The candidates

Purdue's Drew Brees is back after a week off and both Oklahoma's Josh Heupel and Eric Crouch of Nebraska are involved in big games as the two travel to Texas A&M and Kansas State, respectively. If Crouch and Heupel win these two games, they are preparing the nation for 'Huskers vs. Sooners II, which would be the Big XII Championship game. Chris Weinke of Florida State almost completed his age with 27 completions en route to 521 passing yards and should have more than that this weekend. Heisman winners are almost always on winning teams. If Brees guides the No. 9 Boilermakers to the Rose Bowl, combined with his statistics and conference records, he would be the likely favorite to tote the trophy.

LAST WEEK: Brees and the No. 9 Boilermakers were idle.

THIS WEEK: The Big Ten-leading Boilermakers travel to East Lansing, Mich., to take on Michigan State. If the Boilers win this game and are victorious next week hosting Indiana, they are guaranteed a trip to the Rose Bowl.

THE THOMAS PROMISE: Causing heart trouble for those who wear gold and black, Purdue has had too many close calls this year. This Saturday won't be so close. Brees and the Boilers are fresh and enthusiastic coming off a bye week and they should have no trouble with the Spartans, despite the fact that Michigan State needs to win out to make it to a bowl game. Brees will have a huge game, passing for well over 300 yards and three TDs, giving the Boilers a 42-10 victory. As the Boilers stay atop the conference standings, Brees will retain his lead for handling the Heisman hardware.

LAST WEEK: The best remedy for getting spanked by Oklahoma? You play a scrub team like Kansas. Crouch ran for four TDs and threw for another as the 'Huskers took out some frustration on the 'Hawks.

THIS WEEK: There isn't a game much bigger than this one. Nebraska travels to Manhattan, Kans., to battle Kansas State. If the 'Huskers get this one, they remain in line to reunite with the Sooners in the Big XII Championship game.

THE THOMAS PROMISE: The 'Huskers are tired of finishing the season scratching their heads, wondering how they got one loss and watching teams like Virginia Tech play for all the marbles. Nebraska controls its own destiny, but beating K-State is vital. Crouch is the man that is going to take the Big Red to the promised land. Oh, it'll be close, but in the end, Crouch's legs will be the difference in this week's game.

LAST WEEK: Heupel was impressive once again as he threw for 313 yards on 21-of-29 passing with a trio of TDs. Sure, it was only the lowly Baylor "bad luck" Bears, but these numbers came in the first half.

THIS WEEK: Just like Nebraska, this is the last tough game for Oklahoma prior to the Big XII Conference Championship game as the Sooners travel to College Station, Tex., to take on Texas A&M.

THE THOMAS PROMISE: Although this is a tough game for OU (well at least tougher), this lefty they call Heupel can play. Although he may not be 21-of-29 again, he'll still have a good game as he continues to make a case for the race. He joined late, but all he can do now is continue to do what he has been – win the big games and retain the No. 1 ranking. Look for Heupel to add some big yards in beating the Aggies.

LAST WEEK: Tomlinson continued to play as steady as he has all season long. His 200 yards on 41 carries and pair of TDs have allowed him to somewhat separate himself from mostly all other running backs eligible for the Heisman hardware.

THIS WEEK: He and the Horned Frogs travel west to take on San Jose State.

THE THOMAS PROMISE: 'Dainian keeps on putting up the big numbers as he now has 1,293 stripes on 236 carries. Unfortunately for him, this is the year of the quarterback as guys like Brees, Heupel and Weinke try to become the first quarterback to win the hardware since Florida QB Danny Weurfel won (then disappeared) the honor in 1996. Although Tomlinson is somewhat of a long shot, he's still putting together a great season and an impressive resume. He will continue to run all over the Western Athletic Conference with San Jose State this week.

LAST WEEK: Following a Metamucil shake, pops Weinke destroyed the Clemson defense by throwing for 521 yards on 27-of-43 passing with a pair of TDs, proving that he – not Clemson coach Tommy Bowden – is FSU coach Bobby Bowden's favorite son.

THIS WEEK: Weinke and the 'Noles give Wake Forest a rude awakening.

THE THOMAS PROMISE: Is it really necessary for Weinke to play against Wake? Well, if he does, look for him to be gone by halftime. Now that the No. 3 'Noles jumped No. 2 Miami in the BCS (Biased Computer Scoring) standings, Weinke needs to rest a little against teams like the Demon Deacons. Any questions about his arm were answered against Clemson and he's a serious contender for the Heisman; therefore, he'll probably see significantly less playing time Saturday. However, he'll still put up some big numbers before the break.

HONORABLE MENTION:

• Big Ten QBs: Sure, this is a Heisman contender section, but five Big Ten Conference quarterbacks accounted for over 300 yards of total offense in five games last Saturday – and Purdue's Drew Brees wasn't one of them as he and the Boilers were idle. Northwestern's Zak Kustok provided 377 (322 passing, 55 rushing); Penn State's Rashard Casey racked up 369 (302 passing, 67 rushing); Indiana's Antwaan Randle El offered 339 (130 passing, 209 rushing); Brooks Bollinger of Wisconsin tallied up 331 (204 passing, 127 rushing); and Michigan's Drew Henson ended up with an even 300 (312 passing, -12 rushing). Kyle McCann of Iowa was close as he posted 281 yards (232 passing, 49 rushing).

KEEP AN EYE ON:

• Anthony Thomas, RB, Michigan: Following a bye week, look for Thomas to have a big game in aiding the Wolverines to a win over Northwestern.

• Rudi Johnson, RB, Auburn: Johnson rushed for 114 yards against Arkansas in last weeks 21-19 Tiger victory.

BUST

• Woodrow Dantzler, QB, Clemson: This guy has looked like Virginia Tech's Michael Vick all season long. Someone should have told him not to completely imitate him by getting hurt.