The year was 1973.  An unpopular, controversial president was leading the country, America was fighting an unpopular war across the world, Joe Paterno was the head coach of Penn State, and a running back with 22 on his uniform was leading Penn State to an undefeated season.

35 years later, some things never change.  John Cappelletti was the prized running who won the Heisman Trophy in 1973, and Evan Royster is the current back who is trying to replicate his success in 2008.

Through just six games this season, Royster is off to a phenomenal start.  Compiling 659 yards and 8 touchdowns, Evan Royster is leading the team to a perfect 6-0 record and has catapulted the Nittany Lions to the upper echelon of college football.

Only a sophomore, Royster is already garnering comparisons to the great Cappelletti around Happy Valley. However, he has failed to garner significant attention on the national stage.  Is Royster a serious threat to bring the Heisman back to State College? Here are my Top Ten Midseason Heisman Trophy Candidates:

Chase Daniel, Quarterback, Missouri

He's the best offensive player on the best offense in the country, so it is tough not to put Daniel atop this list.  He has posted gaudy numbers so far with 15 touchdowns, just 1 interception, and an eye-popping 76.3 completion percentage.  If he can continue his dominance in the coming weeks against Texas and Oklahoma State, he could clinch this award early.

Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas

Perhaps the most improved player in the past four seasons, McCoy has grown into an outstanding dual-threat quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.  Pairing 317 yards and four touchdowns on the ground with an astounding 79.2 completion percentage is simply unheard of. 

Despite losing a lot of talent this past off-season to the NFL Draft, McCoy still has his Longhorns ranked fifth in the country.  He has a chance to make a statement this week, both for his team and his Heisman chances, when Texas travels to Oklahoma to take on the top-ranked Sooners. 

If McCoy continues to shine on the road and defeat the top-ranked team in the country, expect him to rise to the top of this list.

Sam Bradford, Quarterback, Oklahoma

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