2009 Orange Bowl HOF: Ward, Zorich & Davis

Miami, FL (www.orangebowl.org) - The Orange Bowl Hall of Fame will induct three new members this year for their impact on the history of the FedEx Orange Bowl. College Football Hall of Famers Jeff Davis of Clemson, Charlie Ward of Florida State and Chris Zorich of Notre Dame will all be joining the Orange Bowl Committee as they are recognized during the AvMed Coaches Luncheon on January 4, 2010 at Jungle Island in Miami.

The trio will then be inducted into the Hall of Fame during the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl on January 5, 2010 at Land Shark Stadium which features ACC Coach of the Year Paul Johnson and his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against Big Ten Coach of the Year Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes.

Known as “The Judge,” Jeff Davis was the leader of the Clemson Tigers defense that began the 1981 season as an unranked afterthought but finished the year as a squad that became national champions and is regarded one of the more surprising stories in college football history. Davis played linebacker in 40 games for the Tigers, starting in 35, and had 30 games where he had double-digit tackles, including 22 of his final 23 games. As a senior, he was named the ACC’s Most Valuable Player, consensus All-American and concluded his career with a 24-tackle performance against Nebraska in the Orange Bowl for the national championship, where he was named the game’s MVP. His 175 tackles was an all-time single-season school record. Davis entered College Football’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

After two years as a punter and back-up, Charlie Ward finally received an opportunity at quarterback in 1992 leading the ’Noles to an ACC title as conference Player of the Year, and FedEx Orange Bowl victory where he was named MVP. His senior year saw Ward lead FSU to a FedEx Orange Bowl victory over Nebraska, and the school’s first national championship, when he was again named the game’s MVP. During that season, Ward threw 27 scoring passes with only four being intercepted as he captured the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell, Camp and O’Brien awards. At the time, his victory margin in the Heisman vote was the largest ever. Ward entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Chris Zorich began his collegiate career at Notre Dame as a linebacker, but was moved to nose tackle early in his freshman year. Zorich became a first-team All-America as a sophomore, despite having played sparingly as a freshman. In his first game he had one and a half sacks and ten tackles against Michigan. He finished the year third on the team in tackles as Notre Dame went undefeated and won the national championship. Chris became a consensus All-American in 1989 as a junior. As a senior, Zorich won the Lombardi Award and was recognized as a unanimous All-America. In the final game of his collegiate career he was the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the FedEx Orange Bowl. Zorich was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Decision Time: Golden Tate, Notre Dame

By Mark Zavodnyik

Why Golden Tate made the right decision to turn pro.

1. Strike while the iron is hot: Tate has been one of the most exciting players in college football this season. He led the Fighting Irish in receiving with 93 receptions for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns, and his average of 124.7 receiving yards per game was third best in the nation. Tate’s productivity has been recognized as he is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given out annually to the best receiver in the country. Going forward, it is hard to imagine Tate having a better year in college than the one he just completed. When Tate announced his decision to turn pro at a news conference on Monday, he mentioned how his performance this year played a role in his decision, “After having the year that I had, I'm not sure if I can even do much better, so I just feel like it was the right time,” Tate said. “Go out while you're hot, you know?”

2. Changes at Notre Dame: If Tate had stayed for his senior year at Notre Dame he would have had to get to know a new head coach as well as that coach’s offensive system. It seems impossible that he would be able to repeat, let alone match his performance from 2009 in that new system. More importantly, there will be a new quarterback at Notre Dame in 2010. The chemistry between Jimmy Clausen and Tate over the past two seasons has been a big factor in the development of both players. Tate was Clausen’s security blanket and his deep threat. Tate finished the season averaging 7.8 receptions per game, good for seventh in the nation. That average would not be equaled with a new quarterback next year.

Zavodnyik’s Take: There is plenty of evidence to show that Tate is an electric, game-changing player. The timing of his decision makes sense considering that he would be starting over with a new system, coach, and quarterback next season. The most important element for Tate’s draft status is going to be his 40-yard-dash time at the NFL Combine. He could be selected late in the first round of the draft if he proves to have top-end speed.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Decision Time: Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

Mark Zavodnyik

Why Jimmy Clausen made the right decision to turn pro.

