Heisman not totally locked up by Boston College's Ryan
Usually by now, the Heisman Trophy engraving process can begin.
Last year, Troy Smith had all but secured the award before November. In 2005, Reggie Bush was the clear-cut frontrunner thanks to his cutback runs. Matt Leinart was the obvious choice in 2004.
But in this wacky season, the Heisman, like everything else in college football, is up for grabs.
I got a call from a friend after the Boston College-Virginia Tech game, declaring Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan the Heisman winner. My friend pointed to Ryan's clutch touchdown passes, which sliced through the rain and preserved BC's perfect season.
Those throws were mind-blowing, but Ryan also threw two interceptions. BC's schedule has been relatively soft, Ryan ranks 50th in passing efficiency, and the school didn't launch Ryan's Heisman Web site, www.mattyice.com, until last Saturday.
If the Eagles win out, the Heisman likely belongs to Ryan. But there are several other players to track through November.
Who are they?
• Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon
Why he matters: Dixon ranks sixth nationally in passing efficiency (160.3) and has rushed for a touchdown in all eight games. Behind Dixon, the Ducks rank fourth nationally in total offense despite playing the nation's seventh toughest schedule.
Manhattan letdown: He plays on the wrong coast and isn't helped by the Pac-10's lame TV deal.
• Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Why he matters: Tebow leads the nation in passing efficiency (176.5) and has 12 rushing touchdowns. A truly unique talent, Tebow ranks eighth nationally in total offense (313. 8 ypg).
Manhattan letdown: As good as Tebow has been, he plays on a team with three losses and counting. His unorthodox style could hurt.
• Pat White, QB, W. Virginia
Why he matters: He's been nearly flawless in the last three games, rushing for 156 yards against Rutgers. He missed the second half of West Virginia's only loss (at South Florida) with a thigh injury.
Manhattan letdown: His numbers aren't staggering, and he shares the spotlight with running back Steve Slaton.
• Mike Hart, RB, Michigan
Why he matters: Hart's steady production and lock-down ball security is staggering. He ranks third nationally in rushing (154 ypg).
Manhattan letdown: Missing the last two games with injury effectively kills Hart's chances.
• Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
Why he matters: Few players have been as dominant the last two seasons as Rice, who followed an 1,794-yard rushing effort in 2006 with 1,141 through eight games.
Manhattan letdown: Every Rutgers loss - there are three of them now - pushes Rice farther from the prize.
Starting over
My perfect streak ended last week thanks to a mystifying Florida team, but I'll take a 3-1 mark. Here are this week's picks.
• Wake Forest at Virginia, 11 a.m., no TV
The skinny: The Cavaliers cracked at N.C. State and will continue to slide.
The pick: Wake 28, UVA 24
• Michigan at Michigan State, 2:30 p.m. Channel 7
The skinny: The Spartans are in their annual free-fall.
The pick: UM 31, MSU 21
• LSU at Alabama, 4 p.m., Channel 2
The skinny: LSU will be ready for the Saban Bowl.
The pick: LSU 35, Alabama 31
• Arizona State at Oregon, 5:45 p.m., ESPN
The skinny: Arizona State has built its season on second-half comebacks, but falling behind Oregon is suicide. ASU gets down early and stays there.
The pick: Oregon 41, ASU 24
Rittenberg's record: 26-10