LEADING MEN

JOSH HEUPEL

Quarterback, Oklahoma

Heupel could have made his case for the Heisman even stronger against Oklahoma State. But completing 19 of 36 passes for a season-low 154 yards in a 12-7 victory isn’t the way to do it.

Season: 256 of 389, 3,172 yards, 18 TDs

Next: vs. No. 8 Kansas State, Saturday

LaDAINIAN TOMLINSON

Running Back, Texas Christian

On Friday, the pride of the Horned Frogs gave voters what they usually want: Tomlinson broke 2,000 yards for the season, had a spectacular touchdown run and his team won in a rout over Southern Methodist. Are those shades of Troy Davis we see?

Season: 369 carries, 2,158 yards, 22 TDs

Next: Mobile Alabama Bowl, Dec. 20

CHRIS WEINKE

Quarterback, Florida State

Rumblings of “he’s-too-old-to-win-the-Heisman” chatter have been emanating from all corners, but it doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 28, 4,000 yards through the air is unreal.

Season: 266 of 431, 4,167 yards, 33 TDs

Next: TBA

DREW BREES

Quarterback, Purdue

All season, Brees did everything necessary to direct the Boilermakers to their first Rose Bowl berth since 1966, but a less-than-spectacular finish leaves him as a longshot.

Season: 286 of 473, 3,393 yards, 24 TDs

Next: Rose Bowl, Jan. 1

ERIC CROUCH

Quarterback, Nebraska

The Cornhuskers’ resident playmaker did it again when it counted most in a 34-32 victory over Colorado on Friday. And unlike Michael Vick, he hasn’t been injured.

Season: 169 carries, 971 yards, 20 TDs

75 of 156 passing, 1,101 yards, 11 TDs

Next: TBA