He didn't have an awesome showing against Minnesota last weekend, but Ohio State QB Troy Smith remains at the top of my Heisman list. There's a new entrant into the top five, too.
Troy Smith, Sr. QB, Ohio State: Smith had a very pedestrian day in the Buckeyes' 44-0 win over the Gophers: 14-21, 183 yards and a TD. He did have a nice 21-yard rushing score, though-his first of the season. YTD: 1,878 yards, 21 TDs, 2 INTs, 67.8 completion percentage.
Steve Slaton, So. RB, West Virginia: Slaton and the Mountaineers were off last weekend. They have a huge showdown with Louisville on Thursday. I'm sure the Cardinals remember Slaton after his five touchdown performance against them last season. YTD: 151 carries, 1,059 YDS, 9 TD, 7.0 yards per carry.
Brady Quinn, Sr. QB, Notre Dame: The USC game Nov. 25 doesn't mean as much after the Trojans' loss at Oregon State last weekend. But Quinn's stock can continue to improve is he continues to have days like he did Saturday as the Irish routed Navy, 38-14. Quinn completed 18 of 25 passes for 295 yards and 3 scores. He also scampered for a 19-yard score. YTD: 2,233 yards, 21 TDs, 4 INTs, 63.7 completion percentage.
Michael Hart, Jr. RB, Michigan: In Michigan's 17-3 win over Northwestern last weekend, Hart failed to reach the 100-yard mark for the second time in nine games this season. He was close, though, as he tallied 95 yards on 20 carries and ran for a score. YTD: 234 carries, 1,127 yards, 9 TDs, 4.8 yards per carry.
Colt McCoy, Fr. QB, Texas: McCoy orchestrated a Horns second-half comeback at Texas Tech last weekend. Down 31-21 at halftime, McCoy led Texas on two scoring drives to eek out a 35-31 win. The youngster went 21-31 for 256 yards, 4 TDs and a pick. His numbers on the season are actually better than Smith and Quinn;s, too. YTD: 1,705 yards, 24 TDs, 4 INTs, 67.7 completion percentage.
It's less than three weeks until the (presumably) epic showdown between Ohio State and Michigan. USC's 33-31 loss at Oregon State makes it even more likely that, in the event of a close game, the two Big Ten powers could face off twice this season-on Nov. 18 in Columbus, and again on Jan. 8 in Tempe for the naitonal title.
Not only are Ohio State and Michigan 1-2 in this poll, they're 1-2 in the BCS, too, for now. With Minnesota, Illinois and Northwestern on OSU's schedule, and Northwestern, Ball State!!! and Inidiana coming up for UM, Nov. 18 is shaping up to be called the Game of the Century to this point.
My name is Jason Carmel Davis, and I am a graduate of the Michigan State University School of Journalism. Yes, we do go to class in East Lansing, not just to bars and the liquor store.
I'm almost positive I had an SI with me in the womb, checking out Ralph Wiley. He's the main reason I ever decided to pursue a career in sportswriting .
I even remember the first highlight I ever saw on SportsCenter. I don't remember who was reading it, but it was Michael Jordan's 63-point game against the Celtics in the Garden in the 86 Playoffs. I've been hooked ever since.
