Team Heisman: USC's Leinart surrounded by trophy talent

It's true, and it puts Leinart in a tough position. Does he admit the obvious, that the Trojans' system and talent demand he put up enormous numbers? Or does he take pride in the way he has been able to direct that system and harness that talent?

Saturday night, he did both.

"That's an argument that gets made all the time, that the system is set up for the quarterback to play great," Leinart said. "But they need somebody to operate it. That's what I've been doing.

"I've been fortunate to have great players around me. We came into the season so young, with questions at offensive line and receiver, and we're still doing it. The system works, obviously. We recruit the best players every year, so it ought to keep going. We have backups who are awesome offensive weapons. (Third-team tailback) Desmond Reed is the best-kept secret in college football."

Leinart shouldn't be penalized for having the best talent and the best system.

But other Heisman candidates shouldn't be penalized because they don't.