Usually, The State News identifies three "Front runners" for the award and one "Dark horse." The favorites are typically made up of star players from major conference schools who were expected to compete for the Heisman.
The "Dark horse," meanwhile, identifies a player not many thought would win the award. "Dark horse" status is enhanced if a player from a small school is completely dominating the competition (i.e., Michael "The Burner" Turner of Northern Illinois in 2003 or Steve McNair of Alcorn St. in 1994).
Right now, it appears to be a four-man race for the Heisman, without an underdog emerging as a true threat. So this week, there is no "Dark horse," just four guys who could all arguably be college football's best player.
Front-runners
Cedric Benson
senior running back, Texas
Benson and the Longhorns had last week off. He has been spectacular in both of Texas' wins. In the team's first game against North Texas, Benson ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns on only 15 carries. The next week at Arkansas he totaled 188 rushing yards and one touchdown on 29 carries. Benson will look for another big game this weekend against Rice.
Matt Leinart
junior quarterback, Southern Cal
Leinart leads one of the most feared and high-powered offenses in the country. Against Brigham Young last week, he was 22-of-35 passing for 236 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
One of Leinart's favorite targets has been running back Reggie Bush, who has 406 yards of total offense and six touchdowns in three games.
In fact, if Bush were posting similar numbers on a different team, he could qualify as a dark horse this year. But you could argue his stats wouldn't be as impressive without Leinart. Basically, there's no way he can beat out Leinart for the trophy, assuming everyone stays healthy.
Kyle Orton
senior quarterback, Purdue
It's fair to say Purdue football believed Orton belonged among the contenders for this award all along, while others have only recently jumped on his bandwagon.
Orton is the cover of the 2004 Purdue media guide, which was printed long before the season began. Right next to the big photo of him in uniform, poised to throw, is the phrase "Heisman Trophy Candidate."
Well, he has certainly fulfilled expectations so far. In two games, Purdue has scored 110 points and Orton has passed for 616 yards and nine touchdowns without throwing an interception.
The Boilermakers are coming off a bye week this Saturday at Illinois.
Jason White
senior quarterback, Oklahoma
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Sometimes the Heisman is awarded to the best player on the best team. Southern Cal is No. 1 in the country but the season is only a few weeks old. White could sneak ahead of Leinart if the Trojans lose a game or two.
This season, White has 708 yards passing and six touchdowns in three games. His completion percentage, 72.2 percent, is most impressive. His numbers don't match the other quarterbacks on the list, but White is certainly getting the job done.
The Sooners' smallest margin of victory so far is 16 points. Oklahoma beat Bowling Green 40-24 in its first game. White and the Sooners have a bye week this weekend.
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