Quick Kicks

Heisman watch

At last there is at least a semblance of competition for the Heisman Trophy, which has seemed destined to go to Tennessee’s Peyton Manning - almost by birthright.

After a career-best 203 yards rushing in last week’s opener, Tavian Banks of Iowa set his sights on Ed Podolak’s school record (286 yards in 1968) and gained 314 yards vs. Tulsa.

Another Big Ten standout to watch is Chris Woodson of Michigan. An All-American defensive back, he intercepted one pass in the Wolverines’ 27-3 victory over Colorado. What makes Woodson special is his versatility. He caught one pass for 29 yards on offense.

Yet another Big Ten player, Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne, rushed for 254 yards against San Jose State in his bid to draw some Heisman attention.

It’s early, but if Washington State’s Ryan Leaf (368 yards per game) and Washington’s Brock Huard (299 ypg) continue to pile up impressive statistics, they could pile up Heisman votes.

Dad has best seat in Big House

Michigan’s Brian Griese enjoyed the finest moment of his career with father Bob, a Hall of Fame quarterback, doing commentary.

Dad had this to say:

“He wouldn’t always have days like this. He’s going to have some days like (Colorado quarterback) John Hessler had, too. I think the defense really got into (Hessler’s) head. As for Brian, he kept control and stayed one step ahead of everybody.”

Coach’s daughter dies

Kristen Bower, daughter of Southern Mississippi football coach Jeff Bower, was killed early Saturday morning in a one-car accident.

Bower, 17, was driving on Highway 42 in Petal, Miss., when her car rolled down two embankments.

Stars and stats

Ohio State has a 17-game winning streak against in-state competition, but the Buckeyes don’t give the little guys many chances - the streak dates to 1921.

Thad Busby, Florida State, passed for 308 yards and two TDs in the first half against Maryland.

Richmond scored its first points against Virginia in 51 years, but lost 26-7. In 26 meetings dating to 1893, Richmond has scored seven times.

Minnesota’s Tutu Atwell set a school record with 225 yards in kickoff returns. He returned two for TDs, set up another TD with a long punt return and added an 8-yard TD catch against Iowa State.

Central Florida’s Daunte Culpepper completed 24 of 35 passes for 318 yards in a loss to Nebraska.

Chris Wallace, Toledo, threw for 356 yards and four touchdown passes. His counterpart, Charlie Batch of Eastern Michigan, had 322 passing yards in Toledo’s 38-35 victory.

Bowden has his say

Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, 67, is wary of retirement.

“You get to be my age, you start wondering if you’re dying,” he said. “My dad retired when he was 64 and he died two months later. Coach (Paul) Bryant retired and he was dead a month later. That’s why I don’t want to get out of it. As long as I’m feeling good, I want to keep doing it.”

Looking ahead

It’s time for Peyton Manning and Tennessee to put up or shut up when the Vols play at defending champion Florida on Saturday. Nobody on Tennessee’s roster has defeated the Gators and another poor performance in The Swamp could hurt Manning’s Heisman chances.

Huge game No. 2: Nebraska at Washington.

Intriguing game of the week: Michigan State at Notre Dame.

, DataTimes