Heisman Hunt

In just a few hours, the best college football player from the 2009 season will be named as the Heisman Trophy winner. This year’s five candidates make it perhaps the most contested Heisman race in years. Here’s how I think tonight’s ceremony will break down (although I may not totally agree with it):

#5-Toby Gerhart, Stanford RB: Gerhart ranks first in carries, yards and touchdowns in the nation with 311, 1,736 and 26, respectively. However, his name hasn’t been on the main stage as much this season as the other contestants. What hurts Gerhart the most is playing for Stanford, who got a spot in the sub-par Sun Bowl against a 7-5 Oklahoma team that disappointed many this year.

#4-Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska DT: Suh’s a beast, with 82 tackles and a 3rd-best 12 sacks in his senior season. However, defensive players don’t standout when it comes to Heisman winners. In fact, there has been just one defensive Heisman winner ever, Michigan’s Charles Woodsen in 1997, who was listed as a D-back and a wide receiver.

#3-Tim Tebow, Florida QB: He’s one of the most beloved (and therefore most hated) players in college football. But, there has only been one two-time Heisman winner ever, and it will remain that way after tonight. Although Tebow posted good numbers, like finishing 8th in the nation with a 155.6 passer rating, his completions, yards and touchdowns have dropped since his Heisman-winning sophomore year. Plus, Tebow landed the Gators just short of another National Championship run. However, he will go down in history as one of the best college football players ever to grace the national stage.

#2-Mark Ingram, Alabama RB: Ingram finished the season with 249 carries for 1,542 yards and 15 touchdowns. He lands higher on the list than fellow running back Gerhart for a few reasons. One being that Ingram is only a sophomore, and tearing apart defenses like he does at such a young age gives him major points. Also, Ingram has been a main reason why the Crimson Tide will be playing in Pasadena for the BCS title.

#1-Colt McCoy, Texas QB: And the winner is… This Longhorn leader ranks 3rd in completion percentage (70.5), 6th in yards (3,512) and 8th in touchdowns (27). McCoy finished 2nd in the 2008 Heisman standings as a junior, so with numbers similar to last year’s, he seems to be a shoe-in. Not to mention he will be vying for BCS National Championship title in January. Another thing in his favor: in the last 10 years, the Heisman has been given to a quarterback eight times. Congratulations, Colt.