Heisman: Not as easy as 1-2-3

Sent my Heisman ballot in before the strike of midnight Sunday. (The process is done electronically these days.) The deadline is 4 p.m. Oklahoma time on Monday.

In the oddest Heisman race I can recall, here’s who did NOT get my vote:

QB Tim Tebow (Florida): One of the most clutch players in the history of college football ran out of miracles Saturday against Alabama. He also struggled in other key games this season.

QB Colt McCoy (Texas): Absolutely love this kid, but closing out your career with three interceptions, no touchdown passes and nearly costing your team the game by letting the clock run out in a 13-12 fistfight against Nebraska is no way to win votes.

QB Case Keenum (Houston): Rolled up some impressive passing numbers (43 TDs and nine interceptions in 13 games), but the Heisman Trophy shouldn’t go to someone who lost three games in Conference USA.

RB/RET C.J. Spiller (Clemson): I was so captivated with his 301 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns against Georgia Tech while battling turf toe, I nearly sent in my ballot the instant the game ended with his name on top. Upon further review, Spiller disappeared as frequently as he reappeared this season while battling that nagging injury. Do you really want to give a Heisman to a running back with 57 rushing yards COMBINED against Middle Tennessee State, Coastal Carolina and South Carolina this year?

WR/RET Mardy Gilyard (Cincinnati): If you’re going to consider Spiller, and many people are, Gilyard’s numbers are even better and more lethal (No. 2 nationally in all-purpose yards). He’s the reason the Bearcats are 12-0 and not somewhere around 8-4.   

QB Kellen Moore (Boise State): This lefthanded sophomore is poised beyond his years. The Broncos are young and unbeaten. This guy figures to make some serious noise next season for the award.

QB Jeremiah Masoli (Oregon): Ask Oklahoma State how good this kid was in the Holiday Bowl last season. Inconsistent at times, but this dual threat really came through in the clutch when the Ducks needed him.

Here’s who DID get my votes:

1. RB Toby Gerhart (Stanford): Tough as nails. Led the country in scoring with 26 touchdowns. Ten 100-yards games. Three 200-yard games. Has 311 carries so far and will likely carry 30-plus times against OU in the Sun Bowl. A stud.

2. DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska): If ever there was a time a defender should win the Heisman, this was the season and this was the player. Unfortunately, Midwest bias won’t be nearly enough for a boy named Suh to win the award, but he deserves to be on every ballot.

3. RB Mark Ingram (Alabama): The Crimson Tide, believe it or not, never has had a Heisman Trophy winner and it appears Ingram will fall just short this season. He averaged 6.2 yards-per-carry against the nation’s toughest defenses. There is hope Alabama won’t be shut out next year. Ingram is only a sophomore.