5. Chase Daniel, Missouri, QB, Jr.
 | Chase Daniel did just about everything to lead Missouri's rout of Nebraska. AP |
| | MAILBAG |
|
Have questions or feedback? E-mail Gene Menez.
|
|
|
|
Last week: 33-of-47 passing, 401 yards, 2 TDs; 11 rushes, 72 yards, 2 TDs in a 41-6 victory over No. 25 Nebraska
Season: 149-of-223 passing, 1,712 yards, 15 TDs, 4 INTs; 39 rushes, 188 yards, 3 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: After some brief cameos on this list over the past two years, this bulldog of a quarterback is back -- likely permanently. He runs the Tigers' shotgun spread offense with the timing of a metronome. Every play it's one, two, three, and the ball is gone. And he can burn you with his fleet feet as well, as demonstrated by that quarterback draw for 29 yards on third-and-10 (that's right, quarterback draw on third-and-10) against the Huskers. His Heisman hopes could receive a major boost on Saturday if he plays well against an Oklahoma team that has secondary issues.
Up next: Saturday at No. 6 Oklahoma
6. Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, RB, Jr.
Last week: 19 rushes, 160 yards, 2 TDs; 4 receptions, 33 yards, 1 TD in a 31-26 victory over No. 5 Wisconsin
Season: 114 rushes, 772 yards, 10 TDs; 18 receptions, 173 yards, 2 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: The secret is out. After traveling under-the-radar for much of the season, this former five-star recruit has jumped into the thick of the race. Possessing a great combination of power, speed, patience, wiggle and pass-catching ability, Mendenhall outplayed fellow Heisman candidate P.J. Hill. (To be fair, Hill was slowed by a groin injury.) His best run came early in the fourth quarter when he was stuffed running left, broke a tackle, reversed field and picked up 24 yards, almost taking it the distance. He could be the best back not only in the Big Ten but also the nation.
Up next: Saturday at Iowa
7. Dennis Dixon, Oregon, QB, Sr.
Last week: Idle
Season: 98-of-141 passing, 1,245 yards, 12 TDs, 2 INTs; 56 rushes, 301 yards, 5 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: It will be interesting to see how Dixon and the Ducks respond after the loss to Cal. Do they go into the tank as they did last year when they went 3-5 after losing to Cal? Or do they rally by making the Pac-10 race interesting? With Dixon playing like a more mature quarterback, I'm taking the latter.
Up next: Saturday vs. Washington State
8. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech, QB, Jr.
Last week: 36-of-43 passing, 425 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT; 4 rushes, minus-10 yards, 1 TD in a 42-17 victory over Iowa State
Season: 228-of-310 passing, 2,726 yards, 28 TDs, 3 INTs; 16 rushes, minus-25 yards, 2 TDs
Heisman-o-meter: Another game, another statistical jackpot by this passing madman. Here's some food for thought: Can Harrell break the single-season touchdown mark of 58 set just last season by Hawaii's Colt Brennan? Of his next six opponents, Harrell meets only one team ranked in the top 50 in pass defense. And at his current pace, Harrell would finish the regular season with 56 touchdown passes with a possible Big 12 championship game and bowl game still left to play.
Up next: Saturday vs. Texas A&M
9. Jordy Nelson, Kansas State, WR/PR, Jr.
Last week: 10 receptions, 137 yards, 1 TD; 1 punt return, 1 yard in a 30-24 loss to Kansas
Season: 52 receptions, 634 yards, 3 TDs; 4 punt returns, 172 yards, 1 TD; 2 rushes, 2 yards
Heisman-o-meter: I know I'm going to take some heat for including Nelson, but there hasn't been a more dangerous receiver/punt returner in the nation this season. And that includes DeSean Jackson. (Before you question my sanity, read No. 10.) This small-town burner is second in the nation in receptions per game and fourth in the nation in receiving yards per game, and unlike the leader in those categories (Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree), he does not play in an offense that throws the ball 58 times a night. Not to mention, his 43.0 average on punt returns would lead the nation if he had enough returns to qualify.
Up next: Saturday against Colorado
10. DeSean Jackson, Cal, WR/PR, Jr.
Last week: Idle
Season: 28 receptions, 312 yards, 2 TDs; 8 punt returns, 95 yards, 1 TD; 5 rushes, 101 yards, 1 TD
Heisman-o-meter: I've said this before: If the Heisman was awarded on athletic ability alone, I would've written Jackson's name atop the ballot in July, gone on a six-month vacation to a place without ESPN GamePlan and would have been fine with my pick without having seen a game. But production matters, which is why he's only creeping back into the top 10. He gets a bit of a slide for playing with an injured thumb, but if the production doesn't keep up with the potential, look out for Oregon's Jonathan Stewart, Arkansas' Felix Jones or Wisconsin's P.J. Hill to crack the top 10.
Up next: Saturday vs. Oregon State