1. Unlikely senior year will be more productive: Notre Dame is a program currently in a state of significant transition. If Clausen had chosen to return to Notre Dame next year he would have to learn a new system under a new coach. This would be a stark contrast to the relationship he had with the recently fired Charlie Weis. Also, Notre Dame will likely have to replace three starters along the offensive line next season. It is hard to imagine Clausen having a more productive senior season with a new coach, new system and re-built offensive line.

2. Nothing more to accomplish: Unlike most quarterbacks, Clausen has gained a wealth of experience in just three years of college football. Since making his debut in the first game of the 2007 season, Clausen has gone on to make 34 starts. In that time he has proved to be a remarkably accurate quarterback who rarely makes mental errors. He finished this season ranked second in the nation in passing efficiency. Additionally, this year Clausen has shown toughness in his ability to play with injury (turf toe) and leadership in his ability to lead the Fighting Irish to multiple fourth-quarter comeback victories.

3. There could be a Rookie Wage Scale in 2011: As NFL players and owners begin to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a wage scale curbing the value of rookie contracts could be on the horizon in 2011. This year there could very well be an influx in the number of players giving up their final year of college eligibility in order to enter the NFL draft before that wage scale is enacted. As a potential first-round pick, Clausen surely understands that the #9 overall pick in 2010 will get a more valuable contract than the same pick in 2011 (or even a higher one).

Zavodnyik’s Take: Clausen is one of college football’s most accurate and intelligent quarterbacks. He will likely be one of the first three quarterbacks taken in the upcoming draft. With so much uncertainty at Notre Dame, this was probably an easy decision for Clausen and his family.

Photo Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information

Weis’ Dismissal A Matter Of Wins & Losses

By Mark J. Zavodnyik

When Charlie Weis arrived at Notre Dame, he found a program severely lacking in talent, facilities, and direction.

The university and its fans expected the team to compete for national championships, but there was no infrastructure in place to accomplish that goal.

Under Weis, the talent level at Notre Dame has been significantly upgraded. Weis brought a cache that resonated with recruits and made the school a factor in the decision-making process of many of the country’s top players. Weis’ recruiting classes were consistently rated among the top ten by national recruiting services.

Today, the Notre Dame football program is a well-run, modern machine. The talent and facilities have been upgraded. The administration, admissions department and the football program are now on the same page and communicate effectively.

Weis was able to accomplish all of this while running a clean program that finished first in graduation success rate this year.

But in the end, it’s about wins and losses. And nobody knows this more than Weis.

Weis’ first two seasons at Notre Dame were successful. The Irish went 19-6 during that period and played in BCS games following the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Since that time, however, Weis has guided Notre Dame to paltry 16-21 record.

The numbers get worse. Weis was 1-25 against teams finishing in the top 25 of any major poll. In 2007 Weis became the first Notre Dame coach to lose to Navy since 1961. He did not once, but twice.

His 10-15 record from 2007-2008 is the worst two-year period in Notre Dame football history. And the most significant stat: Weis’ record against Southern Cal: 0-5.

After weeks of speculation, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick announced on Monday that Weis had been fired.

"We have great expectations for our football program, and we have not been able to meet those expectations," Swarbrick said. "As an alumnus, Charlie understands those goals and expectations better than most, and he's as disappointed as anyone that we have not achieved the desired results."

With that, a nation of fans begins to continuously refresh message boards, blogs and websites hoping that a kernel of news will spill out of the rumor mill indicating that the next Notre Dame head coach will bring inspiration to the masses. Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, Bruce Springsteen.

As the next days unfold, and F5 buttons are worn down, a multitude of candidates will be whispered as the savior of Notre Dame football.

“So-and-So just bought a house in South Bend.” Or, “I just heard from my cousin that the Notre Dame plane was spotted on a runway a few miles from Gainesville.”

Whether the next coach is Stoops, Brian Kelly, or Mike Ditka, he will be expected to win quickly. The pieces are in place. Weis put them there.

At his introductory news conference in 2004, Weis said: "You are what you are, folks…and right now you're a 6-5 football team. And guess what? That's just not good enough. That's not good enough for you, and it's certainly not going to be good enough for me."

The record of 6-5 was not good enough when he arrived, and 6-6 is not good enough as he leaves.

Photos Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information

Heisman Ballot: Week 12

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 18 rushes for 97 yards, one touchdown; 3 receptions for 48 yards, one touchdown; 1-of-1 passing, 17 yards, 1 touchdown in a 43-22 victory over NC State.

