Dennis Dixon, QB Oregon
The best thing the senior quarterback has going for him? Exposure. His game against Arizona State was viewed by many on the East Coast and he threw four touchdowns. Next Thursday he gets another stab at primetime against Arizona on Thursday night. He's fourth in the country in passing and is good for 61 yards per game on the ground -- remember that sacks count against his rushing total. A quick run through box scores found me nine sacks on Dixon for 61 yards lost, but I think I'm missing four. Anyway, it just proves his numbers are awesome. It's his award to lose from here on out.
Tim Tebow, Florida QB
He's the country's top passer and has better rushing numbers than Dixon. But he's younger and has two more losses under his belt than the guy above him on this list. He's only a sophomore and his team's only going to get better while he's there, so the chances are strong he'll have is day in the sun. Likely won't be this year, though.
Darren McFadden, Arkansas RB
Even with three losses, he has more star appeal than anyone on this list because he was the runner up last year. Everyone loves how he just dominates the SEC and throws in those touchdown passes here and there. His numbers are on pace to be better than last year's, playing less games. But Arkansas and McFadden played in the SEC Championship game -- something that's not gonna happen this year.
Jonathan Stewart, Oregon RB
He doesn't get the same number of carries as the rest of the guys on this list, but when he does it's making an impact at 6.45 yards per carry. He's become a do-it-all player for the Ducks with his rushing, catching the ball out of the backfield and returning kicks. Problem is, he might draw some votes from his senior quarterback we've talked about. That might be a bigger problem if some of the names on this list play themselves off of it and Stewart doesn't.
Mike Hart, Michigan RB
It's a shame he's not higher on this list, but he's missed two games and one of the eight he's played in was a loss to Appalachian State. Despite missing two games, the senior is still third in the country in rushing and is good for almost 150 yards per game.