5 in the nation, 2 on one team  

            As Saturday November 13^th approaches, the Heisman candidates are all but set in my mind. They run as follows: Adrian Peterson-RB from Oklahoma, Alex Smith-QB from Utah, and Aaron Rodgers-QB from Cal. After these three come the top two players from the number one team in the nation, Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, Bush plays RB and Leinart QB respectively. The numbers that these two players have put up are anything ordinary, that’s why they lead the Heisman race, and one of them will win it, but which one?

            Matt Leinart goes into Saturday’s game versus Arizona having completed 176 out of 274 passes for 2,068 yards, 20 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Last year many argued that the reason Leinart excelled was because of the Norm Chow system and of the weapons around him. With Mike Williams, Keary Colbert and others gone, the offense was put on Leinart’s shoulders, and he is doing a great job leading this team. The catalyst of one of the best offenses in the nation and arguably the best QB eligible for the NFL draft next year, Leinart has established himself as the leading Heisman hopeful. Leinart has looked shaky at times, but has managed to stay composed and lead his team to victory. A perfect record this year, great numbers, the QB on the best team in the nation, he should be the Heisman shoe in, but Reggie Bush’s play has kept Leinart from getting the trophy.

            The President, Reggie Bush, is a triple threat that has the ability to score any time he touches the ball. He will burn you either by Punt/ Kickoff return, receiving the ball or running. He is averaging 6.7 yards per touch, on offense he has 876 total yards, 559 running and 317 though the air. On top of these are the 10 touchdowns he has scored. Showing his versatility he has also thrown a 52-yard TD. His return skills have made Bush the most exciting player in the NCAA. On kickoff returns Bush is averaging 28.4 yards, on punts he is 7^th in the nation at 17.5 yards per return. He has returned 2 punts for touchdowns. The argument versus The President is that he isn’t the best RB on his team, but one thing is for sure, he is the best athlete on USC.  Reggie Bush is a flat out playmaker, who will give Leinart a run for his money, but in my opinion, will come out short. The

My Heisman prediction…QB Matt Leinart from the University of Southern California.

USC Notes:

· Dominique Byrd, TE, is quickly becoming a big target for QB Matt Leinart. Byrd stands at a proud 6’3 265 pounds. After missing the first five games, Byrd has come out strong. Even though he admits he isn’t in the best shape of his life, he is averaging a solid 55.4 yards a game. His presence will be felt, especially down the stretch when it really counts.

·WR Steve Smith might be back a few weeks sooner than expected.  After breaking his leg, the sophomore might return to the field 3 weeks before expected. He could be in some plays versus Arizona on Saturday.

· Mike Williams has been said to be in the best shape of his life, so what is his Draft stock? Most still have him as a top 15 player, but many are starting to believe that the year away from football has hurt him. We have to wait and see.