Heisman Watch: Finalists

Colt Brennan

Brennan, who started the season on the list of Heisman hopefuls, but failed to be a constant presence with his comparatively less than spectacular season, used the exposure of his BCS bowl-bound Hawaii Warriors and the last two regular season games of his college career to lock up an invite to NYC. In match ups that secured a BCS bowl bid for Hawaii, Brennan combined to throw 10 TD passes to only 2 INTs. The two games most likely locked up his finalist bid and a trip to NYC, plus an undefeated season never hurt any Heisman hopeful.

Darren McFadden

In and out of the Heisman race all year, Darren McFadden is headed back to New York City. This time there is no Troy Smith to compete with, as no one quarterback preformed quite like Smith was able to do last year, but McFadden has his share of competition. Much like Colt Brennan, McFadden proved his Heisman worth over the course of just a few games. His 323 yard performance against South Carolina pushed McFadden back into the Heisman spotlight, and his 206 yard, three touchdown performance against National Title contender LSU were definitely his Heisman defining moments. McFadden is quite possibly the best overall player in the country, but may be hindered by performances that kept him out of the conversation for much of the season.

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow enters the Heisman finalist group with the possibility of becoming the very first underclassman to win a Heisman trophy. In compiling unmatched statistics both through the air and on the ground, Tebow proved his worth in the defending national champion’s offense. In combining to score 51 TDs, 29 passing and 22 rushing, Tebow made his way into the record books as the first quarterback in the FBS history to rush and pass for 20 and became the single season record holder in the SEC for rushing touchdowns. The only downsides to his candidacy, other than his age, include Florida’s three losses and the fact that his best performance of the season came against a less than formidable South Carolina defense.

Chase Daniel

Chase Daniel, the leader of the surprising Missouri Tigers is an equally surprising Heisman finalist. Among the four finalists, Daniel is the only one to not appear in any preseason Heisman hype or hoopla. Daniel had to prove his way to NYC this year, and did most of that demonstration against bitter rivals Kansas. In the border war, which this year pitted #2 Kansas against Daniel’s #4 Missouri, Daniel shined on the brightest of stages. In completing 40 out of 49 passes and throwing for three touchdowns, Daniel proved his Heisman worth. There were definitely voters who mailed in their ballots right after that Heisman-moment worthy performance, but his very next outing was not nearly as good. Daniel may be hindered by his weak performance in the Big 12 Championship Game, but to get to NYC is as good as a win for the Tiger’s quarterback.