Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

We've heard about them all week. The lore of Tim Tebow courtesy of fanatic-created Web sites such as http://www.timtebowfacts.com/.

"Tim Tebow played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won."

"Tim Tebow once got Blackjack with one card."

"It takes Tim Tebow 20 minutes to watch 60 Minutes."

But the legend should go no further than this:

"Tim Tebow threw a football 50 yards on one knee at age 12."

That's a quote from the telecast. Are you kidding me? Go out to a football field and throw a football 50 yards with a running start. Seriously, go do it tomorrow.

There's a reason he's the Heisman winner. Not only does he do it on the field, but he does it the right way. The media has made his accomplishments off the field no secret. He's as good a person as a football player. The fraternity of the Heisman should be honored with the addition of Tebow.

The way his peers speak about the winner also tells the story of the 6'3,235-pound sophomore, the first to ever win the award.

"I am so glad for Tim and all he's done and accomplished … everyone knew it was going to him. No surprise there," said Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel, a junior at Missouri. "What a great guy."

"I read at what Tebow accomplished this year, and it's amazing. I really think he deserves it," senior Colt Brennan said. "Urban and Tebow are class acts."

Listening to his parents speak, you see where the character comes from.

"It doesn't matter whether you win or lose, you're still the same person and you'll treat people the same
way," said his dad.

In addition to killing them with his legs and arms, this year's Heisman winner kills them with kindness.

Tim Tebow's character stood front and center and it was what most could talk about in the pressroom and I wouldn't be surprised to see it in front of the podium next year.

For more coverage from the ceremony, click here.

Tim Tebow…these are not direct quotes

Some clown just yelled “Tebow” in the pressroom as he arrived at the podium

Sunk in?: A little bit. Not all the way. I’m in the process and it’s sinking in more and more.

First thought: It’s surreal, a little bit. I was just overwhelmed, thankful and honored. A lot of things are running through your mind.

What does it mean: It’s very special. I’m at a loss for words, I guess.

You’re nervous, anxious, excited. There’s so many emotions. After you’re done with the speech

When did you believe: After South Carolina, I thought I had a chance. But I didn’t think about it too much after the seaosn. After it was done we worked on it a little more.

On the spread: I think there will be more teams going to the spread. It puts such a bind on defenses. It’s great and I think you’ll see it more. You need to have great coaches, something I’m blessed with.

His cast: McFadden signed it, so did Brennan and Chase.

First home schooler: It’s cool. A lot of home schooled kids are thought of kids who win spelling bees. It’s an honor.

First sophomore: Just winning in general is special.

Win it next year: I’ve been asked a lot already. I’m just getting ready for Michigan.

What to work on: Decision making.

On McFadden runner up 2x: Darren’s a great player. It’s an honor to build a relationship. He has a great chance to be a great player and likely get drafted No. 1 in the NFL draft.

In the offense you have the opportunity, but to have it come true, it’s unreal.

Chance to be the greatest: I don’t think about that. I have to get ready for Michigan. That won’t cross my mind. I have to get better and get to work. That won’t c

Emotions before: Exicted, nervous at the same time. I can’t explain it.

Coach Meyer joints conference…

On the spread: I have an opinion on the spread. I’ve heard the word system. I’ve got news, it has nothing to do with Heisman Trophies. Personnel is all that matters. Tim Tebow can run whatever offense he’s in. He’s a great player making plays.

Difficult is when you have really bad players. This needs to be said, too, you take a quarterback and you eliminate his receivers and you take away those offensive linemen and Tim’s not taking that trophy home. Football is still the greatest team game.

Urban makes a joke about recruiting after the conference…

On recruiting Tebow: I think Greg Mattison recruited Timmy. He made a comment to me after beating FSU the night before “If we don’t get him, it will set our program back 10-15 years.” And I said “No it won’t. Let him go to Alabama.” And he said “Yeah, it will.”

McFadden…not direct quotes…he’s very soft spoken

Runner up 2x: I’m just proud to be here again.

This time around: This time it was a little more nerve wracking. Last year it was more clear cut. I had high hopes coming here, but I’m just happy to be here.

The Draft: I’m going to have to sit down with my family and the coaches and decide what’s best. I’m focused on the bowl and facing Chase Daniel, a great quarterback.

(He’s getting hammered with questions about the draft, but he’s dodging them)

SEC Pride; There’s a lot of pride because the SEC is the toughest in the nation.

Only RB invited: It means a great deal to me. I was here with two quarterbacks last year. It’s an honor.

Other RB winners; I talked to a few of them. Some said they voted for me and wanted to see a RB win it.

On playing QB: I think those days are about to come to a halt. (a slip perhaps...?)

(His iphone rang)

That was about it. You could almost see his disappointment…

Colt Brennan…not direct quotes

I remember when they said it was hard to be in the Pac-10 and win a Heisman. The game is coming a long way. It seems anyone win one. I read at what Tebow accomplished this year, and it’s amazing. I really think he deserves it.

On the road: Our closest game is 5 ½ hours away. If LSU had to go play in Europe, they’d get more credit. But we live in paradise, so the joke’s on you.

Hawaii’s receivers: There’s the best corps in the nation. They’re the reason I’m here. Hopefully matched up against SEC talent, they can show they’re the best in the nation.

June Jones: He’s a pure genius on Saturdays and should get a lot of credit.

Sugar Bowl: I hope we can live up (to Boise-Oklahoma). We want to finish this season off right in New Orleans. We understand the monster in front of us. But we’ll show up ready to play, guarantee that.

