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Frontrunners

Dave Martin/AP Mike simons/ Tulsa World file Michael Wyke/Tulsa World file

 
By MIKE STRAIN World Sports Editor & JAMES ROYAL World Sports Writer
Published: 12/10/2008  2:24 AM
Last Modified: 12/10/2008  3:01 AM

The finalists for the Heisman Trophy will be released Wednesday.

We look at the top three candidates and the case for each of them.


Sam Bradford



Oklahoma
Quarterback
Sophomore



Numbers to know



1: National ranking in pass efficiency

48: Touchdown passes; leads country

54.0: OU's points per game; leads country

343.4: Pass yards per game; third in country



Defining Bradford



His huge statistics and uncanny accuracy are well-documented. He's also a leader (sophomore was voted a team captain) and has unquestioned toughness that was on display in one memorable play against Oklahoma State. Bradford flipped in mid-air and crashed to the ground as he dived for the end zone on a scramble. He didn't score, but was it a Heisman moment?



Voting analysis



In what appears to be a close race, will Bradford and Texas' Colt McCoy split votes in Big 12 country? Could Texas Tech's Graham Harrell also siphon votes? In informal Heisman polls this week, Bradford, McCoy and Florida's Tim Tebow were all close.

Colt McCoy



Texas
Quarterback
Junior



Numbers to know



10: Touchdown runs

32: Touchdown passes

287.1: Pass yards per game; 10th in country

576: Rushing yards; leads team



Defining McCoy



McCoy had huge performances during a four-game stretch that put Texas in the heart of the national-title race. In consecutive games against OU, Missouri, OSU and Texas Tech, McCoy averaged 325 passing yards and threw seven touchdowns. In the signature win against OU, he directed three second-half touchdown drives — all at least 74 yards.



Voting analysis



Could McCoy pick up a sympathy vote? In the biggest controversy of this football season, Texas was edged by Oklahoma in the BCS standings that determined the Big 12 South's winner. Could Heisman voters consider that and give McCoy and Texas a consolation prize of sorts?

Tim tebow



Florida
Quarterback
Junior



Numbers to know



12: Touchdown runs

28: Touchdown passes

564: Rushing yards

193.5: Pass yards per game; 64th in country



Defining Tebow



Last year, he became the first sophomore to win the Heisman. This year, he tries to become the second two-time winner (joining Ohio State's Archie Griffin in 1974, '75). Tebow is an excellent passer, a battering-ram runner and an unquestioned leader. During a 31-20 SEC championship win over Alabama, Tebow led his team to two fourth-quarter TDs to rally from a deficit.



Voting analysis



Will Tebow's Heisman a year ago help him or hurt him? He's the most publicized of the three candidates, and his super SEC championship performance Saturday will produce votes. But some voters might decide to spread the Heisman wealth and two other quality candidates are out there.
By MIKE STRAIN World Sports Editor & JAMES ROYAL World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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8 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!

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Report Comment
Arbythree, Tulsa (12/10/2008 9:52:18 AM)
Good luck Sam!! You have made us proud and successful no matter what happens. HOWEVER, you clearly deserve the Heisman.

Report Comment
TMS, (12/10/2008 11:09:06 AM)
Sam's a good kid but not the "man" the other two are. He might be the best prospect for the Pro's as a passer but the other two are better college QB's.
Report Comment
Edington, (12/10/2008 11:57:02 AM)
I'm sorry but I have to comment on "TMS":
"Sam's not the man. . ." So to be the best "college QB" you have to run the ball as well as pass it? TMS, you don't think it takes a "man" to sit back in the pocket and make accurate reads and throws? I'm not sure what you're def. of a "man" is but, jeeez! Also, Sam has 5 run TD's plus the 48 passing TD's, a 1000-2000 more yards passing than "TD Timmmy" and Colt 45. The argument that Colt did more with less is a joke-so Texas doesn't recruit 5 star talent? Sam is not a system QB. It's just that he is so smart and accurate with the football and since he executes the No-Huddle so well they have more time to run more plays, that is part of the reason why his numbers are so amazing, but don't you think this success speaks to Sam's ability to micro-manage a game? Maybe if Sam was a glorified "throwing Fullback" and had some red paint on his face and ran up and down the sidelines bumping chests with everybody and the kicker then maybe they would like him better at ESPN. Besides, it all comes down to money and politics just like everything elese. I hope that Sam doesn't get the little statue, and ESPN keeps raggin' on OU and whining about Texas. We could have some deja vu' ala NCG 2000 "you got my Boi's trophy-I'm here to take it back"
BOOMER SOONER!!!!
Report Comment
hawkdaddy57, (12/10/2008 12:55:40 PM)
I love Tebow as much as the next guy(great kid, great example, great player, great leader) but I think he should not even be in the discussion with the other two. Just look at the numbers. Yes, he had a great season. Yes, he led his team to the SEC championship, but his numbers are not even in the same time zone as the other guys. If it wasn't for the amount of hype he gets from the media, he wouldn't be in the picture.

That being said, I think the nod goes to Mccoy over Bradford. Colt has willed his team to a great season. He has had incredible numbers throwing and running the ball and has been clutch when it counts. Wouldn't be disappointed if Sam won. I think both are really deserving but Mccoy would get my vote.
Report Comment
Big Harp, Florida (12/10/2008 1:19:27 PM)
The Heisman is awarded to the best College Football Player in the voters opinion, remember it is only a opinion poll that is highly influenced by who is in the news the most. With Florida having won a title recently and Tebow having won last year, that's a lot of hype to overcome. Remember Archie Griffin by no means was he the best his second year, but it was the Sports Media that played him up so he won. I myself say football is a team sport and the only Trophy that really matters is that Crystal Football.....Go Sooners! Make it #8
Report Comment
CHRISSY, Tahlequah (12/10/2008 4:47:45 PM)
Sam will win the Heisman and make the guys on ESPN regret every negative word said about him and the SOONERS. He's the best college QB in the country. Just look at his numbers!!! One other thing WHY IS TEBOW ON THE FRONT PAGE(Sports) OF OUR TULSA WORLD NEWSPAPER????? If I wanted to read about Tebow I'd buy a paper from Florida..
Report Comment
Sharkey Hammerhead, owasso (12/10/2008 6:01:42 PM)
My sentiment too Chrissy, why is Tebow on our front page, I guess the writers here feel he`s the one as well. WE should run a story about Sam everyday his life as a student ,athelete, son , friend and point out all of his character.. I`m sure he`s as good of kid as Timmy. Plus like I said before lets do something different this year lets do a bio of all the sooners or at least the o line they are tremedous...
Report Comment
soonernok1, (12/10/2008 7:20:32 PM)
TMS-"Sam's a good kid but not the "man" the other two are. He might be the best prospect for the Pro's as a passer but the other two are better college QB's"

Your post absoletly makes no sense whatsoever.
 

 
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