Analysis: Spiller showcased his versatility against the Wolfpack on Saturday. He found the end zone in three different ways: rushing, receiving, and even throwing a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Spiller is the most dynamic running back college football has seen since Reggie Bush.

2. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 33-of-56 passing, 377 yards, three touchdowns, one interception in a 37-32 loss to UCF.

Analysis: Keenum’s Heisman chances took a big hit on Saturday when the Cougars fell to Central Florida. Houston had a 17-3 lead in the second quarter, but Central Florida rallied, building a 37-20 lead in the fourth quarter. If not for two late touchdown throws by Keenum, the game wouldn’t have been close. Despite his incredible statistics, Keenum will likely have to settle for an invitation to New York without actually winning the trophy.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 19 rushes for 149 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-3 victory over Mississippi State

Analysis: Ingram continues to put up great numbers in the country’s best defensive conference. The SEC’s leading rusher is the most consistent and potent offensive weapon on the nation’s second ranked team. Ingram’s 70-yard touchdown run on Saturday was his longest of the season.

4. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford Cardinal

Last Game: 29 rushes for 178 yards and three touchdowns in Stanford’s 55-21 victory over USC.

Analysis: The newest entry to the ballot could very well be the eventual winner. Gerhart had quietly put together a very solid season before Saturday’s victory over Southern Cal. However Gerhart will no longer lurk behind the scenes. Stanford’s big, physical rusher played a huge role in Stanford’s dominant performance over USC. The Cardinal finished with 55 points, more than any opponent has ever scored on the Trojans in the history of USC football. Gerhart is third in the nation in rushing with 1395 yards.

5. Golden Tate, Receiver, Notre Dame

Last Game: Nine receptions for 113 yards, one touchdown, two punt returns for 101 yards, one touchdown in a 27-22 loss to Pittsburgh.

Analysis: Tate will likely not be a Heisman finalist. Regardless he is one of the nation’s most electrifying and impressive players. Tate continued a season of clutch performances with two fourth quarter touchdowns that almost single-handedly allowed Notre Dame to earn a comback victory over Pittsburgh.

Outside Looking In: Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Colt McCoy (Texas), Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)

Photo Courtesy of Clemson SID

CFI Heisman Ballot: Week 11

By Mark Zavodnyik

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 40-of-60 passing, 522 yards, and three touchdowns in a 46-45 victory over Tulsa.

Analysis: The nation’s leader in completions, yards, and touchdown passes led a miraculous fourth quarter comeback victory over Tulsa. The Cougars appeared finished when they failed on a two-point conversion with 21 seconds remaining in the game. However, a successful on-side kick and a 51-yard field goal later, the Cougars emerged with an amazing victory. Keenum had his second consecutive game with more than 500 passing yards.

2. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 22 rushes for 165 yards, one touchdown; three receptions for 68 yards, one touchdown in a 40-24 victory over Florida State.

Analysis: Spiller remains one of the most electric players in college football. His 312 all-purpose yards against Florida State broke the school record of 310 he set two weeks ago. Spiller is fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 199.33. This week’s performance included a 45-yard run, a 58-yard touchdown reception and a mini-Heisman pose after his five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 22 rushes for 144 yards; five receptions for 30 yards in a 24-15 victory over LSU.

Analysis: Ingram was stymied by LSU’s defense in the first half and gained just 36 yards. However he came to life in the second half with 106 yards to lead the Crimson Tide to victory in a tough, physical contest in Tuscaloosa. Ingram is sixth in the nation in yards per game at 127.6; pretty impressive considering he plays in the country’s best defensive conference.

4. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 33-of-42 passing, 470 yards, two touchdowns, one interception in a 35-3 victory over Central Florida.

Analysis: McCoy’s production is improving at the right time. While he may have been forcing throws earlier in the season, McCoy has settled in and appears ready for a November Heisman push. With Baylor, Kansas, and Texas A&M left on the schedule, McCoy has ample opportunities to keep putting up big numbers.

5. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame.

Last Game: 37-of-51 passing, 452 yards, two touchdowns, one interception in a 23-21 loss to Navy.