Jones’ comments on Tebow: We didn’t get into specifics. I know Urban Meyer is a great coach. If they ask me who the best coaching the country is, I’m going to say June Jones. You’re loyal to who you go to war with. Urban and Tebow are class acts. I thought there might be some hostility. But they’re class acts. He wasn’t trying to create hostility.

Here's a summarization, these are not direct quotes:

I am so glad for Tim and all he’s done and accomplished … everyone knew it was going to him. No surprise there. What a great guy.

“Crazy. So many 1s and 2s losing.”

I bet the Cotton Bowl are licking their chops right now to have two Heisman finalists. It’ll be great to go back to Dallas in front of my family.

Hopefully we’ll have a great year next year and be back.

On the spread: I think it works. To have a Heisman guy, a sophomore, 20 years old, to put up those types of numbers. He was their team and it showed. Spread is the new thing to do and is becoming the spread in college football.

The experience: It’s been a whirlwind of a weekend. You fly from Missouri where it’s snowing to Orlando where it’s 80 and you get to see Mickey. Then you fly up here. The security is great. There were a

DMac: Awesome guy. We call him Run DMC. We’ve been running around the whole time. He’s great. It’s great to get to know a superstar like DMac.

On the parity: 1 and 2 were poisoned spots. Anyone can beat anyone. From App State beating Michigan to Stanford being USC.

On a playoff: I guess that’s a popular question. It’s how it is. You can’t do anything about it. You have to relax. Enjoy the moment. And play week to week. LSU loses to Arkansas at home in the last week of the season and a week later they’re in the national game. Coach Pinkel tells us to play consistent.

On doubters: I’ve always had them. People thought I couldn’t amount to much. You look at my numbers at Missouri, I’m just glad to be here. I’m one of the top 4 players in the nation, I can truly say that. No matter what happens, I can say I’ve been here.

On Colt Brennan and staying in school: We talked at the Elite 11 camp. I’m glad I got to watch him this year when he came back. He said “hey man, enjoy the time you have here left … stay in college for as long as possible.” He’s a great guy.

I'm the first to receive the results in the room:

First place votes in ()

1. Tim Tebow - 1,957 points (462)
2. Darren McFadden - 1,703 (291)
3. Colt Brennan - 632 (54)
4. Chase Daniel - 425 (25)
5. Dennis Dixon - 178 (17)
6. Pat White - 150 (16)
7. Matt Ryan - 63 (9)
8. Kevin Smith - 55 (3)
9. Glenn Dorsey - 30 (3)
10. Chris Long - 17 (1)

Tebow had the most points in every region except the Southwest (McFadden had 323, Tebow 298).

Tebow was on 91% of ballots tabulated, McFadden 86%, Brennan 46%, Daniel 32%.

54 total players received votes. I do not have the other 44 not named.

McFadden received the third most points for a runner up in the history of the Heisman. He's the third to be a runner up two years in a row.

Chase Daniel is the first to the mic. Stay tuned.

There's no press kit for Colt Brennan. At least I did get one when I walked in.

For McFadden, I received a booklet about McFadden with facts, stats, press clippings and the like.

For Tebow, two pieces: A four-page fact sheet about Tebow. The other piece being a booklet with press clippings.

For Daniel, a two-sided card with facts and such about Daniel.

We're about at the end here, but why not throw a poll out there...

Darren McFadden is a physical specimen.

Get this stat: McFadden's average touchdown run this season is 17.9 yards. One beef for Tim Tebow is that many of his 22 rushing touchdowns have come from short yardage. Well, we addressed this when we figured out Tebow's average touchdown run is about 5 yards.

Question: Do you think Houston Nutt hopes McFadden go pro? After coaching him for three years, I'm sure the last thing the new Ole Miss coach wants to see is No. 5 in the backfield next season (the same could be said for No. 25, Felix Jones).

And how awesome is Lee Corso? He's so geeked out...

Written at 8:04

I made my way around the room and talked to a few familiar faces.

The consensus seems to be Tim Tebow, but don't count out Darren McFadden. I was informed a fellow Heisman running back voted for the only player of his position in this year's class.

Check out this piece by Lenn Robbins, of the New York Post. He talks about his vote this year.

By Adam Abramson

Evening.

After a late train, I finally have arrived at the Hard Rock, grabbed a quick bite and fired up the lap top. I thought my problems ended with the rail road. But wait, there’s wireless network problems. It’s not just me. There are a lot of angry, on-the-edge reporters in the room. Yet there are others, like Newsday’s Erik Boland, who are on cruise control…someone help me.

On the menu: standard apps, salad, ziti, chicken, pork, beef, asparagus. There’s also a full bar, but I’m sticking to the water. They do it right for the Heisman. That and the BCS games are about the best food a college football reporter will find.

The scene is a much more mellow this year. I was talking to Boland and he brought up the good point that nobody from Ohio State is here.

The buzz for Troy Smith last year was unbelievable. There were fans packed in the lobby of the Hard Rock and all throughout Times Square just to cheer for the brief 30 seconds Troy Smith was visible.

I’m going to go try and find out what the buzz is. As of 7:40, I’m still thinking Tebow.

Hit me with questions.

