McFadden, Tebow, or Woodson?: Heisman Race Up For Grabs

Each year, the best college football player in the nation is awarded the ultimate honor—the Heisman Trophy.

Before the season starts, analysts usually have a good idea of who the winner will be.

But this year, with plenty of upsets and a handful of injuries, the Heisman is up for grabs.

Here are a few possible candidates...

Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Winning qualities

-One of the best running backs in college.

-Won 2006 Doak Walker Award for the best running back in college.

-Arkansas school-leading rusher.

-Averages 133 yards per game.

Downfalls

-Minor injuries have prevented him from getting the ball.

-Arkansas' losses to Alabama, Kentucky, and Auburn.

-His backup, Felix Jones, takes some of the weight off his shoulders.

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Winning Qualities

-Helped Florida become National Champions in 2006.

-Has the ability to hurt opponents through the air and on the ground.

-Has become the leader of this Florida powerhouse as a sophomore.

-Accounted for over 70 percent of Florida's offense this season.

Downfalls

-No sophomore has ever won the Heisman.

-Losses to Auburn and LSU will likely cause him to fall a few spots in the race.

Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

Winning Qualities

-One of the best senior quarterbacks in college.

-Has potential to be a playmaker in the NFL.

-Plays extremely well against tough competition.

-Has passed for 2,201 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Downfalls

-Kentucky isn't great and has a few losses.

-SEC is the best conference in the nation and Kentucky wins involve the whole team.

Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

Winning Qualities

-Has the potential to be great NFL player.

-Made huge improvements last year to make himself eligible for the Heisman.

-Passed over 2,100 yards and leads the ACC.

Downfalls

-Has not had a tough schedule, but will have difficulty against Virgina Tech.

-Needs to control his touchdown to interception ratio.

Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

Winning Qualities:

-One of the nation's top prospects for the NFL.

-One of the leading contenders for the Heisman.

-2,993 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.

Downfalls

-Louisville's 4-4 record.

-Louisville's defense needs to help the team win, which will ultimately determine his fate.

-Games against West Virgina, South Florida, and Rutgers will whether Brohm wins the Heisman.

Mike Hart, RB, Michigan

Winning Qualities

-After a shaky team start, he's lead Michigan back to a 6-2 record.

-Over 1,000 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.

-Averaging 154 yards per game.

Downfalls

-An ankle injury caused him to miss the Illinois game and possibly more.

-Michigan made Hart the workhorse of this team by rushing the ball 200 times, which will eventually cause injury and fatigue.

Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon

Winning Qualities:

-Big win against Michigan put him into the Heisman race.

-Accumulated 23 touchdowns through the running and passing game. 

Downfalls

-Doesn't get as much publicity as other Heisman candidates.

-Tough schedule ahead, including Arizona State and USC.

-Must prove himself as a leader of his team.