Analysis: Clausen’s Heisman hopes faded with the disastrous loss to the Midshipmen. Clausen played another great game, setting a school record for completions in a game. However, his fumble on the goal-line at the end of the third quarter was a costly error.

Outside Looking In: Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Golden Tate (Notre Dame), Tim Tebow (Florida)

Photo Courtesy of University of Houston, University of Texas Athletics

CFI Preview: Navy @ Notre Dame

By: Mark J. Zavodnyik

Notre Dame Stadium, Saturday, 2:30PM ET, NBC

Overview

Notre Dame and Navy renew one of college football’s oldest rivalries for the 83rd time Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium.

Navy starting quarterback Ricky Dobbs returns this week. Dobbs has been hobbled of late by a knee injury he suffered against SMU in October. In last week’s 27-24 loss to Temple, Dobbs sat out the entire game except for the final series when the Midshipmen were attempting a last-minute comeback.

Navy is bowl eligible for an impressive seventh consecutive season. With four games left on the schedule, the Midshipmen are on their way to securing a winning record for the seventh straight year as well.

Sophomore receiver Michael Floyd returns for the Irish after sustaining a broken collar bone against Michigan State on September 19. Floyd is an electric playmaker who can change the entire dynamic of Notre Dame’s offense.

Notre Dame is looking to secure their seventh win of the season and continue their push for a possible BCS berth. The Fighting Irish play at Pittsburgh next week in a game that could determine the BCS fate of both teams.

For now, though, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is tasked with keeping his players focused on Navy.

Keys for a Navy Victory

1) Ricky Dobbs: The Navy offense is back to full strength with their starting quarterback returning to action. Like Jimmy Clausen for Notre Dame, Dobbs is the most important component of the Midshipmen offense.

The 6’ 1”, 198-pound junior from Douglasville, Georgia is a physical player who has a nose for the end zone. Dobbs is the nation’s leading scorer, averaging 12 points per game, and has scored 16 of Navy’s 32 offensive touchdowns this season.

It is no secret that Navy’s triple-option offense is focused on the run game. The Midshipmen have the nation’s third-best rushing offense, averaging 279.8 yards per game on the ground.

Navy does not pass the ball particularly well, averaging just 71.7 passing yards per contest. In fact, the Midshipmen did not attempt a single pass when Dobbs sat out in their victory over Wake Forest two weeks ago.

However, Navy can be an effective play-action passing team with Dobbs at quarterback. His best passing day of the season came against Ohio State in the season opener when he threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Navy will look to catch Notre Dame off-guard with a few well-timed play-action passes.

Dobbs’ supporting cast on offense includes Navy’s leading rusher, fullback Vince Murray. The junior from Union, Kentucky was not a starter at the beginning of the season, but he has made the most of his opportunities. Murray currently has a streak of three consecutive games with over 100 rushing yards.

2) Keep Clausen off the Field: Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green has an experienced unit playing much better than it did a year ago. Last season the Midshipmen’s opponents averaged 27.2 points per game. This year their scoring defense average is down to 21.4.

Navy is 59th in rushing defense (137.44 yards per game) this season, and 23rd in passing defense. (178.11)

In his Tuesday news conference, Weis said this Midshipmen defense is Navy’s best since he arrived at Notre Dame.

Navy does not get a lot of sacks (just 11 on the season) or tackles for a loss (32), so it is important for them to get solid, consistent play from the heart of their defense: the linebackers.

Navy has been fortunate to get production and leadership from a trio of solid linebackers. Senior Ross Pospisil is Navy’s leading tackler with 65 total tackles. The Temple, Texas native is an emotional leader for the Midshipmen and the team’s defensive captain.

Linebackers Tyler Simmons and Tony Haberer are second and third respectively in team tackles. The ability of Navy’s linebackers to make reads, stay in position, and lead the defense is vital for the Midshipmen to keep the scoring down.

The most effective component of the Midshipmen defense is their ability to end drives on third down. Navy is ranked sixth in the country in third down defense. By getting off the field on third down, Navy can rely on its ball-control offense to establish the game’s rhythm.

Navy will severely limit Clausen and the Notre Dame offense if they can continue to play great defense on third down.

Keys for a Notre Dame Victory

1) Robert Hughes: The junior from Chicago is coming off one of the best performances of his career. Against Washington State, Hughes rushed for 131 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown.

