Below is a list of Heisman Hopefuls for the 2009 season.
Each week the CBSSports.com experts will vote on how they would vote if the season ended today. Our four experts are senior writer Dennis Dodd, college producer J. Darin Darst, fantasy writer Michael Hurcomb, Podcast talent Adam Aizer and editor Brian Stubits.
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is trying to become the first player since Archie Griffin (Ohio State 1974 and 1975) to win two Heismans, while Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is trying to win his first in his final season.
Lots of newcomers have crashed the list since the beginning of the season, including Houston quarterback Case Keenum, Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore and Alabama running back Mark Ingram.
No defensive players are on the watch list right now, although Nbraska defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh and Tennessee's Eric Berry have been featured.
Two freshmen are on the list -- Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams and Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis. Three sophomores are also on the list -- Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, who continues to guide the undefeated Broncos, Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers and Ingram.
School:Notre Dame Class: Junior Ht: 6-3 Wt: 223
Comment: Jimmy Clausen had another strong performance, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Washington State. He also had a highlight moment-making 50-yard bomb to Golden Tate. The question is ... was that Clausen's Heisman moment or Tate's? Time will tell, but his favorite wide receiver might start stealing some Heisman votes away from Clausen.
School:Alabama Class: Sophomore Ht: 5-10 Wt: 215
Comment: Ingram and Alabama were off this past week, but play one of the biggest games of the season on Saturday against LSU. Ingram is still on most people's Heisman ballots and this game against the Tigers could make or break his chances.
School:Houston Class: Junior Ht: 6-1 Wt: 212
Comment: Keenum continues to put up crazy numbers, including this week's 559-yard, five-touchdown game against Southern Mississippi. In a down year for the Heisman, Keenum just might be the guy to crash the party and become the first player from a non-BCS conference to win the award since Ty Detmer won in 1990.
School:Texas Class: Senior Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210
Comment: McCoy is starting to come on in the Heisman race, but is it too late? He still is having trouble getting on the experts' ballot. If he keeps having games like he did against Oklahoma State, he should have no trouble earning a trip to New York.
School:Boise State Class: Sophomore Ht: 6-0 Wt: 187
Comment: Moore now has a realistic chance to be a finalist for the award as a sophomore. Not only is he ranked first in the nation in passing efficiency, but also has thrown 24 touchdowns, more than Jimmy Clausen and just one less than Case Keenum.
School:Florida Class: Senior Ht: 6-3 Wt: 245
Comment: Tebow had one of his best games of the season, throwing for 164 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for two more scores. Tebow definitely will have the opportunities to have more big games as the quarterback for the No. 1-ranked team in the nation.
I see Noel Devine's name on the to watch list, but the kid has more plays of 70 yds or more than any non-QB in college football. He's explosive, and crazy-fast. Noone hits the hole harder or any quicker than Devine. Claussen's there
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I don't see how Darryl Clarks name isn't even mentioned. He had one bad game against Iowa and that is it. He tore up Michigan last week and has been playing lights out since Iowa. Here are DC's numbers, you tell me.
How do you write an entire article about how C.J. Spiller is the most underrated back in America and should be in the Heisman discussion and yet no one on this list even gives him a point? Why even publish the story if you won't back it up
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