The Real Heisman Trophy Candidates

In 1935, the Heisman Trophy was introduced as a way to annually honor the most outstanding player in college football. In more recent years, however, the award has taken on new criteria. Instead of the Heisman Trophy being bestowed upon the most outstanding player in all of college football, it is now limited to the most outstanding player amongst the top teams in college football. Although not an official change in the voting criteria, you won't be seeing any players from 6-6 football teams earning the award anytime soon. Additionally, Heisman candidates are now campaigned for by their respective schools, media outlets, and even cities. When all is said and done, a portrait is painted by the ESPNs and Sports Illustrateds of the world, which includes a small number of finalists who are invited to New York City each December. To be fair, these players are usually pretty good, but are they the best? In the original spirit of the award, here is a look at a handful of finalists who should truly be considered among the most outstanding college football players of the year, regardless of what Heisman pundits believe:

Kellen Moore (So.) - 181-268 (67.5%), 2259 yards, 27 TDs, 3 Int

Kellen Moore of Boise State is the most efficient quarterback in college football. While is passing percentage and 9:1 touchdown to interception ratio proves that he is accurate, his 8.4 yards per passing attempt also shows that he throws the ball downfield. Although Moore's Boise State Broncos have elevated themselves to the top of the college football rankings, Moore's production this season will be discounted because of a weak schedule. Moore has only faced one BCS conference defense this year, beating the Oregon Ducks. In that game, he completed 19 of 29 passes for 197 yards, threw one touchdown and no interceptions.

Jimmy Clausen (Jr.) - 209-308 (67.9%), 2770 yards, 20 TDs, 3 Int

When Notre Dame lost to Navy, Clausen pretty much lost any hope at the Heisman Trophy. What did he do in that game? Well, he threw for 452 yards while completing 72.5% of his passes. Clausen has proven to be accurate, clutch, and tough, as he's faced more defensive pressure than any other top candidate this year. In seven of Notre Dame's nine games this season, Clausen has led the Irish on critical fourth quarter touchdown drives, with five of those drives resulting in victories. Without Clausen, the Irish would likely be 2-7 this season. Perhaps the most unbelievable stat for Clausen this year is his ability to take care of the ball, despite playing in pressure situations. More amazing than his 20:3 touchdown to interception ratio is that all three of his interceptions could be blamed on his receivers.

Mark Ingram (So.) - 175 carries, 1148 rushing yards, 6.6 yards per carry, 8 TDs

Sophomore Alabama running back Mark Ingram is having a phenomenal year. In addition to averaging 6.6 yards per carry against stiff SEC competition, Ingram also has yet to lose a fumble this season in nearly 200 touches. Ingram is quickly becoming a popular frontrunner for the Heisman trophy because his team is winning, but also because he is a big game performer. Ingram has rushed for 140 yards or more this season against Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Mississippi, and LSU, with a whopping 246 yards against South Carolina. The overlooked factor in Ingram's impressive season is that he has managed the incredible production levels without the aid of a proven quarterback, meaning he is often facing seven or eight guys in the box. Ingram's only flaw this season is a lack of rushing touchdowns. Regardless, Ingram will likely be the player to beat for the Heisman, especially if he reaches the 1,500 yard mark.

Greg Jones (Jr.) - 116 tackles, 7 sacks

Quietly, Greg Jones is putting together one of the most impressive seasons of anyone in the country. Second only to New Mexico's Carmen Messina for tackles, Jones has terrorized the Big Ten this season recording double-digit tackles in seven of the Spartans' ten games. Jones is also tied for sixteenth in the country with seven sacks this season, a statistical category that is traditionally dominated by defensive linemen. The problem is that Jones plays linebacker. Since 1935, only one defensive player has ever won the Heisman Trophy, and that was Charles Woodson in 1997. A linebacker has never won the award, nor do I expect one to anytime soon. With Jones playing on a mediocre Michigan State squad, he won't get the attention needed to gain support in the Heisman Trophy race, but he should at least be considered.

Ryan Matthews (Jr.) - 205 carries, 1459 rushing yards, 7.1 yards per carry, 14 TDs

Like Moore, Matthews has managed to fly under the radar this season primarily because of his competition level. That being said, his statistics are there. His 7.1 yards per carry betters Alabama's Ingram, and his 14 rushing TDs nearly doubles Ingram's totals. With an outside shot at 2,000 yards this season, Matthews has a chance to put together one of the greatest rushing seasons in history for a running back that is anything but a household name. Although the knock on Matthews is his competition, he should not be penalized for Fresno State's schedule. Matthews has exceeded 100 yards rushing in all nine games he has played in this season, including games against Wisconsin, Boise State, and Cincinnati. Like Ingram, Matthews has not lost a fumble this season with nearly 320 touches. Unfortunately for Matthews, he plays in the WAC conference and on a 6-3 football team.With nearly a month left to go in the season, each of the above candidates has the chance to bolster their Heisman credentials, but as the BCS picture becomes clearer, look for the television media to narrow down their candidates to Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy, with McCoy being the more deserving of the two. Mark Ingram should and likely will be in the picture, but can a non-quarterback really be a serious contender? With quarterbacks having won eight of the last nine Heisman Trophies, it is likely that chances for Ingram are slim.