It's one of the most coveted trophies in all of sports. It is known for its curse on quarterbacks and signature pose. It's the most debated award leading up to -- and after -- its presentation. It is, of course, the Heisman Trophy, which will be awarded this year on Dec. 14.
Entering the final week of the season, I feel it's my duty to fill out a ballot of my own. Although I cannot promise the winner, I can guarantee you that my rankings will include more logic and fairness than that of the bowl selection committees at the Gator, Peach and Tangerine Bowls. In fact, simply drawing schools out of a hat would be fairer than how this year's ACC bowl assignments have gone. All I can say is that coach Al Groh has yet another motivating tool at his disposal for not only this year's bowl game, but also next season. But that is a topic to be further discussed in a future week.
Back to the Heisman. Before diving into my Top 6, let me remind you that the award goes to the "most outstanding college player of the 2002 season." In ascending order
6. Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall
If the award went to the "best NFL-prospect," then Leftwich would be the frontrunner. Great arm, great accuracy, great footwork, great size and undoubtedly the heart of a lion. But his serious lack of competition and time missed due to injury drop him to this spot. Maybe his injury will scare the Bengals off -- at least we hope, for Leftwich's sake.
5. Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami
If the Heisman was a lifetime achievement award, then Dorsey would have this honor signed, sealed and delivered. His 37-1 career win-loss record is a testament to his outstanding leadership on the nation's most dominant team. Although he might be the engine of Miami's locomotive, he is not even the best player on his team, let alone in the country. His numbers against top opponents are not Heisman caliber and, therefore, neither his he.
4. Willis McGahee, RB, Miami
He is the best player on the nation's best team -- usually a strong indicator for the Heisman voters. It was McGahee's 58-yard run after the catch that set up the game-winning touchdown against Florida State to save Miami's season. His big games against Florida, Tennessee and the Seminoles merit some serious attention. He is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. As only a sophomore, it's safe to consider him the frontrunner for next season's award, but, through no fault of his own, not this year's.
3. Carson Palmer, QB, USC
He is the leader of the nation's hottest team. He has thrown for more yards and touchdowns with a higher completion percentage and a higher rating than Miami's Dorsey. His 32-for-46, 425-yard, four-touchdown performance against a very good Notre Dame defense was impressive. Palmer has led the Trojans to a 10-2 record with the toughest schedule in the nation. One of those losses, however, just jumps out at you. In Southern Cal's 27-20 loss at Kansas State, Palmer was a disappointing 18-of-46 for 186 yards. In such a tight race, one bad game is enough to slide from number one to number three.
2. Larry Johnson, RB, Penn St.
Virginia fans got a taste of Johnson when he ran over the Cavaliers for 188 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries. At 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds, Johnson barreled over the likes of Northwestern, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan State while amassing over 250 yards rushing in each of those games. Against Michigan State, Johnson had the nation's most outstanding half, rushing for 279 yards and four touchdowns in the first half alone. If "Joe Pa" had let him run wild in the second half, he might have gained 500 yards that day. Johnson averages over eight yards every time he touches the ball. With 2015 rushing yards, he would be the first 2000-yard running back on a team that won at least nine games to not win the Heisman. So why shouldn't he? Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio State. Against those three teams -- the only ranked teams the Nittany Lions played this year -- Johnson ran for 78, 68 and 66 yards, respectively. Although the magic number of 2000 may be Heisman-worthy, those three performances are not.
1. Brad Banks, QB, Iowa
And by process of elimination, that leaves us with this previously unknown signal-caller. Banks led his team to the No. 3 national ranking and a share of the Big Ten crown. He was this year's most dynamic, best all-around player. He leads the nation in passing efficiency rating with a remarkable 166.1. He has thrown for 25 touchdowns and only four interceptions. With not nearly the number of weapons at his disposal as Dorsey and Palmer has, Banks did it all for the Hawkeyes. In addition to his impressive passing statistics, Banks ran for nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns. He was the only player I watched this season who seemed like he could score a touchdown -- either through the air or on the ground -- at any given moment. No one meant more to his team than Banks. Although his season may simply be regarded as "lightning in a bottle," he was college football's most electric and outstanding player this year.
As I look to next year's candidates, I find myself saying something I would have found absolutely ridiculous only a few months ago. Matt Schaub for Heisman in 2003.
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