Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Sports

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In a year dominated by powerhouse defenses, it has become increasingly difficult to spot a clear front-runner for this year's Heisman Memorial Trophy. The injury to last year's winner, Sam Bradford, combined with less than stellar numbers from Texas quarterback, Colt McCoy, has opened the door for several unlikely candidates to emerge.


Tim Tebow, QB
Florida

After losing his top three receivers to the NFL draft, Tim Tebow has rebounded wonderfully. He has kept preseason favorite Florida Gators at the number one spot in the BCS rankings. When you combine his outstanding numbers, 1323 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 551 rush yards and eight rushing touchdowns, with Florida's strength of schedule you get a second Heisman in two years.


Mark Ingram, RB
Alabama

The workhorse for the Crimson Tide has sported gaudy numbers against SEC opponents this season. The week after torching Mississippi for a career high 172 yards, he rushed for 246 yards in a victory over South Carolina. With a shaky pass game, Alabama has relied heavily on Ingram and he has not disappointed. However, Alabama's remaining schedule is no cakewalk. He will have to stay consistent against the tough run defenses of LSU and Auburn.


Jimmy Clausen, QB
Notre Dame

Perhaps the best passer in the NCAA, Fighting Irish junior quarterback Jimmy Clausen, has elevated his game to a new level. After two subpar seasons in South Bend, Clausen has thrown for 2318 yards and 18 touchdowns with only two interceptions in '09. Although he has had the luxury of throwing to a plethora of weapons, his 164.2 passer rating is undeniable. Clausen needs to put up big numbers against weak competition to surpass Tebow, but with Michael Floyd returning this weekend, don't be surprised if Notre Dame produces another Heisman winner.


Kellen Moore, QB
Boise State

As the nation's highest rated passer, Moore (171.0) has taken full advantage of a pathetic MAC conference. Despite being a relative unknown around the college football circuit, Moore has thrown 24 touchdowns against just two interceptions, while completing 67% of his passes this season. Boise State has routed six out of their eight opponents and sits at the number seven spot in the BCS with a perfect 8-0 record. Should the Broncos win out, they will undoubtedly play in a BCS bowl, giving Moore a chance to shine in the national spotlight but a watered-down schedule is inevitably going to dampen his chances of being a finalist this year.


Golden Tate, WR
Notre Dame

Fighting Irish receiver, Golden Tate, has received the least amount of Heisman buzz out of all legitimate candidates. Coming off of a strong 2008 campaign, (1080 yards 9 TD's) Tate has begun his ascension to the NCAA's elite. After Notre Dame lost Michael Floyd to injury, many anticipating a collapse of the Irish passing game. Tate saw things differently, going over 100-yards receiving in three out of his last four games, among those, a 244-yard outburst in an overtime victory against Washington. His 927 yards and nine touchdowns are good for third in the NCAA, respectively. The return of Floyd could equal fewer receptions for Tate, however it could also lead to a reduction of double teams that Tate faces on a weekly basis.

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