Just like the episode of the Simpsons where Bart and Lisa wind up on opposing teams, this week's edition of the Heisman watch features two quarterbacks fighting it out for their parents' (or in this case football fans') love.
Unlike with America's favorite animated family, there was no hugging reunion at the end of Saturday's Miami-Florida contest. Instead, the Hurricanes stomped the Gators in the Swamp, 41-16. As a result, Rex Grossman, the signal-caller who seemed preordained to win the bronze statuette before the season, falls off our list thanks to going 19-45 for 191 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns.
Does this mean the King is forever banished from his would-be kingdom? Somehow we doubt it. However, a week of penitence is in order before he compiles whatever obscene numbers he is sure to pile up against Ohio this weekend.
Ahead of the pack
Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami
Dorsey did exactly what his supporters say he needs to do if he's going to be honored by the Downtown Athletic Club: win.
The numbers weren't gaudy, with Dorsey throwing for 202 yards on 16 completions and his three interceptions nearly canceling out the four touchdowns. To further back up his reputation as a leader, the normally mild-mannered Dorsey even talked some trash, visibly jawing with Gator defensive linemen throughout the second quarter.
He might not have Grossman's arm, but he is the man who led the 'Canes to victory, something that's never easy at Florida. As long as he continues to get that done, he should be in the driver's seat.
If numbers are really what impresses voters, Dorsey should have plenty of opportunities to gauge himself next week against Temple.
Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall
He did nothing Saturday. Literally.
Never ones to let inaction bother us, we won't penalize Leftwich for Marshall's bye week. The 460 yards he picked up against Appalachian State two Saturdays ago will tide him over for now. The real test for Leftwich will come this week when the Thundering Herd travel to Blacksburg to take on Virginia Tech, certain to be Marshall's toughest test of the season.
Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State
Rogers catapulted himself into the top echelon of Heisman contenders with his first breakout game of the season. His nine receptions, 155 yards, and two touchdowns against Rice were crucial in the Spartans' lackluster 27-10 victory over their WAC opponents. That was enough to earn him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors this week, and it makes him the most promising early candidate to sneak into this year's ceremony at the Yale Club of New York City and possibly steal the trophy from the talent-laden group of quarterbacks.
Making the Move
Willis McGahee, RB, Miami
It will be difficult for any of the Hurricanes' skill position players, excepting Dorsey, to take the spotlight over the others. There are just too many athletes to give the ball to. However, if McGahee keeps having days like the one he had Saturday against Florida, he will distance himself from the pack. The sophomore tailback left no questions about how the 'Canes would replace graduated running back Clinton Portis, rushing for 204 yards on 24 carries in the 41-16 shellacking of the Gators.
Player you should know
Terrell Suggs, DE, Arizona State
The University of Central Florida Golden Knights are a lot like little dogs: they yap too much and buzz all over the place.
Terrell Suggs doesn't like dogs. The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder sacked UCF quarterback Ryan Schneider twice, once for a safety. Another time, his pressure caused Schneider to drill the ball right into the chest of Josh Amobi, who happens to be a Sun Devil linebacker. Amobi returned the ball 21 yards for a touchdown and Schneider left the game with bruised ribs.
Suggs finished with seven tackles, four of them for losses. Those four tackles single-handedly set back UCF one fourth of the field.
A 2,000-yard rusher in high school, Suggs beats people with speed. Through three games, he has seven sacks and seven tackles for losses and is on pace to break his 2001 totals of 10 and 18, respectively. Those numbers earned him first-team all-conference honors last season.
The numbers he'll put up this year could garner him All-America status, a Heisman look and, hopefully, your attention.
