Well it is the week that the country has been waiting for, the big Ohio State vs Michigan game where Troy Smith can lock up the Heisman or just open the door for other people to snatch the trophy. If he has a poor game that opens the door for Brady Quinn to have a great performance against USC and steal the trophy right from under his nose. Don’t discount Michael Hart either, because he can move right on up with a huge day this weekend.

1. Troy Smith - If Ohio State wins this weekend not only will Troy Smith be playing in the National Title game, but he will also have to prepare his acceptance speech for the Heisman Trophy.

2. Brady Quinn - Quinn had a nice day against Air Force, but if he wants to really win this award he has to do better. Brady will have conflicting interests this week. For Notre Dame to make the title game he should root for Ohio State, but if he wants the Heisman he needs Troy Smith to have a bad day.

3. Michael Hart - Hart had 95 yards in limited duty on Saturday. He has to be licking his chops at the chance to take advantage of the Buckeye’s run defense. If somehow he can pull a 150 yard game in Columbus, he could make a serious case for his candidacy.

4. Steve Slaton - Slaton bounced back after having a tough time holding onto the ball to rush for 148 yards against Cincinnati. He has a second chance to showcase himself on a national stage in a few weeks against Rutgers.

5. Colt Brennan - In under 4 quarters of action Brennan threw for 406 yards and 4 touchdowns. Those are some serious stats for this Junior.

6. Darren McFadden - McFadden’s stock rises with every game like he had last week against Tennessee (181 yds 2 TDs) and the fact that Arkansas is still in the hunt for a BCS Bid and maybe a National Title shot. As long as the Razorbacks keep winning, McFadden’s will get the must needed exposure to win this award, but we are talking next year.

7. Ray Rice - Ray Rice and Rutgers shocked the nation with their win over Louisville. Rice was a very important part of that win running for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns. The sophomore gets to go head to head with Slaton in a few weeks to decide who is the best sophomore running back in the nation.

8. Ian Johnson - When a back runs for 149 yards and scores his NCAA Division 1-A leading 21st touchdown you have to be impressed. When you find out he did most of it on a collapsed lung, you have to say WOW!

9. PJ Hill Jr. - The freshman continues to impress having another nice day as Wisconsin beat Iowa. He may not get the publicity the other backs do above him but he will be a force to reckon with in future years as he is only a freshman.

10. Patrick White - White is a perfect compliment to Slaton in the backfield. He really impressed me in the game against Louisville as he put the team on his back while Slaton was on the sidelines injured. If he can produce a little more on the passing game he will be a serious threat come next year’s Heisman.

Honorable Mention: Calvin Johnson, Marshawn Lynch