HEISMAN WATCH

THE HYPE

Eli Manning, Mississippi, QB

The pedigree may have put Manning into the minds of Heisman voters, but throwing two fourth-quarter interceptions -- against Memphis of all teams -- in a 44-34 loss isn’t the way to keep him there. Manning did throw for 298 yards and four touchdown passes, but it took 48 attempts to do so. It’s still early enough for voters to be forgiving.

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THE TYPE

Josh Harris, Bowling Green, QB

“If Josh Harris isn’t a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, I don’t know who is.” If Bowling Green Coach Gregg Brandon says so of his quarterback, it must be true. Certainly winning on the road (West Lafayette, Ind.) against a ranked opponent (No. 16 Purdue) can’t hurt. Neither can passing for 357 yards and three touchdowns, including the winner with 2:08 left in a 27-26 victory.

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-- Jim Barrero