PA SportsTicker's 2008 Heisman Trophy Watch

Dec 4, 2008 - 5:25 PM By Barry Werner PA SportsTicker Staff Writer

One day, two games, three candidates remain for the Heisman Trophy.

While Texas quarterback Colt McCoy's resume is complete, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Florida's Tim Tebow get a chance to finish their respective campaigns with a flourish in the Big 12 and SEC championship games on Saturday.

One play - Texas Tech's last-second touchdown - and the BCS standings will likely be too much for McCoy to overcome his fellow candidates.

Harsh and unfair. However, the Longhorns could have knocked Michael Crabtree out of bounds before his thrilling score. There isn't much they could have done about the computer, short of using it as a tackling dummy.

McCoy would need Alabama to upset Florida and Missouri to shock Oklahoma to become the choice in a year unlike many others, when the Heisman doesn't have a clear-cut favorite.

SAM BRADFORD, QB, OKLAHOMA

SEASON STATS: 4,080 passing yards, 68.2 percent completion rate, 46 passing TDs

LAST WEEK: 30-of-44 for 370 yards, 4 passing touchdowns, 4 rushes, 1 touchdown rushing in 61-41 hammering of Oklahoma State

NEXT OPPONENT: vs. Missouri, December 6

OUTLOOK: Sometimes one image can enhance a Heisman campaign. How about Bradford's helicopter--like spin while trying to score against the Cowboys? That effort spoke to: "I will do anything to win."

And while he didn't get into the end zone on that play, the Sooners did put their fourth straight 60-point effort on the scoreboard. Will be interesting to see if the non-throwing hand injury that will require surgery after the Big 12 Championship will hamper Slingin' Sam.

Barring a stunner by Missouri, Bradford has positioned himself to be right there at the wire, especially since the BCS standings tilted the competition in his and the Sooners' favor by giving them the Big 12 South slot in the championship game despite a head-to-head loss against Texas.

TIM TEBOW, QB, FLORIDA

SEASON STATS: 2,299 passing yards, 65.0 percent completion rate, 25 TDs, 507 yards rushing, 12 TDs

LAST WEEK: 185 passing yards on 12-of-20, three TDs, 92 yards rushing, one TD in 45-15 flogging of Florida State

NEXT OPPONENT: vs. Alabama, December 6

OUTLOOK: Surging at the finish and a win over top-ranked and undefeated Alabama would position him for a repeat. How about accounting for 37 touchdowns while throwing only two interceptions?

One point separates Tebow and the Gators from perfection, although they won't evoke the same sympathy that McCoy and the Longhorns receive since Florida's loss was at home to a then-lightly regarded Mississippi.

The Rebels have proven to be a tougher out, so the loss has grown. Tebow's play has been pristine since the defeat and a win and SEC championship heading into the national title game would certainly position him for a Heisman repeat.

Also think that Bradford, McCoy and to a lesser extent Graham Harrell could split up some voting, leaving Tebow with a clearer path to the podium. Still, there is a vibe that the stronger candidates come from the Big 12. Earlier in the year, that was the case. Not sure anymore.

COLT McCOY, QB, TEXAS

SEASON STATS: 3,445 passing yards, 77.6 percent completion rate, 32 passing TDs, 576 yards rushing, 10 rushing TDs

LAST WEEK: 23-of-28 passing for 311 yards and two touchdowns, 11 rushes for 49 yards, two TDs in 49-9 romp over Texas A&M

NEXT OPPONENT: Bowl game

OUTLOOK: Not only did McCoy lead the way directing the Longhorns and passing them to 11 victories, but he also was their leading rusher. He combined for more than 4,000 yards in the air and on the ground and 42 touchdowns.

Still, not playing on Saturday could be damning to his Heisman hopes. One play separates McCoy from being odds-on to win the Trophy. One play separates McCoy and the Longhorns from a spot in the Big 12 champiosnhip game, an undefeated season and a place in the BCS national title affair.

That one play could wind up costing both all the accolades. Both the quarterback and Texas will need some help on Saturday, and it doesn't seem they are likely to get it.

MY HEISMAN VOTE: Tebow. Probably not the popular choice, but his play has been stellar and he has a chance to impress and make quite the statement by upending top-ranked Alabama.

Question or comment? E-mail barry.werner@pa-sportsticker.com.