2004 HEISMAN WATCH: Final
 (Official Heisman Trophy Site)
CollegeSports.com Frontrunner: ADRIAN PETERSON, RB, OKLAHOMA
HEISMAN HYPE: Well, they had to give him the invite, but will the voters give him the Trophy? Adrian Peterson has not only been the best running back in college football this season, but he has also been the most consistent, and most clutch - especially when you consider the level of competition the Sooners play. Peterson is a big reason why OU was able to open up the offense in the second half of the season, and he will be an even bigger reason why Bob Stoops' team is at the top of the rankings next season. Adrian, our vote goes to you!
 
  • Last Game: Oklahoma 42, Colorado 3
  • Game-by-Game Stats
    • 2004 STATISTICS
    Record Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds TD
    12-0 314 1,843 5.9 15 3 6 0
    TOP CONTENDERS
    MATT LEINART, QB, USC
    HEISMAN HYPE: Matt Leinart's performance against UCLA may look sub-par on paper, but he did the same thing he has been doing all year long -- win. The 6'5" USC quarterback was the leader of the nation's top team week in and week out, despite the various weapons the Trojans possess. His upperclassman status, added to the his team's No. 1 ranking could give him the edge with the voters. Regardless, Leinart should be a top NFL prospect, as was his predecessor and Heisman winner Carson Palmer ('02).
     
  • Last Game: USC 29, UCLA 24
  • Game-by-Game Stats
    • 2004 STATISTICS
    Record Comp Att Yds TD INT Rush Yds TD
    12-0 251 377 2990 28 6 47 -33 3
    JASON WHITE, QB, OKLAHOMA
    HEISMAN HYPE: 42-3. That was the score of Jason White's final game as a Sooner -- which should certainly leave a nice taste in voters' mouths. Unfortunately, it was his freshman tailback Adrian Peterson who had the big day (172 yards, 3 TDs). We think White was the backbone of this offense, but he was not the catalyst like he was when he won the Trophy last season. It's too bad the Sugar Bowl will be played after the Heisman Trophy is dealt out, since it would be great to see how he does against a top defense -- that goes for Leinart too.
     
  • Last Game: Oklahoma 42, Colorado 3
  • Game-by-Game Stats
    • 2004 STATISTICS
    Record Comp Att Yds TD INT Rush Yds TD
    12-0 209 325 2,707 30 4 20 -48 0
    ALEX SMITH, QB, UTAH
    HEISMAN HYPE: The fact that Alex Smith had his first "bad" game of the year last weekend really says something about his play this season. He climbed the Mountain West with the Utes on his back this season, mastering both the air and ground-attacks. His two interceptions against rival BYU match his entire season's total (2), but he helped Utah to a win nonetheless -- securing an undefeated season for coach Urban Meyer. Utah has reached a BCS bowl, and Alex has gotten the invite to New York, making history in both regards.
     
  • Last Game: Utah 52, BYU 21
  • Game-by-Game Stats
    • 2004 STATISTICS
    Record Comp Att Yds TD INT Rush Yds TD
    11-0 185 280 2624 28 4 120 563 10
    REGGIE BUSH, RB, USC
    HEISMAN HYPE: The leader of the Trojans is clearly their quarterback, but there is no doubt that split back Reggie Bush is their best athlete. So the question remains: Can yet another do-it-all man win the Heisman Trophy, a la Charles Woodson ('97) or Desmond Howard ('91). Chances are unlikely, especially since USC's leader and everyday playmaker is three notches higher on this list -- but you can never count out the most exciting player in college football.
     
  • Last Game: USC 29, UCLA 24
  • Game-by-Game Stats
    • 2004 STATISTICS
    Record Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds TD
    12-0 122 629 5.2 4 35 405 7