Oklahoma quarterback Jason White had seen plenty of playing time over the past three seasons, but was yet to take a snap against in-state rival Oklahoma State. White snapped that streak, along with the Cowboys' two-game win streak over the Sooners, last weekend when Oklahoma topped Oklahoma State.
Along with his undefeated team, the senior signal caller remains the favorite to win the nation's top prize. Another senior quarterback, MSU's Jeff Smoker, stumbled off the list after a lackluster loss to rival Michigan. Smoker wasn't able to overcome the poor play of his receivers, who constantly dropped his passes.
This week's Virginia Tech-Pittsburgh matchup, which features Heisman hopefuls Kevin Jones and Larry Fitzgerald, could be pivotal in determining the trophy's winner.
Front-runners:
Jason White
Senior quarterback, Oklahoma
Though White just had his worst game to date this season, he led his squad to a victory over Oklahoma State, something no Sooners quarterback has done the past two seasons.
He rushed for one touchdown and threw for two but tossed two interceptions and only completed 40.7 percent of his passes.
As long as he keeps winning, the prize is his. He still remains second in the nation in quarterback rating.
Larry Fitzgerald
Sophomore receiver, Pittsburgh
Charles Rogers who? Fitzgerald broke the former Spartan's record for consecutive games with a receiving touchdown (13) and leads the nation in touchdown receptions (16) and receiving yards (1,174).
In the Panthers' 24-13 win over Boston College, Fitzgerald caught seven passes for 156 yards. His only touchdown of the game sealed the win over the Golden Eagles with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
This week he and the Panthers play host to Virginia Tech and Kevin Jones, another candidate for the Heisman. Whoever produces more in this game should lead his team to victory and raise his stock over the other player's.
Kevin Jones
Junior running back, Virginia Tech
Jones and the Hokies rebounded well with a win over Miami after losing to West Virginia two weeks ago. The junior ran for 124 yards and scored the Hokies' first offensive touchdown of the game with just fewer than four minutes remaining in the third quarter.
This season, he has rushed for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Maybe Jones' defensive teammates should be considered for a team Heisman after scoring two touchdowns and holding the Hurricanes to one.
B.J. Symons
Senior quarterback, Texas Tech
Symons drove the offense forward and backward last Saturday in a 26-21 win over Colorado. Had he not thrown five interceptions, the Red Raiders' victory margin might have been greater. What really matters is the 399 yards and touchdown he threw for in the win.
The senior leads the nation in passing yards (4,313), touchdowns (37) and interceptions (16). He also has rushed for five scores and 115 yards.
To remain a serious contender, Symons must keep his interception rate low and his completion percentage high. With two away games and a season finale at home with No. 1 Oklahoma remaining, Symons must be near perfect to keep Texas Tech in the hunt for a New Year's Day bowl game appearance.
Dark horse:
Eli Manning
Senior quarterback, Mississippi
After two early losses, including a 49-45 shootout with Symons and the Red Raiders, Manning has led the Rebels to the top spot in the SEC and a five-game winning streak.
He already has accomplished something his big brother, Peyton of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, couldn't when he was at Tennessee - he beat Florida. The younger Manning threw for three touchdowns and 391 yards on 30-of-42 passing in last weekend's 43-40 win over Lou Holtz and South Carolina.
If Manning can lead his team to the SEC championship, he might accomplish something else his brother couldn't - winning the Heisman Trophy.
