I won't even pretend that I came up with it myself, but I like the idea more and more.  There is no single offensive superstar in the NCAA right now, which paves the way perfectly for someone from a different position to win the Heisman.  Give it to LSU's Dorsey, he is the primary reason that the LSU defense wreaks so much havoc on opposing offenses.

this is a potential "playing the numbers game" column.  [yes, i still plan on writing these.  i've been swamped lately.]

Andre Woodson
Michael Hart
Dennis Dixon

It seems like Woodson is the clear cut front runner right now. If they beat Florida he will have a death grip on the trophy.

Hart is by far the most impressive RB right now. I'm pretty sure he accounts for 80%+ of their offense and every opponent knows who the ball is going to.

Dixon can ball and puts up playstation stats in big games. If they knock off USC his name goes in the hopper.

one of the widest-open Heisman races in recent memory.  Not even narrowed down to three or four guys.  Just anyone.  I haven't seen Darren McFadden show up on any highlights, and I watched part of the Auburn-Arkie game and didn't notice him at all.  Felix Jones is making all the plays I see.  Maybe they should just give this one to VY as a make-up call.  If not, it should go to someone on defense this year, if only because this is the only year they have a real chance to do so.  If they give it to some jackass from Ohio State, I will not comment on Heisman crap anymore, ever.  Someone random needs to win, just like two random teams need to play for the championship.  Trouble with the BCS is it assumes that at least one spot in the title game will be undisputed.

Everyone loves giving Dorsey props, but his position is not conducive to the eye-popping defensive stats (TD, Int, Sacks) he needs to win the Heisman. In the past two games on a national stage, his name was barely called by the announcers. He was neutralized by Florida for most of the game, and was unable to get a sack on Woodson against Kentucky. No chance he wins it.

Michael Crabtree, as great as he is, has no chance as well. He's a receiver (strike one) who's a RS freshman (strike two) who has a more nationally recognized QB throwing to him (strike three). Harrell is interesting, but TT will pretty much have to win out and make a BCS bowl for him to get any consideration.

Either Tebow or Woodson loses his standing in the Heisman race this weekend. Tebow has the better name recognition at the moment, but he's only a sophomore. That's a big strike.

Brohm and McFadden are pretty much in the same boat. They don't win the Heisman if their teams can't win on national TV.

My money is on Hart right now as well. For him to win, though, he has to rebound from his injury, Michigan has to win out, and he has to have a great game against Ohio State. I think it can be done.

1. Hart - The heart and soul of Michigan. Literally carries them on his back. Injury will be interesting.

2. Harrell - Its amazing how much more dangerous their offense is when a great QB (instead of a decent one) is put into the system.

3. Woodson - We'll see next week for sure

4. Dixon - Outstanding numbers, and a couple big games left to prove himself

5. Bradford - Like Colt last year, will never really be above #5, but you have to acknowledge how great he's been for blOwU.  This is more of an honorary vote, especially since it's tough to see many other players in the race.

I think Dorsey is the best player in America, but there's no way a DT ever wins the Heisman, so I'll say Dixon.  He has great stats so far, and if Oregon runs the table it will be because of him.
My top 5:

1. Dorsey

2. Dixon

3. McFadden

4. Hart

5. Tebow

Charlie Weis

...until after the National Title Game and just award it to whomever isn't good enough to lead his team to victory like the past couple of years?

for his team being in the thick of a national or conference championship who also has dominating statistics. But most of all, a player who makes you say, wow! Based on performance SO FAR (not so much on the prospects)

1. Andre Woodson. Great stats and KY would be ABSOLUTELY nowhere without him. Signature wins against Arkansas and LSU. I'm betting they dump Florida at home this week and Tennessee at home in the final week. If they can find a way to win against Georgia on the road, it's in the bag.

2. Dennis Dixon. Likewise but the only signature win was against Michigan. Can redeem if he has big game against USC. Lots of trap road games ahead and lost his best speed RB to injury.

3. Mike Hart. Of all the candidates, I love to watch him play the best. Every run just seems so unlikely and such an adventure. The problem is that he hasn't yet generated any signature wins and probably can't until the week before the voting. He's injured as well, and most backs are never quite the same after an ankle injury and I don't think all of Michigan's early problems have gone away. I don't see them beating Ohio State, however non-magnificant the Buckeyes seem.

4. Graham Harrell. Great player with unbelievable stats but no signature wins yet. Without a possible signature win until November (at Texas), I think he's too late on the scene to win.

5. Darren MacFadden, Still probably the best running back but he has no signature wins and few highlight reels to crank up the wow factor

1.Matt Ryan-undefeated(for now) and playing very well, possibly #1 QB in the nation

2.Dixon- if they run the table, I can't see a way he doesn't win it.

3.Woodson-again, if they run the table they have a shot at the Title and he is putting up great numbers against a tough schedule