No Clear Choice for the Heisman

NEW YORK — Gino Torretta has the best record, Marshall Faulk has the best statistics and Garrison Hearst plays in the best conference.

So who will win the Heisman Trophy today? With no overwhelming favorite, it could be a close vote.

Will the winner be Torretta, who has compiled a 26-1 record as Miami’s starting quarterback despite a lumbering style and the fact that 18 others were ranked higher in passing efficiency?

Or will it be Faulk, the San Diego State sophomore who led the nation in rushing for the second year in a row but missed 2 1/2 games and played in the offense-crazy Western Athletic Conference?

Georgia’s Hearst, the country’s leading scorer and No. 2 rusher, played in the rugged Southeastern Conference, but averaged only 62 yards rushing against Mississippi, Florida and Auburn.

Notre Dame running back Reggie Brooks and Florida State linebacker Marvin Jones might also get some consideration. Brooks averaged eight yards per carry, more than Faulk or Hearst, and Jones was a dominant defensive player on the third-ranked Seminoles.

While Torretta is expected to win, it wouldn’t be shocking if he didn’t. He does not have the flair of last year’s winner, Desmond Howard, or the phenomenal statistics of the three previous winners--Ty Detmer, Andre Ware and Barry Sanders.

Torretta’s numbers are solid, not spectacular. He completed 228 of 402 passes (57%) for 3,060 yards and 19 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions.

Faulk gained 1,630 yards, averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns in only 8 1/2 games. However, he did not play in San Diego State’s season finale against Miami and got most of his yards against WAC opponents, who are known more for their offense than defense.

Hearst gained 1,547 yards, averaged 6.8 yards per carry and scored an SEC-record 21 touchdowns.