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Friday, December 13, 2002
Heisman Watch: Heupel gives just enough
By Mike Diegnan
BCSfootball.com
It is likely going to be the tightest Heisman vote ever. At this point, no Gallup polls would be able to determine who is going to accept the award next Saturday night.
In the Midwest, Josh Heupel has led Oklahoma to the only perfect record in the country. In the East, Chris Weinke led the nation in passing and likely has put Florida State in the National Championship Game for the third consecutive season. In the Southwest, LaDainian Tomlinson led the nation in rushing and finished with the fourth-highest single season total in NCAA history, 324 more yards than 1999 Heisman winner Ron Dayne had.
The following candidates are also garnering a fair amount of consideration, and deservedly so. Drew Brees sent Purdue back to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 34 years. Damien Anderson helped Northwestern to a share of the Big Ten title. Marques Tuiasosopo quarterbacked Washington to the Pac-10 title and No. 4 ranking in the country, and Miami's Santana Moss returned the Hurricanes to the top of the nation.
The next Heisman winner will be announced less than a week from now. At this rate, it is too early to say who will walk away with the bronzed statue, but it has definitely been one of the most exciting races of all time.
Here is how the ballot would look if BCSfootball.com was given a vote.
1. Chris Weinke, Florida State QB
Season stats: 266-431-4166, 33 TD, 11 int.; rush: 30-(-97), 1 TD
Comment: Has Florida State in position to win back-to-back titles.
2. Josh Heupel, Oklahoma QB
Kansas State: 24-44-220, 2 TD, 3 int.; rush: 11-9, 1 TD
Season stats: 280-433-3392, 20 TD, 14 int.; rush: 70-144, 7 TD
Comment: His leadership helped the Sooners to a 12-0 season.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU RB
Season stats: 369-2158, 22 TD; rec: 10-40
Comment: Fourth-highest single-season total ever.
WAITING FOR AN INVITE
Drew Brees, Purdue QB
Season stats: 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
Season stats: 293-1914, 22 TD; rec: 15-120
Comment: Could be the front-runner to start the 2001 season.
DESERVING OF MENTION
Santana Moss, Miami WR
Season stats: 45-748, 5 TD; rush: 6-201, 2 TD; PR: 36-655, 4 TD
Comment: Miami's career leader in all-purpose yardage.
Marques Tuiasosopo, Washington QB
Season stats: 170-323-2146, 14 TD, 11 int.; rush: 126-394, 6 TD
Comment: Warrior looking rosey.
Michael Vick, Virginia Tech QB
Season stats: 87-161-1234, 8 TD, 6 int.; rush: 104-617, 8 TD
Comment: But will he return to Blacksburg next fall?
Mike Diegnan is the editor of BCSfootball.com.
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Josh Heupel does it on his own with this 7-yard touchdown run.
Josh Heupel talks with ABC Sports' Lynn Swann after the Sooners' championship victory.