Heisman Trophy Hopefuls

RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma

Why he will win it - He should have won it his freshman year but was snubbed by the voters. With his injury plagued sophomore season behind him-in which he still gained more than 1,100 yards in 11 games-he is healthy and ready to explode for his junior year.

Why he won't win it - The offensive line of the Sooners is a question mark. No matter how talented a back Peterson is, he can't go anywhere with potential tacklers staring him in the face before he gets out of the backfield.

QB Chris Leak, Florida

Why he will win it - It has been Urban Meyer's history to have his quarterback and his offense explode during his second year as head coach (see Josh Harris at Bowling Green and Alex Smith at Utah). And with the talented backfield of DeShawn Wynn, Kestahn Moore, and Markus Manson, Leak's numbers will only improve under Meyer's spread offense.

Why he won't win it - He is not coach Meyer's typical quarterback. He doesn't scramble like Harris and Smith did and Meyer is telling him to change his ways. His numbers declined from his sophomore year to his junior year and with true freshman QB Tim Tebow already breathing down his neck only time will tell how he handles the pressure.

QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame

Why he will win it - He is returning some key offensive weapons from last season which saw him throw for nearly 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns. And let's face it, Charlie Weis has a knack for coaching quarterbacks named Brady. Also, playing for the Fighting Irish never hurt anyone when it came to national exposure.

Why he won't win it - Besides the fact that the offensive line is not settled and Quinn lost one of his favorite targets in wide receiver Maurice Stovall, the Irish's schedule could hurt him also. They must play Penn State, Michigan and at Michigan State in a three week stretch early in the season.

QB Troy Smith, Ohio State

Why he will win it - Smith is a big game player, reserving some of his best performances for the biggest match-ups-when most voters are watching. His performance in last season's Fiesta Bowl (408 total yards) should be fresh in voters' minds. Coming off his suspension last season he led the Big Ten in passing efficiency and with his running ability combined for 27 total touchdowns.

Why he won't win it - Smith did lose his favorite target in Santonio Holmes to the NFL.