LEADING MEN

JOSH HEUPEL

Quarterback, Oklahoma

Heupel may not have made the plays early, but he led the comeback to keep the Sooners’ perfect season alive and that’s what voters will remember if Oklahoma runs the regular-season table. A meager 263 yards passing and two interceptions won’t hurt the cause.

Season: 213 of 315, 2,770 yards, 16 TDs

Next: Texas Tech, Saturday

LADAINIAN TOMLINSON

Running Back, TCU

The nation’s leading rusher got his 50th career touchdown, his 11th consecutive 100-yard-plus game and had his longest run (65 yards) of the season. Tomlinson’s 231 yards against Fresno State weren’t too shabby either.

Season: 309 carries, 1,679 yards, 18 TDs

Next: Texas El Paso, Saturday

CHRIS WEINKE

Quarterback, Florida State

After throwing for 324 yards and five touchdowns against hapless Wake Forest, Weinke says, “Winning by 29 is still nice, but we know it’s probably going to cost us.” Maybe the Seminoles, but not his Heisman chase.

Season: 243 of 387, 3,814 yards, 30 TDs

Next: No. 5 Florida, Saturday

DREW BREES

Quarterback, Purdue

Amazingly, the Boilermakers still can go to the Rose Bowl after losing to Michigan State. Brees’ Heisman chances aren’t as clear-cut after throwing three interceptions and totaling a paltry (by his standards) 279 yards.

Season: 266 of 443, 3,177 yards, 23 TDs

Next: Indiana, Saturday