By Adam Abramson

Here are the four invited to New York for Saturday's Heisman Trophy ceremony:

• Florida QB Tim Tebow
• Arkansas RB Darren McFadden
• Missouri QB Chase Daniel
• Hawaii QB Colt Brennan

There's real no surprises here...if there are any moderate surprises, it'd be that Daniel will be in New York. He has solid numbers, but losing to Oklahoma again should have officially eliminated him from the race. Dennis Dixon was more deserving of an invite. And if you're going to include Colt Brennan, why not Michael Crabtree? But I guess he has a few years ahead of him to make his case.

I've already given my pick, but we'll talk more about it as we get closer.

By Adam Abramson

Time to put the kids to bed.

With less than two weeks until the Heisman Trophy ceremony, it's virtually a two-man race between Tim Tebow and Darren McFadden.

Both had unbelievable Saturdays to wrap up the season, with the edge in that category going to McFadden. His performance of 206 rushing yards, 34 passing yards and four total touchdowns was crucial in Arkansas topping No. 1 LSU in Baton Rouge. Tebow had 351 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Florida State, but it's FSU...

McFadden's numbers have actually improved from last year's Heisman runner-up season while Tebow has done something never accomplished in college football in his first year starting -- 20 TDs rushing and passing.

Against Auburn McFadden had 43 yards on 17 carries. Tebow completed less than 50% of his passes against LSU for just 158 yards. His three TDs were almost enough to pull off the win, but we all know what the word almost implies. This tells us both are human.

What would a comparison be without a tale of the tape? Rankings are in parenthesis.

But the numbers speak for themselves. Tebow is on a plateau by himself.

The question is: Does a Missouri victory vault Chase Daniel above both the names in this case study?

By Adam Abramson

I love the raging debate over the Heisman Trophy at this point.

If the ballots were due today, why wouldn't Tim Tebow get 80% of first place votes? Why not 100%? Well, some of the Midwest fellas would probably start throwing crazy names out there like Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing.

Speaking of Reesing, his name has come up a lot. He's put together a great season, no doubt about that and I think he should be on the ballots, but let me reiterate this argument I heard on the radio last Saturday. In short, the talking head said that Tim Tebow is facing an uphill battle because he's a sophomore and many purists won't vote for one. While ridiculous in principle, it's a fair argument. But one name that we should watch out for is Reesing, because if he wins this Saturday and the following, that voters will be inclined to vote for the quarterback with impressive stats on a team heading to the BCS title game. Also a fair argument, but he left out something. REESING IS A SOPHOMORE, JUST LIKE TEBOW. Both are true sophomores.

I'm done venting. More on Reesing below, because he's made this week's ballot - which is not afraid of sophomores.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB
Why: Well, because he's the first quarterback in NCAA history to throw and run for 20 touchdowns in a season.
How he can win it: Look average or better this weekend against Florida State. And laugh at Geno Hayes as he bowls over him for a touchdown.
How he can lose it: Stink up the joint. All he has to do is be average and lead Florida to a win.

Jamaal Charles, Texas RB
Why: He's been really hot for a team that has looked for a leader. It's a shame he's getting no hype. He averages 6.4 yards per carry.
How he can win it: He has to get himself on the map this weekend with something huge. Bigger than his last two games. And he needs to play in the Big 12 title game, which can only happen with an Oklahoma loss.
How he can lose it: Three ways. 1. Be average this weekend. 2. Oklahoma doesn't lose. 3. Tim Tebow doesn't implode.

Todd Reesing, Kansas QB
Why: In his first full year as a starter he's led his team to the No. 2 ranking with two weeks remaining in the season. And he's done it by being one of the country's best passers. Also, he lists snake wrangling as a hobby and his pickup line in Sports Illustrated's Pop Culture grid was "Did you see the game on Saturday?" Money.
How he can win it: Just keep winning and hope Tim Tebow implodes.
How he can lose it: Lose. Or he wins out but Tebow throws for 8,000 yards on Saturday.

Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB
Why: He has hype. People are quick to say he's the best player in college football. He's No. 4 in the country in rushing. He was the runner up last year.
How he can win it: Lead Arkansas to a win over LSU and blow up the BCS. And hope Tim Tebow doesn't find the end zone 72 times this weekend.
How he can lose it: Be average, like he has been a few times this year.

Chase Daniel, Missouri QB
Why: Well, many of the reasons that Reesing is on this list. He's completing almost 70% of his passes this season. And he's getting better as the season goes along (12 TDs, 1 INT in his last 3 games).
How he can win it: Beat Kansas. Win the Big XII title. And hope Tim Tebow implodes.
How he can lose it: Lose and add to his INT total that currently stands at 9, almost more than Tebow and Reesing, combined.

By Adam Abramson

We're less than a month away. There's only three more weekends left to make a statement.

With the Heisman Trophy ceremony on December 8, it's time to start taking this thing seriously.

I've added two names to this week's list. Darren McFadden officially ran himself out of the race against Tennessee. His numbers weren't depressing (22 carries, 117 yards), but he didn't find the end zone and Arkansas lost its fourth game. I'd like to say that's all, and I feel it truly should be, but he'll have two more chances to run for 326 yards (again) and put himself back on the map.

Any brief ray of hope I had for Mike Hart to win it has disappeared. He hasn't even played in 75% of Michigan's 8-3 season. Ah well.

