Heisman Watch

Who's the front-runner for the hardware? Hey, don't ask us

By Luke Winn, SI.com

Having trouble picking a Heisman front-runner? Don't fret, you have reason to be bewildered -- there isn't one.

N.C. State's Philip Rivers, arguably the nation's most talented quarterback, has suffered three losses already, and still must play Virginia, Florida State and Maryland. Quarterbacks on 7-5 teams do not win trophies.

Texas Tech's B.J. Symons, whose passing numbers only get more mind-boggling by the week, is written off by many because he plays in Mike Leach's gimmicky offense. There will be a point where folks stop taking his record-setting pace for granted ... I'm just not sure when.

Virginia Tech running back Kevin Jones, who, if you believe ESPN's Gameday Final, will win the award, isn't even the best offensive player on his own team. QB Bryan Randall is -- but when so much attention is heaped on Jones, it'll be hard for Randall to get respect.

Pitt's Larry Fitzgerald, who had the week off, is the king of the highlight reel, but he doesn't play on special teams, as the last two wideouts who won the award (Desmond Howard in '91, Tim Brown in '87) did. He'll have to catch a ton of balls to be in the running for the real hardware, not just the Biletnikoff.

Coming up with a top five, well, that's slightly easier.

1. B.J. Symons, QB, Texas Tech, Sr.

Last week (vs. Texas A&M): 34-of-46 passing, 505 yards, 8 TDs, 0 INTs in 59-28 win
 Season (5-1): 177-of-265 passing (66.8 percent), 2,467 yards, 24 TDs, 4 INTs

Leach's offense may be paving the way, but we'll give Symons the benefit of the doubt. His eight touchdowns against the Aggies set a Big 12 record -- and the Red Raiders put Symons on the bench for the final 12 minutes of the game.

2. Jason White, QB, Oklahoma, Sr.

Last week (vs. Iowa State): 26-of-34 passing, 384 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs in 53-7 win
 Season (5-0): 112-of-166 passing (67.5 percent), 1,472 yards, 16 TDs, 3 INTs

White, a new arrival on this list, jumps up to No. 2 because he fits the Heisman mold so well -- a potent passer on a team that looks ready for the Sugar Bowl. It's surprising that it took the Sooners until after spring ball to name White the starter.

3. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Pittsburgh, Soph.

Last Week: No game
 Season (3-1): 32 catches, 583 yards (145.8 ypg), 9 TDs

Fitzgerald had the week off ... and managed to drop a spot. Send complaints to Jason White.

4. Steven Jackson, RB, Oregon St., Jr.

Last week (vs. Cal): 35 carries, 227 yards, 2 TDs; receiving TD in 35-21 win
 Season (5-1): 183 carries, 877 yards (146.2 ypg), 9 TDs; 18 catches, 203 yards, TD

The Beavers fell under the radar after a loss to Fresno State on Sept. 6, but Jackson has re-emerged in October as the nation's second-leading rusher.

5. Cedric Cobbs, RB, Arkansas, Sr.

Last week: No game
 Season (4-0): 88 carries, 572 yards (140.5 ypg), 5 TDs

Cobbs also had the week off ... and also managed to drop a spot. Send complaints to Steven Jackson.

Notable omissions:

Walter Reyes, RB, Syracuse, Jr.: Maurice Clarett's second cousin is leading the nation in rushing, but Jackson and Cobbs have earned their reputations against better competition.

Bryan Randall, QB, Virginia Tech, Jr.: His four TD passes were impressive, but came against Rutgers.

Philip Rivers, QB, N.C. State, Sr.: He has that aforementioned 3-3 issue.