Hughes will likely be the focal point of the Notre Dame running attack again this week. The usual starter, Armando Allen, has been dealing with a sprained right ankle and did not play against Washington State. Allen is listed as day-to-day and Weis may want to rest him in preparation for next week’s game against Pittsburgh.

Navy and Notre Dame have both been very good at controlling the clock this season. The Midshipmen rank second in the nation in time of possession per game (34:18), and the Irish are fifth. (33:19)

Notre Dame wants to dictate the tempo of the game and keep Navy’s clock-eating offense off the field. Hughes’ ability to grind out tough yardage and string together first downs is the key to accomplishing that goal.

A performance for Hughes like the one he had against Washington State will go a long way in earning a victory for the Irish.

2) Eliminate Mental Errors: One would think that Notre Dame is the last program in the country that would fail to take Navy seriously. Notre Dame plays the Midshipmen every year and the Irish are very familiar with Navy’s athletes and style of play.

When the Midshipmen defeated Notre Dame 46-44 in 2007, Navy ended the longest losing streak to a single opponent in FBS history (43).

With all that being said, Notre Dame continues to be a team that makes too many mental mistakes. It seems as though in every game there is a personal foul, holding penalty, or some sort of mental hiccup that slows down the Irish offense or gives their opponent a break.

Statistics show that Notre Dame is not a disciplined team. The Irish commit an average of 6.9 penalties for 60.9 yards per game. On the flip side, Navy is far more controlled; the Midshipmen are the least penalized team in the nation, committing just 3.6 penalties per game.

Compounding the problem, Notre Dame frequently “plays down” to an inferior opponent’s talent level. Four of Notre Dame’s victories have been decided by seven points or less against teams over which the Irish had a clear talent advantage.

This week the Irish face a Navy team that is efficient with the ball and does not make mental mistakes. Should the Irish make silly errors and “play down” to Navy, they will be in danger of losing the game.

Prediction

Notre Dame’s improving rush defense keeps the Navy triple-option attack under 200 yards for the game. The Midshipmen will struggle to score as Navy does not have enough offensive balance to attack Notre Dame’s poor pass defense.

Floyd makes his presence felt in his return, catching a touchdown pass for the Irish. The Notre Dame offense will have a full complement of skill players for the first time since September, and the Midshipmen will be unable to keep pace.

Score: Notre Dame 31, Navy 17

Photo Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information

Heisman Ballot: Week 10

By MARK ZAVODNYIK

This week’s ballot is undergoing a philosophical change. No longer will it be a projection of how a typical Heisman voter may cast his/her ballot. Instead it will be our determination of the five best players in college football:

1. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: 22-of-27 passing, 268 yards, two touchdowns in a 40-14 victory over Washington State.

Analysis: Clausen continues to be one of the most impressive quarterbacks in college football. He has led his team to multiple fourth-quarter-comeback victories while battling a season-long case of turf toe. Clausen is very accurate, completing 66.9 percent of his passes against just two interceptions. He is second in the nation in passing efficiency and eighth in passing yards per game. Clausen needs another great performance against Navy this week to hold on to the top spot.

2. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 44-of-54 passing, 559 yards, five touchdowns, one interception in a 50-43 victory over Southern Miss.

Analysis: Keenum’s statistics have been so impressive this season that he deserves a spot in the top two despite his perceived disadvantage of playing for a one-loss Conference USA team. Currently Keenum leads the country in completions per game (35.6), passing yards per game (411.63), total offense per game (420.9), points responsible for per game (21.5), touchdown passes (25) and total passing yards (3293).

3. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida Gators

Last Game: 15-of-21 passing, 164 yards, two touchdowns; 18 rushes, 85 yards, 2 touchdowns in a 41-17 victory over Georgia.

Analysis: Florida fans finally got the Heisman-type game they want from Tebow. The senior from Jacksonville was very impressive with over 200 yards of offense and four total touchdowns as the Gators demolished Georgia. In addition to his passing duties at quarterback, Tebow is Florida’s leading rusher with 551 yards on the season.

4. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 16-of-21 passing, 171 yards, one touchdown; 11 rushes for 34 yards in a 41-14 victory over Oklahoma State.