Sam Bradford has outstanding numbers, but not enough to get him to New York in December. The sad thing about it is that if he wasn't a f

If it ended today:

Dennis Dixon, Oregon QB
His touchdowns are low at 20, but he has a rushing touchdown in all but one game this year. He'll likely end up with more yards, close to the same amount of touchdowns and wins, less interceptions and a better completion percentage. And Dixon's stats on the ground own Smith's from last year.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB
Should the quarterback of a three-loss team be on this list? Well, he's still No. 2 in passing and second in the entire country in rushing touchdowns. That'll happen when you run for five against South Carolina and go 22-32 for 304 yards in the air (oh, two more touchdowns there). If Dennis Dixon implodes, he might be the first sophomore ever to win it.

Jamaal Charles, Texas RB
The junior has exploded onto the scene the last three weeks. His 8.9 yards per carry average against Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech have surely helped. He's romped for 1,366 yards this year and he has under 20 carries in six of 11 games this year and over 30 just once. If he snaps off 200 against Texas A&M next weekend in the regular season finale, it'll be tough to keep him off the ballot.

Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois RB
Juice Williams got all the glory in the win over Ohio State, but Mendenhall did some heavy lifting. 26 carries for 88 yards against the country's top defense was so clutch for the Illini. He's been a rock for the offense all year and has averaged 6.43 yards per carry this season.

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB
Honestly, he deserves to be higher on this list. Oklahoma has one loss and he has outstanding numbers. But if I had to guess, he won't even make it to New York. His numbers aren't mind-boggling (despite him being the country's top passer), and him being a freshman will hold him back. But he deserves a spot on this ballot.

By Adam Abramson

Dennis Dixon, QB Oregon
The best thing the senior quarterback has going for him? Exposure. His game against Arizona State was viewed by many on the East Coast and he threw four touchdowns. Next Thursday he gets another stab at primetime against Arizona on Thursday night. He's fourth in the country in passing and is good for 61 yards per game on the ground -- remember that sacks count against his rushing total. A quick run through box scores found me nine sacks on Dixon for 61 yards lost, but I think I'm missing four. Anyway, it just proves his numbers are awesome. It's his award to lose from here on out.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB
He's the country's top passer and has better rushing numbers than Dixon. But he's younger and has two more losses under his belt than the guy above him on this list. He's only a sophomore and his team's only going to get better while he's there, so the chances are strong he'll have is day in the sun. Likely won't be this year, though.

Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB
Even with three losses, he has more star appeal than anyone on this list because he was the runner up last year. Everyone loves how he just dominates the SEC and throws in those touchdown passes here and there. His numbers are on pace to be better than last year's, playing less games. But Arkansas and McFadden played in the SEC Championship game -- something that's not gonna happen this year.

Jonathan Stewart, Oregon RB
He doesn't get the same number of carries as the rest of the guys on this list, but when he does it's making an impact at 6.45 yards per carry. He's become a do-it-all player for the Ducks with his rushing, catching the ball out of the backfield and returning kicks. Problem is, he might draw some votes from his senior quarterback we've talked about. That might be a bigger problem if some of the names on this list play themselves off of it and Stewart doesn't.

Mike Hart, Michigan RB
It's a shame he's not higher on this list, but he's missed two games and one of the eight he's played in was a loss to Appalachian State. Despite missing two games, the senior is still third in the country in rushing and is good for almost 150 yards per game.

By Adam Abramson

Honestly, I'm not thrilled by the available names for the Heisman at this point. Of the names below, one is a sophomore and one didn't play last week. But I really feel like this is what's left: Too many guys have played themselves out of the race.

• Brian Brohm: He has some big numbers this year, but the biggest one of all is four losses. Yeah, UL was the victim of a ridiculous call against UConn, but that's not excuse enough.

• Darren McFadden: In the last two games McFadden has 39 carries for 169 yards. Those numbers are worse than Ray Rice's night against South Florida. See below.

• Michael Crabtree: It's a shame that 10 catches for 76 yards will take you off the list, but voters are looking for the slightest reason to take freshman off the list. The dream is not entirely over, though.

• Sam Bradford: Honestly, the same logic applies here. He's still the No. 2 passer in the country and very dangerous, but the last two games he has just two touchdowns and a pick. He's a freshman, there will be more chances.
  

Anyway, on to the rankings this week. By the way, I wrote the word "Tebow" five times below. Man crush? Not yet.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB
The sophomore has finally unseated Oklahoma's Sam Bradford as the country's top passer. Going 18-for-26 for 256 yards and 4 TDs and adding 78 yards on the ground and another touchdown really helps. By the way, he's 55th in the country in rushing. He has 27 total touchdowns -- the 10 on the ground are better than 85 of the country's top 99 rushers not named Tim Tebow. Oh, he has just three picks.

Andre Woodson, Kentucky QB
Woodson has 121 more attempts than Tebow this year and just one more interception. He actually had better numbers than Tebow (35-50 for 495 yards and all 5 Kentucky TDs). However, the hype machine has Woodson behind Tebow -- for now. If Woodson can find a way to keep winning and putting up the numbers consistently, his senior status might earn him the coveted hardware.

Ray Rice, Rutgers RB
A huge game against South Florida -- 39 carries for 181 yards -- was enough to get him back in the mix. He leads the country in carries and averages almost five yards a carry. He has to keep it up this weekend against West Virginia, though. Rice has just one effort this year under 100 yards -- 12 for 72 against Norfolk State.

Dennis Dixon, Oregon QB
Probably the most electric player on the list. He's completing 70% of his passes and will need that kind of effort this weekend against Southern California. Lead your banged up team to a win there and you're moving up on this list. Don't forget, he didn't play football this summer and had the entire Ducks fan base extremely worried.

