The Heisman Trophy battle is shaping up nicely after week two.
Some players dropped off the ballot of college football's most prestigious award, while others barley clung on. Only one player had a great performance and continued to establish himself as the Big Ten Conference's best quarterback. At the top spot we stay with a running back. For the first time this season, 2003 Heisman winner and Oklahoma quarterback Jason White has found his way back onto the list to defend his title.
Front-runners
Cedric Benson
Senior running back, Texas
Benson is the clear leader of the pack after racking up 188 yards in a pressure-packed 22-20 win over rival Arkansas. Benson has also been consistent, gaining 181 yards in the first week of the season. On the season, the senior has 44 carries for 369 yards and three touchdowns. He has also added two catches for 15 yards and one receiving touchdown.
The main thought here is, without Benson, Texas would not be 2-0, and he gives them a chance to be on one of the best teams in the country. The Longhorns have the week off before playing Rice University on Sept. 25.
Matt Leinart
Junior quarterback, Southern Cal
The No. 1 guy to start the season, Leinart cooled off in week two. He still has a good completion percentage (65 percent), but only has 503 yards. No interceptions, five touchdowns and the top team in the country have Leinart near the top of the list. He showed he can run the ball as well, with seven rushes for 46 yards against Colorado State. last week.
Southern Cal plays at Bringham Young on Saturday, and Leinart needs a big game to leap back in front of Benson.
Jason White
Senior quarterback, Oklahoma
White is proving he once again belongs. He was 14-for-18 for 257 yards and threw for two touchdowns against Houston last week. He now has five touchdowns and one interception on the season, totaling 495 yards.
The Sooners play Oregon on Saturday, looking to improve to 3-0 with White leading the way.
Dark horse
Kyle Orton
Senior quarterback, Purdue
Choo, Choo!!
Kyle Orton's train is rolling into the Heisman Trophy station after an unbelievable performance last week against Ball State. Orton went 23-for-26 throwing for 329 yards and five touchdowns, bringing his season totals to 39-for-56 for 616 yards and nine touchdowns and no interceptions.
Orton has also added nine rushes for 45 yards and one touchdown. Purdue does not play this week. Their next game is Sept. 25 against Illinois.
