Heisman hopes? Bank on this one

The image of Marshall's Byron Leftwich playing on one leg in a game that didn't even matter will be burned in the minds of Heisman Trophy voters. Ironically, that may be the one thing that prevents him from winning it. Lefty's stats are down from last year, and though he's been fighting nagging injuries, the expectations were much higher for his Herd.

Carson Palmer has thrown for 3,639 yards and 32 touchdowns, over 1,000 more than last year and 19 more TDs. He needed a big season and he gave it, leading USC to a 10-2 record and at least a chance for a BCS berth.

The No. 1 team in the nation, Miami, has two candidates for its No. 1 player, but Ken Dorsey is my pick over Willis McGahee. Dorsey is the field general of troops that haven't lost a battle in 34 games. His stats haven't been flashy, but quietly consistent. Perhaps this could be his reward for three great seasons.

Larry Johnson of Penn State is the ninth player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards -- Chris Rix of Florida State hasn't thrown for that many yards. You know it's a tight race when a guy like this isn't the Heisman frontrunner.

Brad Banks of Iowa has come from no where to the front of the Heisman race, at least in my view. Banks' story is something special. Four years, three schools, two positions, one season. One season has made him a star and put his team on the threshold of a BCS berth. He leads the nation in passing efficiency (166.1), thrown for over 2,000 yards and rushed for 387. "B" squared has led his team to its first 11 win season in its 113-year history. This kid is the real deal, bank on it. All of these guys deserve it, but only one can strike the pose.

Perhaps you should win a trophy if you make it to all of these games in your week ahead:

Today

It's finally time for Central to break in that brand new gym. I know Central AD Terry Kitchen must have been counting the days and polishing that floor until he can see himself in it. The Tigers and Marion scuff it up at 7:30 p.m. in a girls basketball game.

The Jackson girls also debut at home tonight against Twin Rivers at 7:30.

Tuesday

Notre Dame's boys step onto their own hardwood for the first time this year against Dexter at 7:30.

Can mules swim? If you've never seen a mule swim, here's your chance. The Notre Dame Bulldogs swim with the Mules of Poplar Bluff in their first of many conference meets at 4 p.m.

Friday

Houston vs. Memphis, Spain vs. China, Yao vs. Pau. The Grizzlies host the Rockets and it's your chance to see this year's top pick, Yao Ming, throw down on last year's rookie of the year, Pau Gasol.

Saturday

The defending Class 2 state champs raise their new banner in their first home game of the season. It's fitting that Notre Dame's girls will play a school named after a saint: St. Joseph's Academy, 3:30 p.m.

It's the battle of the Tiger mascots when the Tigers host the Tigers. This one is Memphis mascot Tom II against Missouri's Truman Tiger. Give the edge to a mascot named after a president. Plus, if you ever watched Tom and Jerry, Tom always loses. Memphis at Missouri, 4:30 p.m.

Mobil and Pepsi will sponsor Doug Weight magnet night at Savvis. Maybe instead of handing the magnets out to all fans with a paid admission, they should glue the magnets to the puck and inside the goal posts. The Blues are playing the Thrashers, though there should be no trouble scoring on this night.

Down the road

This one won't be about the polls, or the standings, or the stats. This one is all about the braggin' rights. Illinois and Missouri are on a collision course for the Savvis Center on Dec. 21.

David Wilson is a junior at Central High School and a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.