Mike Hart, Michigan RB
It's a shame he couldn't play agianst Illinois. If Ron Zook's team couldn't stop third-string Carlos Brown, there's no way Rice would have missed the 150-yard mark. The loss to App State really set him back, but missing a game might have been the nail in the coffin. However, if he snaps off two HUGE games, one being against Ohio State, you never know.

By Adam Abramson

BNG - I know, I'm being critical of the Mountaineers. But trust me when I say they're being watched with a close eye and unlike the BCS, it doesn't take the teams in front of you losing to move up in the Campus Confidential polls.

Let's talk some Heisman.

Dennis Dixon, Oregon QB
The leader of the country's No. 6 offense lost two weapons in Saturday's blowout of Washington State (receiver Cameron Colvin and running back Jeremiah Johnson). Dixon has done much of it by spreading the wealth, so he should be OK. While accounting for 21 total touchdowns in six games, Dixon has thrown just two interceptions.

Mike Hart, Michigan RB
The country's leading rusher is being slowed by an injury, so clearly there's worry time missed could hurt his Heisman chances. He has far-and-away the most carries this season and could use a breather -- which he might be able to get after the Illinois game this weekend. If he can manage to get 250 yards and 4 TDs the next three weeks and be right for Wisconsin and Ohio State to finish up the season, he should be in good shape.

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB
I wonder how much attention he'll get by the voters who actually matter, being that he's a freshman. The country's top passer definitely deserves it, especially after two big-time performances in huge wins over Texas and Missouri. In those two games: 45-66, 510 yards, 5 TDs. If you need reminding, both of those teams have enough talent to play for the conference title and he torched them.

Andre Woodson, Kentucky QB
A win over the former No. 1 team in the country will get you on anyone's list, especially winning the game using so many intangibles. With such a brutal schedule ahead, it will be tough for Woodson to keep his stock high if the Wildcats don't win every game, but if he pulls off some magic along the way, anything is possible. It will surely make him a rich man in a few months.

Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR
For the first time in his college career he was kept out of the end zone. Oh, but he grabbed 8 passes for 170 yards along the way. Do yourself a favor and watch him play. Learn more about him by reading this. When I wake up Wednesday, I'm putting in word to TTU to get this kid lined up for an interview, promise.

By Adam Abramson

I've been a big proponent of DeSean Jackson on this blog.

It would be silly to question to his talent and you would not be crazy to rank him amongst the top wide receivers and playmakers in the country.

However, he has not done enough to be a Heisman candidate yet. Desmond Howard has him as the favorite through this point in the season, which is way off base. Here are some facts:

1. He's not in the Top 100 for all-purpose runners. Two other guys with the last name Jackson are.
   
2. He has eight punt returns this year for 95 yards and a touchdown. Yes, the touchdown was awesome, but so was Virginia Tech's Eddie Royal's against Clemson on Saturday, his second of the year.
   
3. He's No. 94 in the country in receiving yards per game with 62. Of the Top 100 in this category, 29% have just one or two receiving touchdowns. Jackson is one of them.
   
4. In five games, Jackson has 28 catches for 312 yards. That's 11.1 per catch. Of the 46 guys in front of him in receptions per game, only nine have a lower YPC average.
   

I know Jackson changes the way defenses prepare for Cal, but defenses change the way they prepare for a lot of guys. Jackson isn't the only one.

I was guilty of it, so I'm lumping myself into this, but it's unfair to say someone is a Heisman favorite, or even a hopeful, based on hype and playmaking ability. Sure DeSean Jackson is primed to bust one loose at any second, but the fact is that he hasn't.

With that said, click below for a look at this week's picks.

By Adam Abramson

I almost forgot. I wrote off the Florida-Auburn game the day before it was played. As if it was meaningless.

I will say Auburn can make itself somewhat relevant with a win, but that won't happen.

Oops.

But today is the day we talk Heisman. Here's something you can talk amongst yourselves about:

Do you play yourself out of the race with losses? Is Brian Brohm in trouble? Darren McFadden? Tim Tebow? Steve Slaton? Ray Rice? Dennis Dixon?

I think it's safe to say if you put up the numbers and are getting exposure, it's hard to deny. But if Arkansas loses five games, does Darren McFadden's 20 touchdowns and 1,900 win him the Heisman? I would have to think the answer is yes, right?

Andre Woodson, Kentucky QB
The senior field general continues to impress with a monster day of 301 yards passing and 5 touchdowns. He had thrown 342,000 passes before his first interception of the season on Saturday, an NCAA record. A big game on Thursday night against South Carolina will go a long way in his Heisman campaign. What a gauntlet he faces: at South Carolina, vs. LSU and vs. Florida. Nobody said it would be easy.

Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB
He's the No. 2 rusher in the country but the best at it. He had 19 carries for 138 and two scores in a rout of North Texas. I would have loved to see him get 30, but it doesn't work out that way. It's been made clear what he brings to the table at this point.

Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR
Just keep in mind I'm on this guy's bandwagon before anyone else. He's No. 10 in all-purpose yards and he's returned one kick this year -- that's how busy this guy is on offense. Last week it was eight catches for 145 and three more touchdowns. That's 920 yards and 14 touchdowns in five games. He's on pace to break a ton of records. He's a freshman. Case closed.

