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Friday, December 13, 2002
Heisman Watch: Heupel's last shot
By Mike Diegnan
BCSfootball.com
The Heisman race concludes this week when top-ranked Oklahoma battles No. 7 Kansas State in the Big XII title game. Josh Heupel has stumbled in the stretch run, allowing Chris Weinke to pass him. In his last three games -- all narrow OU victories -- Heupel has thrown three touchdowns and six interceptions. Not very Heismanesque. Weinke finished his year off in style in the Seminoles' rout of Florida.
Heupel can change all that in primetime with a second victory over Kansas State.
|  | | LaDainian Tomlinson finished with 22 TDs and 2158 yards this season. He'll conclude his career in the Mobile Alabama Bowl. |
Ah, but there is a new player on the scene. Before the season, it was concluded that LaDainian Tomlinson would have to break the 2,000-yard mark to merit consideration for the Heisman. He made a pit stop at 2,000, gassed up, got a quick tire change and proceeded to give an extra push. Tomlinson's 2,158 yards are the fourth-highest single season D-I total, and he is the sixth most prolific rusher in history. Yet, he gets ignored.
Tomlinson should be in New York at the awards ceremony. But the Horned Frogs loss this season to San Jose State will be the biggest reason he will not be at the podium on Dec. 9. If TCU was undefeated and ranked in the Top 10, it would be difficult to disregard his numbers. Instead, he should be happy to know he will win many other awards in the coming weeks and months.
1. Chris Weinke, Florida State QB
Last week: Regular season over
Season: 266-431-4166, 33 TD, 11 int.; rush: 30-(-97), 1 TD
Comment: Appears to have put Florida State back in the National Championship Game.
2. Josh Heupel, Oklahoma QB
at Oklahoma State: 19-36-154, 1 TD, 2 int.; rush: 7-17
Season: 256-389-3172, 18 TD, 11 int.; rush: 59-135, 6 TD
This week: Kansas State
Comment: Has one more opportunity to make up for his performance against the Cowboys.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU RB
at SMU: 26-174, 1 TD; rec: 2-0
Season: 369-2158, 22 TD; rec: 10-40
This week: regular season over
Comment: Are numbers enough to get Tomlinson the trophy?
BIG TEN HEROES
Drew Brees, Purdue QB
Last week: Regular season over
Season: 286-473-3393, 24 TD, 12 int.; rush: 91-546, 5 TD; rec: 2-6, 1 TD
Comment: Brees vs. Tui in the Rose Bowl should be fun.
Damien Anderson, Northwestern RB
Last week: Regular season over
Season: 293-1914, 22 TD; rec: 15-120
Comment: Could be the front-runner to start the 2001 season.
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE
Santana Moss, Miami WR
Boston College: 5-64, 2 TD; rush: 1-57; PR: 4-114, 1 TD
Season: 45-748, 5 TD; rush: 6-201, 2 TD; PR: 36-655, 4 TD
This week: regular season over
Comment: Miami's career leader in all-purpose yardage.
WEST COAST HONOREE
Marques Tuiasosopo, Washington QB
Last week: Regular season over
Season: 170-323-2146, 14 TD, 11 int.; rush: 126-394, 6 TD
Comment: Warrior looking rosey.
WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR?
Michael Vick, Virginia Tech QB
Virginia: 16-23-202; rush: 5-28
Season: 87-161-1234, 8 TD, 6 int.; rush: 104-617, 8 TD
This week: regular season over
Comment: Will Vick or Beamer return to Blacksburg?
Mike Diegnan is the editor of BCSfootball.com.
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Michael Vick escapes tacklers to throw a 23-yard TD to Lee Suggs.