him.
Ell Roberson
Senior quarterback, Kansas State
In two games, Roberson is averaging more than 200 yards passing, 100 yards rushing and four touchdowns per game. It'll be a few more weeks - Oct. 4 to be exact - before Roberson and the Wildcats face a real test at No. 6 Texas. For now, Roberson will continue to embarrass smaller schools like he did against Troy State, when he lead his team to a 41-5 lopsided win. The purple-pigskin eaters have McNeese State, Massachusetts and Marshall on tap. Roberson could very well have over 1,500 total yards before his team enters conference play.
Kellen Winslow Jr.
Junior tight end, Miami
Winslow, much like the rest of his Miami teammates, executed an efficient game against Louisiana Tech last week. He caught four passes for 35 yards, including one touchdown. With his presence on the field, he was able to free up room for receiver Ryan Moore, who caught four passes for a total of 67 yards. He also helped block for running back Frank Gore, who rushed for 118 yards. Most tight ends don't appeal to your average stat tracker, but opposing defensive coordinators will be watching Winslow's every move.
Chris Gamble
Junior cornerback/wide receiver, Ohio State
Gamble is the man. On one play against Washington, Gamble was practically parallel to the field as he dove to deflect a pass. If his timing would have been off by a microsecond, the Husky receiver would have been gone in a flash, and Washington could have kept the game closer. Woulda, coulda, shoulda - Gamble changes games, period. How did the 'Noles, 'Canes, and Gators all miss out on this Sunrise, Fla. native?
Dark Horse:
Roy Williams
Senior wide receiver, Texas
In limited play last week, Williams caught four balls for 104 yards and two touchdowns. He's proving to be one of the most dangerous players in all of college football, whether he plays four minutes or four quarters. Regardless of who the Longhorns fancy taking snaps, whether it be senior Chance Mock or sophomore Vince Young, Williams will produce mad numbers as their No.1 weapon.