P.J. Hill, Wisconsin RB
The Badgers are a two-loss team if Hill isn't their running back. He's slimmed down and is second in the country in total carries (behind Mike Hart). Hart trails Hill in two categories: touchdowns and wins. Is this the win-loss factor I was talking about before? This is another place where you can weigh in. But I feel Hill is the reason Wisconsin is a Top 5 team (nationally, not on this forum).

Kevin Smith, Central Florida RB
He's the country's leader in yards. In a 25-23 win over North Carolina State to start the season, the junior ran the ball 35 times for 217 yards and two scores (that's 6.2 a carry). His first carry was an 80-yard TD and he hasn't looked back. In a heart-breaking loss to Texas he snapped off 157 yards on 27 carries and a pair of scores. He was on the Doak Walker watch list for a reason.

By Adam Abramson

Steve Slaton, West Virginia RB
In four games he has 10 total touchdowns. So, let's do the multiply game. 30 total touchdowns before the bowl game? That's insanity and very Heisman worthy. Take away the multiplying game and he's still looking at 1,600 yards and 22 total touchdowns as a real possibility. That's still insanity and very Heisman worthy.

Tim Tebow, Florida QB
He had 166 yards rushing last week! There's only one guy in the country who averages more than that on a weekly basis (see below). And the other guys who dart around for that much don't throw for 261 yards and 2 TDs in the same game. Eventually he will do enough so that doubters will be laughed at. It's safe to say he's thriving in Urban's system.

Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB
Here's the thing: He's the early favorite in the eyes of most. He's the country's leading rusher and No. 3 in all-purpose yards and he's last year's runner up. However, he's not winning ball games for his team. I'm having a hard time on deciding where to slot him. He's a little down this week, but the more I watch, the more I'm impressed. I'll probably end up picking him as the favorite come late November, but for now it's a no. One stat I love: He's carried the ball 86 times this year and he's lost 5 yards. He doesn't get tackled behind the line of scrimmage.

Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR
Well, he had his best game of the year after he made the list, so it's only fair we move him up. Against Oklahoma State, before Mike Gundy's meltdown: 14 catches, 237 yards, 3 TDs. That's a season for some third receivers. This kid is a freakin' stud.

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB
Still rolling along with a 78% completion percentage. Here's how accurate he is: Almost 10% of his incompletions are interceptions. And he's only thrown two boo-boos. He's doing all the right things with 14 TDs and almost 1,100 yards through the first four games. But when adversity smacks him in the face, will he respond? Time will tell, but you have to like his chances.

By Adam Abramson

It's fall TV time and I'm working on what the DVR recorder will pick up. Here's what is certain, in order:

The Office
House
Heroes
Law & Order SVU
Beauty and The Geek
My Name is Earl

Shows I might pick up:
Friday Night Lights (would by Season 1 on DVD and knock it out before 10/5)
Chuck
Big Shots
30 Rock

Any suggestions? Anything I'm missing? Anything you want to make fun of me for? Make sure you've seen it before you make fun of me (I'm mostly referring to Beauty & The Geek).

For a complete listing of network lineup, click here.

As far as Heisman goes, I guess that's why you showed up. We're missing some familiar names this week (two quarterbacks and a running back). They are not necessarily in the dog house forever. Let's dive in.

Tim Teblow, Florida QB
The No. 1 thing we learned this weekend is that Florida is for real, again. Tebow is an improvement at quarterback on an offense that is lethal. Tebow is No. 2 in the country in passer rating at 228.8. He's thrown eight touchdowns and just one pick in 61 attempts. Oh, he's also rushed for five scores and is averaging 64 yards a game on the ground (throwing for 279 yards a game). These numbers are unreal. If he keeps this up, he can be the second two-time Heisman winner. He's a sophomore!

Steve Slaton, West Virginia RB
He has monster numbers, and they're saving him up. He's getting 22 touches a game, but he could easily be getting 30. Slaton better get in a rhythm this weekend against East Carolina because South Florida is on the schedule. And a strong game against the Bulls will be on the minds of the voters come November (welcome to college football 2007).

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB
Just another day at the office against Utah State for the freshman. 19-26, 255 yards and 3 TDs. Stud wide receiver Malcolm Kelly is absolutely loving this kid. He's still completing 80% of his passes. Let me put this in perspective, only one passer finished the season with a completion percentage higher than 70 (Colt Brennan). Troy Smith completed 65%. Now, there's a lot of football to be played but Heisman winner Troy Smith completed under 70% of his passes through the first three games last year. It's impressive.

Ray Rice, Rutgers RB
I wish he would have had 20 touches against Norfolk State. His state line could have read: 20 carries, 300 yards, 6 TDs. Rice has a little break until Sept. 29 when he and the Scarlet Knights host Maryland. When the sun set on Sept. 29 last year, he had 141 carries through five games. This Sept. 29, he'll have about 99 through four games. Gotta keep those legs in good shape.

Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR
You better get to know this freshman. He's a vital part of Texas Tech's aerial assault and has eight TDs in dawn of the season. It's a shame he won't get much love. Rice's Jarrett Dillard had 21 touchdowns last season and didn't even get a sniff. But he can look at this as a foundation year. He can force voters to notice him if he puts up 15-20 TDs this year and next and all of a sudden you have a consistent performer at a BCS school. The scary thing? It's his first year playing wide receiver. He was a quarterback when he was a prep start in Dallas.

