Tim Tebow of Florida Challenges the Record of Ohio State's Archie Griffin

Ohio State: A grand program of the college gridiron, home of the only two-time Heisman Trophy Winner in Archie Griffin.

It's taken 33 years, but along comes a legitimate candidate to match Archie's two awards.  Why is Tim Tebow a more likely candidate than other non-senior winners?  One reason alone is enough—he won as a sophomore.  He has two seasons to tie Griffin's milestone event and may even go one better.

While Buckeye faithful hold their collective breath at the thought of Griffin's long-held record being jeopardized by a (gasp) Florida Gator—a Gator on the team that beat their beloved Buckeyes for the national title of 2006 no less—there are several men who could yank that trophy from Tebow's grasp this season.

To a cheering throng of Buckeyes, we examine these candidates. Let's call them...

                                          THE SINISTER SIX

1. Beanie Wells, Ohio State RB

This person is in the best position to take the Heisman in 2008 if the Buckeyes continue their high-ranking regular season work.  Wells gained 1,609 yards last year despite injuries.  He may have the best shot to save Griffin's position as the only two-time winner if he maintains his health.  It's a family thing in Columbus.

2. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech QB

There is usually one surprise performer invited to New York, and this fellow could be the one.  We're all aware of the success of Mike Leach's passing offense out in the hometown of Buddy Holly and Dr. Pepper, but his guys haven't been rewarded for that yet.  This could be the year, especially if the Red Raiders win the Big 12, which is a definite possibility.

3. Pat White, West Virginia QB

We don't know how the change of head coaches and the loss of running back Steve Slaton will hurt the record of the Mountaineers.  However, it puts more responsibility on White's ability to produce.  Look for him to be the focus of the offense and pile up huge numbers.

4. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia RB

If he can stay injury free, you have to figure this guy is going to win the Heisman at some point.  He gained 1,334 yards as a freshman last season, splitting time with Thomas Brown.  Once he settled in as the feature back, Georgia took off as a power.  If the Bulldogs make it to the BCS title game, he could be the second sophomore in a row to win the award.

5. Chase Daniel, Missouri QB

There is a rumor that if he had beaten Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game he would have won it last year.  The Big 12 will be so strong this season you could see half of the top 10 players come from this league.  He had a three to one TD/Int ratio and completed 68 percent of his passes.  This is a multi-talented star.

6. Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State QB

Carpenter has several advantages: he is a senior; he is not likely to have much competition early on from anyone in the West; he is exciting and plays for a coach that knows how to use him in the best situations; and he has a flat-out  matchup game with heavily publicized Georgia and their fine QB Matt Stafford in September.  If he wins that game and outshines Stafford and Moreno, look out. 

Rudy showed us he could scramble as he ran for his life last year behind a porous line.  It can only get better.  Carpenter completed 62 percent of his passes and had a 25-10 TD to INT ratio.  This is your dark horse.

The weather will be cold and Santa will be ringing his bell before we find out who wins the Heisman Trophy.  If it is Tebow for a second straight year, against this heavily talented bunch as well as others, then he deserves all the credit we can pile upon him.

Until then, Ohio State remains ground zero for the only two-time winner—and what a great winner he was.