Heisman hopefuls

Quarterbacks dominate list of top candidates for Heisman Trophy

By Michael Holbrook, Managing editor of special projects
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2001

1. Fresno State QB David Carr (Senior, 6-3, 230) — Lit up a tough Colorado State defense for 389 passing yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 25-22 overtime victory Oct. 13. Carr converted on 28-of-37 pass attempts in the game and marched his team downfield in 26 seconds for the game-tying field goal with precision passing. He has completed 140-of-216 passes for 1,800 yards with 14 touchdowns and only two interceptions this season. With games remaining against other wide-open WAC teams, should be able to pad his impressive numbers.
2. Clemson QB Woodrow Dantzler (Senior, 5-10, 210) — Had a monster game against North Carolina State Oct. 13, completing 23-of-27 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns and rushing 23 times for 184 yards with two touchdowns in a 45-37 victory. Can beat teams with his arm or his legs. He now has completed 102-of-148 passes for 1,196 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has rushed 102 times for 516 yards (5.1 avg.) and six touchdowns. Has tough games upcoming vs. North Carolina, Florida State, Maryland and South Carolina.
3. Nebraska QB Eric Crouch (Senior, 6-0, 220) — Has surpassed the old record for career rushing touchdowns (49) by a quarterback and is pushing it out of reach with each game he plays (he’s now got 54). Ran for 132 yards and three touchdowns in a blowout win over Baylor Oct. 13. He’s 55-for-90 passing for 781 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has rushed 115 times for 672 yards (5.8 avg.) and 13 touchdowns. Needs a big game against Oklahoma on Oct. 27 to remain a top contender.
4. UCLA RB DeShaun Foster (Senior, 6-0, 215) — Was absolutely brilliant in leading the Bruins to a surprisingly easy victory over Washington on Oct. 13 as he ran for 301 yards on 31 carries with four touchdowns (including a 98-yard TD run). He has gained 803 rushing yards on 143 carries (5.6 avg.) with eight touchdowns this season. Could rapidly move up the rankings if he stays healthy and plays like he did vs. Washington against Cal, Stanford, Washington State, Oregon and USC.
5. Miami (Fla.) QB Ken Dorsey (Junior, 6-4, 200) — Helped the Hurricanes snap Florida State’s 54-game, home unbeaten streak on Oct. 13 by completing 14-of-27 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once. For the season, Dorsey has completed 85-of-132 passes for 1,430 yards with 11 touchdowns against four interceptions. We’ll find out how good Dorsey is during the Hurricanes’ rugged three-game stretch to close out the season — vs. Syracuse, vs. Washington and at Virginia Tech.

Also considered:

• Oregon QB Joey Harrington (Senior, 6-4, 220) — 107-for-178 passing for 1,407 yards (60.1%) with 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Also has six rushing touchdowns.
• Florida QB Rex Grossman (Sophomore, 6-1, 223) — 134-for-205 passing for 2,229 yards (65.4%) with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
• Georgia Southern RB Adrian Peterson (Senior, 5-10, 212) — 89 carries for 610 yards (6.9 avg.) and 11 rushing touchdowns. Rushed for 100 yards or more in 46 straight games before being held under the century mark Oct. 13.

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2001 - 2002 Season