Top 10 Heisman Hopefuls after Week 10

If you thought the National Title race was interesting well after week 10, the race for the Heisman just got even more interesting. Most thought it was Troy Smith's to lose and lose it he almost did last week against Illinois. He had his worst game all year against the Illini and allowed a few others to close the gap on him. It might all come down (again) to the Notre Dame-USC game and how well Brady Quinn plays in that game, but I am not about to count out Michael Hart if Michigan runs the table impressively. 1. Troy Smith - The grip Mr. Smith had on the Heisman is not as tight as it was the week before. He had his worst game all year throwing for only 108 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. He will need good showings in the next two games, and especially against Michigan if he wants to hold the trophy in December. 2. Brady Quinn - Quinn benefited from a poor showing by Troy Smith and an impressive one on his part. Voters have long forgotten his game against Michigan and now look forward to his game against USC in the Coliseum. 3. Michael Hart - Hart shined even though his team didn't as he ran for 154 yards and a touchdown. His chances to win the 2006 Heisman might be slim but if he stays he is placing himself as the front-runner in 2007. 4. Steve Slaton - Usually when someone runs for over 150 yards and a touchdown against a top 10 team you are impressed but when that same person fumbles on two consecutive carries you have to step back and re-evaluate his position. Don't forget Slaton is only a sophomore and that he's been playing a good part of the season with a bone chip in his wrist. He'll be back up top next year. 5. Calvin Johnson - Johnson proves once again that if he can get his hands on the ball he can be productive. He had 168 yards receiving to go along with two touchdowns and showed the nation once and for all that he is the best wide receiver in the nation. 6. Colt Brennan - Product of the system or not, this guy opens eyes. With four games to go he has 39 touchdown passes and 3300 yards. He has a legitimate shot at 5000 yards passing and over 50 touchdowns for the season. 7. Colt McCoy - McCoy's growth from the beginning of the season to now is non-other than amazing. He went from a baby faced true freshman to a true threat at the QB position. Two weeks ago he had an impressive day leading the Longhorns back from behind against Texas Tech and last week threw for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns against Oklahoma State. 8. Ian Johnson - If you could sum up Ian Johnson in one word that word would be "tough". That is exactly how he runs, dragging defenders yards before they can bring him down. His league leading 20 rushing touchdowns is nothing to brush off either. 9. Darren McFadden - I now believe in McFadden and the Razorbacks. I kept waiting for them to fall flat on their face against South Carolina but McFadden shredded the defense for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns. It looks as if he will get to showcase himself in the SEC Title game. 10. Marshawn Lynch - Lynch is still waiting for the USC game, but against UCLA he should have put up better numbers. It would have really helped his chances since the game was part of the ABC Saturday Night telecast. Honorable Mention: PJ Hill Jr, Pat White, Ray Rice