[Lefty Noob]

I know its too early to say for sure, but entering the 2006 season, who do you think are the top guys to watch in the Heisman race?

The clear No. 1 coming in has to be Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame. He finished fourth in the voting last year, and threw for more than 3,500 yards and 30-plus touchdowns. I'd also keep an eye on Texas RB Jammal Charles, who was quit impressive last season as a freshman, and WVU RB Steve Slaton, who was a 1,000 yard rusher as a freshman in 2005 and should put up some nice numbers against a comparatively weak Big East conference.

I'm sure I'm leaving out quite a few potential candidates. Anyone have a player or two they'd care to add to the watch list?

[pigskinfanatic]

As a college football fan I think we were all spoiled last year when it came to Heisman candidates. Last year's winner Reggie Bush was maybe the best college football player of all time. The runner up, Vince Young was also one of the best players ever. This years early favorites are Notre Dame's QB Brady Quinn and Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson. If Adrian Peterson stays healthy or Brady Quinn leads the Irish to a National title, then one of those two should win it. However, nothing is guaranteed. Some other players who could sneak in the mix are Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr, one of the most exciting players the past two seasons. He left us with an unbelievable performance in last years victory over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. If he gets enough touches this year he could very well win it. Another person to keep an eye on is USC's Wide Receiver Dwayne Jarrett. Without Reggie Bush, he should be the centerpiece of high powered offense.

[Lefty Noob]

Now see, I knew that I was going to leave a few out. Ginn is definitely a candidate. Peterson was a stronger candidate after his freshman year than after last year, but he could rebound. Jarrett never occurred to me, in all honest. His performance this year will be tied to how well the new USC QB (Booty, right?) does. Any others?

[victory69]

Ted Ginn is an explosive player with great skills who should be in the running. Brady Quinn is on the list. but, eh favorite should be Peterson. WHy? because last year, the focus was only on him. he got beat up, and others got to play. he got 1000 yards and missed 4 or 5 games. through last year, sooner quaterback Rhett Bomar developed into a good player, and now oklahoma is a dual threat offense again! Peterson in a freak on human nature, and he wont be stoped when healthy.

[Lefty Noob]

Definitely seems like the 3 main candidates to watch are Ginn, Quinn and Peterson. Of course, there's always some dark horse candidates who emerge. Anyone have any thoughts about guys who might not be on the radar screen right now, but should be by mid-season?

[wvuauthor]

I think that Steve Slaton of WVU should be on that list. Even though he is only a sophomore this year, I feel that he can have a huge season. He had over 1000 yards rushing last season in only 8 or 9 games. I think if he stays healthy he has a good chance of making the Heisman Top 5.

[cjg11582]

I like the common consenus with Quinn, Peterson and Ginn. Chris Leak from Florida should definitely be taken into consideration as well as Brian Brohm from Lousiville, he is a sophomore though, so he is a long shot at best. Ohio State's QB Troy Smith might be favored over Ginn, simply because he will have more touches. Essentially it is a wide open race and Quinn is probably the slight favorite. It seems the media wants a Notre Damer to receive a heisman so it certainly wouldn't surprise me. I am sure there are several others, candidates always come out of the woodwork as the season progresses.

[anrobins]

If either player can rebound any, and if the team can challenge Ohio State for the conference title, Chad Henne and/or Mike Hart could put themselves in contention. Both had monster seasons as freshmen. Henne had struggles last season, but has lots of exprience and good guys to which he can throw. Hart will be looking to prove himself after suffering injuries last year.

[Lefty Noob]

Hart, like Peterson, is a guy who could be a candidate but has to go a long way to make up for a bad season last year. I don't think he starts the season on too many people's radars, but with a few good games, who knows?

[xdavidwattsx]

To me, talking about the Heisman race this far out is like talking about which BCS fiasco we are going to deal with.

Ya just don't know what's going to happen. Further, with all of the Heisman busts over the years, I have a hard time even getting exciting about.

Gino Torretta anyone? How about a second helping of Rashaan Salaam? Maybe I can throw in a dose of Charlie Ward, Eric Crouch and Andre Ware.

[anrobins]

The mystery of college football is what makes it so appealing. It's a sport in which there are lots of upsets. lots of great players, and lots of what ifs.

[xdavidwattsx]

Originally Posted by anrobins

The mystery of college football is what makes it so appealing. It's a sport in which there are lots of upsets. lots of great players, and lots of what ifs.

The BCS has tainted college football in a way that I have a harder time finding the sport appealing. It really needs help.

[anrobins]

The BCS is a joke. I would love to see some form of playoff. I think of March Madness in stadiums that hold 90,000 people. Give most of the bowl cities playoff games so they still generate revenue, if not more. Then we can debate playoff MVPs, people who contribute under pressure.

[xdavidwattsx]

Originally Posted by anrobins

The BCS is a joke. I would love to see some form of playoff. I think of March Madness in stadiums that hold 90,000 people. Give most of the bowl cities playoff games so they still generate revenue, if not more. Then we can debate playoff MVPs, people who contribute under pressure.

How can college football have overtime completely figured out but can't acknowledge a playoff to save their lives?

[Lefty Noob]

Makes me think that this might be a good topic to get into elsewhere.

Say, maybe, here?
BCS or NCAA Football Playoff