Analysis: McCoy was efficient in a game where the Texas defense suffocated the Oklahoma State offense. Nonetheless, “efficient” is not a word that McCoy needs to describe his performances if he going to stay on the ballot. McCoy has the opportunity to be spectacular with a home game against UCF coming this week. He could be in line for big day as his best statistical performances of the year have come against non-Big 12 opponents

5. Golden Tate, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: Four receptions for 80 yards, one touchdown; 4 rushes for 61 yards, 1 touchdown in a 40-14 victory over Washington State.

Analysis: Tate is a dynamic threat in the passing game as well as in Notre Dame’s wildcat offense. His acrobatic catches have become a common occurrence. In this week’s victory over Washington State, Tate made an incredible catch on a Hail Mary pass over three Cougar defenders as the first half expired. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis was impressed, “It was probably one of the most phenomenal catches I've seen anyone make, ever," Weis said after the game.

Outside Looking In: RB Mark Ingram (Alabama), RB CJ Spiller (Clemson), RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State), QB Kellen Moore (Boise State), DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)

College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.9

In this week's issue:

• Game Of The Week: LSU @ Alabama

• An Inside Look At The Independants: Navy vs Notre Dame & Army vs Air Force

• Between The Hashes: The Big Three Look To Carry The Torch Of “Linebacker U”

• Player Spotlight: North Carolina Defensive End Robert Quinn

• One On One: Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops

• CFI Top 25 Poll, BCS Busters, Fan’s Weekend Guide, On Location Reports & More!

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Photo Courtesy of Mark Selders/Penn State Athletic Communications

Heisman Ballot: Week 9

By Mark J. Zavodnyik

1. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 26-of-31 passing, 269 yards, three touchdowns, one interception in a 41-7 victory over Missouri

Analysis: In a season where no one seems ready to make a strong claim for the Heisman, McCoy, the best player on a surprisingly under-appreciated Texas team, is the current leader. This year’s Heisman Trophy will likely go to the player who dominates in November and McCoy’s great game against Missouri comes at just the right time. The Longhorns face Oklahoma State this week in a game that is sure to be a display of offensive firepower. McCoy will remain in the driver’s seat if he can come close his performance in last year’s victory over the Cowboys when he threw for 391 yards and two touchdowns.

2. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: 26-of-39 passing, 246 yards, two touchdowns in a 20-16 victory over Boston College

Analysis: Not Clausen's most impressive performance from a statistical perspective, but another solid game that included two great touchdown passes to wide receiver Golden Tate. Clausen will need big games against Washington State and Navy in the coming weeks to stay in the race.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last game: 18 rushes for 99 yards in a 12-10 victory over Tennessee.

Analysis: In today’s SEC, it is probably impossible for a running back to continuously put up monster yardage as Ingram did in his previous performance against South Carolina (246 rushing yards). However, Ingram falls from the top spot due to a key fumble with the Crimson Tide leading Tennessee 12-3 and just over three minutes remaining in the game. The critical turnover allowed the Vols to get within a field goal of de-railing Alabama’s perfect season.

4. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida Gators

Last Game: 12-of-22 passing, 127 yards, two interceptions; 22 rushes for 88 yards, 1 touchdown in 29-19 victory over Mississippi State

Analysis: With his 26-yard scamper for a score in the second quarter, Tebow tied Herschel Walker for the most rushing touchdowns in SEC history. One the other hand, Tebow had two interceptions returned for touchdowns. His 127 passing yards are not that of a Heisman winning quarterback. Tebow is not having the same statistical year as he had in his Heisman winning campaign of 2007. Nonetheless, he still has plenty of chances to re-claim the top spot, particularly with the game-formerly-known-as-the-world’s-largest-outdoor-cocktail-party against Georgia on the horizon this Saturday.

5. CJ Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 14 rushes, 81 yards; 6 receptions, 104 yards, one touchdown; three kick returns 125 yards, 1 kickoff return for touchdown in a 40-37 victory over Miami.

Analysis: Spiller’s presence on the list is an indication of the fluid nature of this year’s Heisman race. Like Ingram the week before, Spiller was not on many Heisman ballots prior to his game against Miami. That all changed with an electric performance that included a 90-yard kick return for touchdown and 56-yard touchdown catch. His 310 all-purpose yards were a school record. Spiller is now the nation’s leader in all-purpose yards per game at 207.86. He will need to keep up this impressive pace to offset Clemson’s three losses which likely will hurt him in the eyes of some voters.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box