"Defending winner White among five Heisman finalists

Oklahoma QB joined by teammate Peterson, USC's Leinart, Bush, Utah's Smith.

Oklahoma quarterback Jason White won the Heisman Trophy last year and is one of five finalists for the award this year.

Jason White has a chance to join Archie Griffin as a two-time Heisman Trophy winner.

White, the Oklahoma quarterback who won last year’s Heisman, was chosen Wednesday as one of five finalists for college football’s most prestigious individual title.

Joining White for Saturday’s award ceremony in New York will be his Oklahoma teammate Adrian Peterson, Southern California teammates Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, and Utah quarterback Alex Smith.

It’s the first time teammates from two schools were selected as finalists for the award.

Among Heisman contenders who did not make the top 5 were Texas running back Cedric Benson, Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell and California teammates Aaron Rodgers and J.J. Arrington.

Griffin, Ohio State’s great running back, won the Heisman in 1974 and 1975 and is the only two-time winner.

White was the favorite for last year’s Heisman and beat out Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning. This time, the race appears too close to call. White and Leinart, USC’s quarterback, have put up similar numbers while leading their teams to 12-0 records and a matchup in the Orange Bowl for the national championship.

White comes to town after passing for 2,961 yards and 33 touchdown, and in a much better mood than last year. A week before the ’03 Heisman ceremony, the Sooners were upset by Kansas State 35-7 in the Big 12 title game and White had his worst game of the season.

This season, White threw three touchdown passes in Oklahoma’s 42-3 rout of Colorado in the league title game.

The presence of Peterson, a freshman, helped White produce another fine season but may hinder the quarterback’s chances of matching Griffin’s two Heismans. Peterson ran for 1,843 yards and 15 touchdowns, and produced his best games against the Sooners’ toughest opponents.

No freshman has ever won the Heisman.

White, a sixth-year senior, has a Heisman vote and said he planned to pick Peterson No. 1 on his ballot.


Reggie Bush, USC

Matt Leinart, USC

Adrian Peterson, Okla.

Alex Smith, Utah

Jason White, Okla.


Live Vote - 12:47 PM CT, Dec. 9th, 2004
Who will win the Heisman Trophy? * 6527 responses


Reggie Bush, USC
9%

Matt Leinart, USC
35%

Adrian Peterson, Okla.
13%

Alex Smith, Utah
8%

Jason White, Okla.
36%

Not a scientifically valid survey.


Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops can’t decide between the two either.

“These guys are tremendous. You see it every week. They complement each other with great running and passing — and it’s made a major difference this year, the fact that we’re strong in both,” Stoops said.

“But a lot of these guys have helped them. So I wouldn’t be the one to choose. It wouldn’t be fair.”

USC has a similar situation with Leinart and Bush. They complement each other, but also could draw attention away from each other when it comes to the voting.

Leinart has thrown for 2,990 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only six interceptions. He is the Trojans’ steady leader.


• 'And the Heisman Trophy goes to ...'

The versatile Bush is their spectacular home-run hitting running back.

Bush’s 15 touchdowns have come running, receiving and on returns. He has also thrown a TD pass.

“I think I might have shaken up the votes a little bit,” he said after running for 204 yards, including TD runs of 81 and 65 yards, in USC’s 29-24 season-finale win at UCLA.

Led by Smith, Utah became the first team from a mid-major conference to reach the BCS this season. The versatile junior has passed for 2,624 yards and 28 TDs and run for 563 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Utes will play Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1."

I am glad that both Peterson and White are both finalists, however, I really hope that Peterson wins. White has enjoyed the spotlight from winning last year, so now it is Peterson's turn.

Leinart will win.

They all deserve it. I just don't think that voters are going to give it to White twice in a row. They aren't going to give it to a Freshman, Bush hasn't had enough touches...

So they'll give it to Leinart.

You know what would be funny...if they give it to the kid from Utah :LOL:

Seriously though I think this might be one of the closest votings for the Hiesman.

I think Leinhart will win just for the fact that they've been hyping him up for the past 2 years. I wouldn't mind seeing White win it, because he actually is leaving after this year +(Ain't he???). Peterson would be a great choice too, but he'll have at least 1-3 years to compete with Michael Hart for it. Bush didn't have enough hype to boost him, plus the fact that he's played with the media darling doesn't help his cause.

Looks like all the presure is on Leinart since he won Saturday night! I'm actually kind of glad he won. It will get our boys fired up. Reminds me a lot of the 2000 season. We'll prove whose actually the best in the Orange Bowl! Go Sooners!