By Adam Abramson

Ray Rice, Rutgers
I wonder how many times Ray Rice has woken up with a grin from ear to ear this week with Norfolk State on the schedule. Although, don’t expect 300 yards and 7 touchdowns this week. Against Navy he had 37 carries, so I wouldn’t expect anything more than 20-25 against the Spartans. He already has six touchdowns and is averaging 220 all purpose yards a game. That’s kind of good.

Colt Brennan, Hawaii
All this talk about a system quarterback may be true, but it has nothing to do with the Heisman. He has 10 touchdowns in six quarters of work (and a rushing touchdown) and almost 1,000 yards. He’s a stat monster, and as long as he keeps piling them up, he’ll be high up on this list.

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Here’s me eating crow again. Sam Bradford has completed 83% of his passes this year. Read that again. When I was a sophomore in college (he’s a r-Fr.) I wasn’t completing 83% of my homework assignments. His 8 touchdowns and 0 INTs are also very nice. He’s leading a team that everyone thought would rely on the run.

Brian Brohm, Louisville
If there’s such thing as a quarterback home run hitter, it’s Brian Brohm. He’s good for 18.9 yards per completion. That’s silly. Start him on the 10 yard line and he’ll have you in the end zone in five passes. If history means anything, he won’t have an outstanding game against in-state foe Kentucky this weekend. It could be a bad weekend for the Cardinals, unless Brohm puts everyone on his shoulders.

DeSean Jackson, Cal
Again, someone please get him the ball. If he scores a non-receiving touchdown in every game this year, they’ll rename the Heisman after him. The Jackson. When this guy runs, it looks like he’s floating. Nine catches in two games is keeping him from being higher on this list, but if he and Nate Longshore start hooking up on offense, he will become the most dangerous player in college football.

adam.abramson@newsday.comBy Adam Abramson

Above is a picture from the LSU-VT game the other night.

The "0" I'm making is symbolic of how many points Virginia Tech has at this point in the game.

I'll be back later in the afternoon with my Heisman watch. I'm also supposed to get Ray Rice on the hooks, so if you have a good question you want me to ask, get it to me before 4 p.m.

By Adam Abramson

The Heisman watch is very simple.

Every week it will incorporate the entire body of work. So, this week's Heisman has nothing to do with years before, hype, whatever. It is how the players did last week. Next week it will be how the guys did the first two weeks. Easy enough, right?

Week 1 Heisman watch

1. Colt Brennan, Hawaii QB
He completed 85% of his passes and had 416 yards and six touchdowns. Oh, I almost forgot: That was in the first half. Just for fun, let's double it. His numbers would have been 68-80, 832 yards, 12 TDs. I've seen that happen just once, and that when when I put NCAA 08 on JV level, took Virginia Tech and played Columbia with 7-minute quarters. Here's a bold prediction: All of those records he set last year? Yeah, they'll be broken.

2. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska RB
I've been hyping Lucky all offseason and he made me look good in Week 1. 233 rushing yards and 3 TDs is quite a day. I'm going to continue to talk about Nebraska's offense this year, I think Sam Keller and Marlon Lucky are going to feed off each other all year long. Lucky will be a household name by October.

3. Brian Brohm, Louisville QB
We all know what he brings to the table, so Saturday was no real surprise. What I love about his 375 yards and 4 TDs last Saturday was that he threw just 20 passes, completing 16 of them. That's 23.4 yards a completion. Every four passes was for a touchdown. That's efficiency. Oh, he also added a rushing touchdown.

4. Matt Ryan, Boston College QB
His stock went up just before the season started. Unlike the three guys above him on this list, Ryan didn't face a cupcake (okay, Nevada isn't a cupcake, but I think Wake is much more formidable). His 408 yards and 5 TDs are a clear sign that BC will ruin the hopes of a team or two this season. However, the two INTs are a sign he needs to eliminate mistakes.

5. Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt WR
13 catches, 223 yards and 3 TDs speaks for itself. He's been the least-discussed big-play wide receiver before this year and I'm pretty sure he's tired of it. Vandy quarterback Chris Nickson is going to have a blast throwing to Bennett this year.

By Adam Abramson

Below are some photos from Saturday night. I would have had these up sooner, but I suffer from the same syndrome as most men: I don't know how to pack.

They had TVs all over showing the App. State-Youngstown State game. Major props to the Mountaineers for a crushing victory.

Brady Quinn talking to the press.

Darren McFadden doing the same.

They dimmed the lights during the actual presentation. Here's Marcus Allen on a monster projection TV (sorry for the blur).

Everyone fighting to get in a question with Brady Quinn.

To get one of these sweet workstations, you had to show up at 5...I got there around 6:15ish...

That's some nice hardware...

By Adam Abramson

10:03

Alright all, I’m gonna head out on the town. I’ve really enjoyed tonight and I hope I can make it back next year. If you all want to ask me more questions, I’ll file an entry tomorrow afternoon when I get back from the city.

Congrats to Troy Smith, Darren McFadden, Brady Quinn and everyone who received a vote.

Most of all, thanks to everyone who stopped by. I got a ton of hits in the three hours I was live. You guys rock. I’m not here if it’s not for y’all.

See you tamarra.

10:00

Pretty much the first thing out of his mouth was “preparation for Florida.”

Smith said the part of the documentary that touched him the most was the group of kids back in Cleveland in the BRICK organization. He said fitting himself into that equation was important to him.

“Keep pushing hard. I started there. Any kid in any situation can anything he can put his mind to. Male or female.” –Smith asked what he would say to the Cleveland youth.

