2005 Heisman Race

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Heisman Update

Going into week 10, Virginia Tech’s Marcus Vick was a shoe-in to make the trip to New York, but after last Saturday’s performance against the Hurricanes, he is on the outside of the 2005 Heisman race looking in. The three Heisman front-runners, Young, Leinart, and Bush, did nothing to hurt their chances, and by that I mean had great games, but because we have come to expect such improbable performances week in and week out, they didn’t live up to the expectations we have created for them. I mean, it’s going to be hard for Young to compete with his 500 yd day he had two weeks ago. In comparison, his 16-27 passing for 298yds and 2 TDs leading Texas to a 62-0 romp over Baylor is seen as an average day for Vince Young. Reggie Bush’s 113yds on the ground, including a 42-yard breakaway TD, is a relatively quiet day. Leinart had an efficient outing as opposed to a stellar day. He was 22-28 for 259 yards and 3 TDs in leading the Trojans to a 51-21 win over Stanford, but may have improved his status by outshining teammate Reggie Bush.

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Although too soon to say for certain, but the three-headed Heisman monster could be headed for a big showdown in the Rose Bowl. When Young, or one of the Trojans win the coveted award, the National Championship game will take on an additional dynamic as the game will become a personal grudge match. The newly crowned Heisman Trophy winner will be playing to prove he is worthy to be called the best in the land while the runners up fight to prove the pollsters and the Heisman winner himself wrong.

Other players who have a great chance to make the trek to New York are Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn, Memphis’ DeAngelo Williams, UCLA’s Maurice Drew, and Minnesota’s Laurence Maroney. Brady Quinn is the standout in this bunch as he has helped return the Irish to their prestigious form. He torched the Vols last Saturday, throwing for 295yds and 3 TDs. He has a 65.2% completion rate on the season with 23 TDs and just 4INTs. He has rushed for a TD as well. Quinn has received added exposure after his 6TD day a few weeks back. It also seems as though the media is thirsting for a new face as the front runners have been in place for so long.
 

Early Season Heisman Update