I don’t need Joey Heisman, circa 2001, in order to get a healthy batch of Heisman Trophy fever.
I already have it.
The 2004 Heisman Trophy presentation is a little more than a month away, but the actual trophy will be tailgating somewhere in the Autzen Stadium parking lot this weekend.
Really.
Go to voteheisman.com if you don’t believe me.
What’s even better is that you can get your very own photo taken with the trophy and impress your buddies at the next poker night.
You’ll be the envy of your crew or posse. Trust me.
If a photo with the Heisman Trophy isn’t worth spending Friday night in the parking lot at Autzen, then I don’t know what is.
So, in honor of the most prestigious award in college football making its way through the sea of lightning yellow this weekend, let’s examine the Heisman hopefuls.
Why?
Just because.
Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma Sooners
The freshman running back is threatening a coup against the accepted tradition of giving the award to juniors and seniors.
The Palestine, Texas native was the nation’s top prep recruit and has already shown why.
Peterson has rushed for 1,373 yards in nine games and has nine scores. He has twice gone over 200 yards, both against ranked opponents Texas and Oklahoma State. His lowest output of the season was the first game of his career, where he had 100 yards and a score.
Nine straight 100-yard games, nine scores. Besides being only a freshman, the one obstacle standing in his way is…
Jason White, QB Oklahoma Sooners
…his quarterback. The reigning Heisman winner is once again in contention after leading the Sooners to a 9-0 record and the nation’s No. 2 ranking.
White has thrown for 2,130 yards and 25 touchdowns with only four interceptions. White isn’t on pace to eclipse his 3,846 yards and 40 touchdowns from the previous year, but the fact that he is a senior gives him the edge over Peterson.
For now.
Alex Smith, QB Utah Utes
The dark horse in the Heisman race. Smith has led the Utes to their highest ranking in school history and put them in position to become the first-ever non-Bowl Championship Series conference team to earn a BCS bowl bid.
His numbers are comparable to, if not better than, White’s this year. Smith has thrown for 2,196 yards, completed 66.4 percent of his passes, thrown 24 touchdowns compared to two picks and has rushed for 439 yards and eight touchdowns.
He has led the Utes to wins over Texas A&M, Air Force and Colorado State.
The knock on Smith is the fact that Utah has played a much easier schedule than the likes of Oklahoma or Southern California. If Smith is to stay in the race, it is imperative that he finishes undefeated and in the top six in the final BCS standings. If Utah goes to a BCS bowl, Smith should get the Heisman. If they lose, gaudy numbers aren’t going to sway any voters his way.
Matt Leinart, QB USC
If not for last year and the fact that USC is the top-ranked team in the country, Leinart would be getting far less attention than he is. Leinart has thrown for 2,068 yards with 20 touchdowns and five picks. His numbers are comparable to Oregon’s Kellen Clemens, who has thrown for 2,230 yards, 18 touchdowns and five picks.
So here is how I see it shaking out. Leinart will split votes with teammate Reggie Bush, who currently sits fifth in the race, nullifying both of them. Smith will receive an invite to New York, but even with a BCS berth, he won’t be able to impress voters enough to forget about the two Sooners in front of him.
Finally, with Peterson questionable due to a shoulder injury, and White heating up, White has the edge. Peterson will be given a fair shake, but in the end I don’t see the voters giving a freshman the trophy, especially not when there is a senior quarterback right in front of him.
Now I only have about 840 hours to find out if I am right.
Just a note, Duck fans, be gentle with the Heisman Trophy on Saturday. We don’t need White receiving the trophy with duct tape on it because an Oregon fan dropped it and snapped the head off.
Then again, it would be funny.
So please, manhandle it with pride.

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