He dubbed McFadden as “electrifying.” He said he’s a first-class guy “in every sense of the word.” He said he really understands the southern hospitality now.

He also said he is humbled to be a part of the elite group he now belongs to. He also talked about the importance of continuing to grow.

He said every time he plays the NCAA video game he always wins the Heisman, and that’s when he first through about it.

I will say that he’s a professional even though he has one college game left…man, Smith is defining polished.

He said he wished he could have thanked more people in his speech. “I don’t believe in writing speeches down. Speak from the heart.”

“The Smith family is a loud family. Whether you like it or not. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

On Tressel: “If you get into a situation where you rattle him, you’ve done something. He’s the embodiment of being even-keeled all the way though.”

Winning the Heisman ranks among the top of his accomplishments. He said he won’t harp on day after day because he doesn’t live in the past. He feels he just has to keep pushing on because winning a big game or an award is only so much in the grand scheme of things.

“I know Florida is gonna come in and be a very fast and physical team … We’re gonna have to go into the situation and be fundamentally sound across the board. Everybody’s gonna have to play with technique … We’re gonna have to look at our game plan and try to perfect it.”

Bringing the Heisman back to Columbus “means everything” to him. He said it’s a win for everybody in the state of Ohio.

Smith is not afraid to tell a reporter he’s not done with an answer...or to give his opinion about a dumb question.

“My heart was pounding tremendously. Brady kept making fun of me. Earlier in the day we laughed and joked and Brady showed me the classy guy he was. He knew it…he kept asking me if I was nervous. I don’t know how he [kept joking]. I’m still in awe.”

On the margin of victory: “I’m very gracious and thankful.”

He gave major thanks and props to the other finalists saying their seasons were just as trying, if not more, than his.

He said he only cried once…at the senior banquet. Now Steve Snaap owes him a double cheeseburger because he didn’t cry tonight.

“People like to bring up color. I don’t understand that. I see quarterbacks. ‘The third African American quarterback,’ I don’t see that.”

Reporter: What are you going to do now?
Smith: I’ve got to do more media.

Smith loves Jay Z and Lil Wayne…my two favorite rappers…gotta love that.

Seems like a great guy…

9:55

Smith is still talking...I'll have an update when he's done.

9:32

Still waiting on Smith. When I talked to Chris Leak earlier this week, Troy Smith's name came up. Here's what he had to say about his MNC adversary...

“You just see an excellent player. A guy up for the Heisman Trophy. The way he’s matured as a quarterback over the years, his game has just improved every week, every year. You admire that. He’s very accountable to his teammates and at the same time he’s very humble and you can tell he knows he’s been very blessed. I’ve always been a great supporter of him.”

9:25

By the way, while we’re waiting on Smith…Steve Snapp, who Smith thanked in his speech didn’t get back to me this week. I was trying to get a couple of Buckeyes on the phone so I could put together a story for tonight…I corresponded with someone from the OSU sports information office who passed my info along to Steve Snaap who didn’t take the two minutes to help a kid out.

Oh well. I guess OSU wins in the end and I don’t.

However, that news about Zbikowski might be out not before long. Just remember where you heard it first...respect.

9:18

Darren spoke next saying he felt Troy was very deserving and that he’d vote Smith No. 1 if he had a vote.

He said the feeling was 10 times worse than pregame butterflies.

Finishing second wasn’t that big of a deal. He harped on the experience as a whole.

He said he learned that he needs to keep working hard and said he’d keep at it.

As far as playing QB, he said it was fun and he loved doing it.

Darren is very to the fact. You can tell he’s two years younger, but that he’s having a great time.

He said they were playing Madden in the green/red room and that he “beat [Quinn] pretty bad.”

He’s a Kinesology major (spelling??)

Pretty impressive that he finished second.

9:15

Quinn spoke first…

He said he was happy for Troy and that if he had a vote he felt would have voted Smith first. He also went into the fact he was surprised he finished third, but not surprised Troy won based on the fact the Maxwell award doesn’t generally win the Heisman…but the fact that he won the Heisman made him think he would finish in second.

He said he has two more finance exams and a poly sci exam and he is graduated, and after that his focus is on LSU, then combine stuff.

9:05

More numbers…

Smith received 801 first place votes. Everyone in the top 10 received at least 1 first place vote. Darren McFadden received 45 first place votes, Quinn had 13. Smith’s two strongest regions were the Midwest (451 points) and Southwest (447 points). His worst region was the Far West (389).

I’m going to go check out this press conference action…

I’ll be back with a wrap up.

By the way…Dusty, great point. If Maurice Clarett could talk now, what would he say???

9:00

Here are the results…points in parenthesis

1. Troy Smith (2,540)
2. Darren McFadden (878)
3. Brady Quinn (782)
4. Steve Slaton (214)
5. Mike Hart (210)
6. Colt Brennan (202)
7. Ray Rice (79)
8. Ian Johnson (73)
9. Dwayne Jarrett (47)
10. Calvin Johnson (43)

8:57

I really don’t think you can go wrong with Smith as the Heisman winner.

My first Heisman watch had Troy Smith at No. 4 way back in September. The following week I had him at No. 2 where he stayed until Adrian Peterson went down with injury.

I just received the official results. Let me look through it real quick. Be right back.

8:54

Longest speech ever...

8:49

The story of Ted Ginn Sr. is actually very incredible. He’s done so much for Cleveland’s youth just by being a football coach. ESPN did a great job with that piece…with all of the pieces actually.

I’m trying to decide how I’ll