Heisman Week: Breaking down the candidates

The Heisman race in May resembles the Democrats' race for the White House in any month.

Everybody's a candidate.

The difference being that someone will eventually win the Heisman. That's why there's no need to limit the field during Heisman Week. A four-part series begins today examining college football's Holy Grail.

It remains the most significant individual trophy handed out in sports. Its winners are worshipped and scrutinized for the rest of their lives.

Heisman curse? For the first time the trophy itself might be cursed if Reggie Bush is asked (forced?) to give it back.

This year's favorite? We won't reveal that until later in the week. Until then, here are the candidates' resumes.

Arizona State quarterbacks: One way or another, quarterbacks Rudy Carpenter and/or Sam Keller will throw for 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. They essentially did it (4,438 yards, 37 touchdowns combined) last year. The question is, will it be one guy or a combo job? Carpenter took over after Keller was injured, went 4-1 as a starter, and become the nation's most efficient passer. Pedigree: Coach Dirk Koetter has had seven quarterbacks at least sign professional contracts, six of them in the NFL, including Super Bowl loser Matt Hasselbeck.

Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville, Jr.: In this Year of the ACL, Louisville's chances hinge on the repair of Brohm's knee. They're marveling over BB's quick rehab but until he gets hit there again -- and beats Miami on Sept. 16 -- we're still skeptical. Why Darrell Griffith matters in this discussion: Wooden Award winners at Louisville outnumber Heisman winners 1-0.

Brady Quinn looks to lead the Irish to a record-setting season. (Getty Images)

Michael Bush, RB, Louisville, Sr.: Then again, if Bush gets cranked up maybe it won't matter. If Bush can get enough touches, he is a 1,500-yard rusher waiting to happen. The key in Bobby Petrino's offense is getting enough touches. Bush got enough to score 24 touchdowns last year and has 38 in his career. Did you know? Engravers would have to change only the first name if Michael succeeds Reggie.

Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas, Soph.: If Mack Brown is smart -- and we know he is because of that big ol' shiny ring -- he'll feed Charles this year. Bulletin: Charles' chances just improved after teammate Ramonce Taylor was arrested over the weekend for (allegedly) possessing five pounds of pot. Bet on the come:The Big 12 offensive freshman of the year shared time at tailback and still ran for 878 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame, Sr.: All those school records and The Mighty Quinn still has another year. By staying in school, the current Brady was no doubt thinking he could be the new Brady under Chaz Weis. Quick, name the last Notre Dame quarterback to win the Heisman: John Huarte, 1964. Can that be right?

Ted Ginn Jr., WR/KR, Ohio State, Jr.: His Heisman bid began in January's Fiesta Bowl. Ginn's 167 receiving yards against Notre Dame in the Fiesta were more than a quarter of his season total coming into the game. Reason why Ginn won't continue to be a track-star freak show: He's smarter. Ohio State has plenty to go around him. He's playing for an NFL contract.

Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn, Sr.: Auburn is the best team in the SEC (barely, in a tight race). The line is a monster. Irons comes up big in big games. He got 397 of his 1,293 rushing yards against the SEC championship combatants (LSU and Georgia). Karma dept.: The last Auburn player to win the Heisman was a tailback. Bo, something...