Ivan Maisel's Heisman Watch

Rex Grossman and the Gators face Miami this weekend in Gainesville. AP

Sports Illustrated senior writer Ivan Maisel will track the Heisman race for CNNSI.com all season long.

Every Heisman candidate, take one step forward.

Not so fast, Dave Ragone.

If this were American Idol, even Simon wouldn't have had the lack of heart to skewer Ragone, who completed 14-of-39 passes in Louisville's 22-17 loss to Kentucky. The Wildcats barely gave Ragone time to take a snap, much less throw a pass.

1. Rex Grossman, Florida, Jr.

You could say he performed as expected, but I thought he did better. In a new offense, I didn't know what to expect.

2. Ken Dorsey, Miami, Jr.

I'm sorry for not getting excited about him throwing well against Florida A&M. That's like watching Barry Bonds hit b.p.

3. Byron Leftwich, Marshall, Sr.

Ditto for Leftwich against Appalachian State. Is it me, or does he throw as if he's tossing a javelin?

4. Eli Manning, Ole Miss, Jr.

(Sorry, Archie.) Nothing fancy, but then he needed nothing fancy against Louisiana-Monroe.

5. Jason Gesser, Washington State, Sr.

Can move from West Coast favorite son to national candidate if he can solve Ohio State defense on Sept. 14.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Ivan Maisel covers the college football beat for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.

 

Related information

Stories

Ivan Maisel's preseason Heisman Watch Stewart Mandel: The Weekend That Was

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video