College Footballs Heisman Race: Week One

Each week I'll break down who I think are the top 10 contenders for the Heisman and let you know who may have fallen out of contention. There was a lot of moving and shaking after week one, so let's get to it.

(Previous ranking in parenthesis)

1. (7) Colt McCoy-QB, Texas

Gotta put personal feelings for the guy behind me now that the season started. Bradford's injury really opens the door for Colt to thrust his way into the discussion. He was 21-29 for 317 yards and two TDs on the day, with a lone pick dampening the performance a fraction.

2. (2) Tim Tebow-QB, Florida

Not a great day for Tebow in an easy Florida win. We'll assume that Urban Meyer didn't want to really unleash his whole package on a heavily over-matched Charleston Southern. Tebow was 10-15 for 188 yards and a TD, but shockingly very little yardage on the ground, even though he picked up a TD.

3. (3) Jahvid Best-RB, Cal

Best again proved why he is heavily regarded as the best RB in the college game. His elusiveness and speed helped him to 137 yards and two TDs even though the lopsided victory limited him to only ten carries for the game.

4. (9) Daryll Clark-QB, Penn State

Another QB whose chances are greatly improved with the injury to Bradford. Clark, who wasn't unleashed to do a whole lot on the ground, showed that he might be as good a pure passer as Colt. He lead Penn State with a victory by going 29-40 for 353 yards, 3 TDs and an INT.

5. (NR) Max Hall-QB, BYU

It took one game for Max Hall to go from darkhorse pick to legit Heisman contender. Voters love big wins and leading BYU to an upset over a top National Title contender is definitely a big win. Not to mention that he was 26-38 in the win, throwing for 329 yards and two TDs.

6. (NR) Joe McKnight-RB, USC

McKnight had a whole lot of hype coming into his career at USC, but the Trojans have always had loads of talented backs and uber-impressive QBs. Things have have swung in McKnight's favor this year. With untested QBs, McKnight was able to shine, running for 145 yards and two TDs against an underrated SJ State defense.

7. (4) Dez Bryant-WR, Oklahoma State

Well, he certainly made the most of his catches. Despite only hauling in three passes, Bryant finished the day with 77 yards through the air and two TDs. Against Georgia, that's enough to keep him in the picture.

8. (6) Jonathan Dwyer- RB, Georgia Tech

The question for Dwyer isn't gonna be whether he can perform, it's gonna be whether he gets the chance to perform enough.  With QB Josh Nesbitt leading the team in carries, Dwyer had to make the most of his chances, running for 95 yards and two TDs on only seven carries.

9. (NR) Jaquizz Rodgers- RB, Oregon State

Last year's leading rusher in the Pac-10 enters the picture, at least until Oregon State runs into the real tests in the Pac-10. Rodgers showed how versatile he is, putting on a display to the tune of 103 yards rushing and three TDs, to go along with 85 yards through the air and another TD.

10. (1) Sam Bradford- QB, Oklahoma

Bradford's chances of raising the trophy again were severely hurt when he went down with an injury to his AC-joint. But the way that Bradford can put up numbers in a hurry. He shouldn't be ruled out just yet.

Dropped out: (5) Masoli, (8) Devine, (10) Pryor

Dark Horse Picks

Jake Locker-QB, Washington—25-45 321 yards two TDs, 51 yards rushing

Jordan Shipley-WR, Texas—Eight catches, 180 yards TD