See list below.

What a difference a weekend makes.

The top candidates haven't changed much, but another crazy weekend has reshuffled the "field" candidates.

Because it is so early in the season and already the top candidates are set in wet concrete, much of the "outside candidate" drama is gone.  Big programs with Heisman tradition dominate the race.  Sorry, Chad Henne.  Sorry, D.J. Shockley.  We feel your pain, Brian Brohm.

At this point, we have four strong candidates, and a narrowing field of hopefuls.  The real drama now comes in the battle for top position among those big four, and to track who among the outsiders will make it to New York.  It will be exciting to figure out who the final field of five candidates are.  I hunch at least one of the top four will drop out from serious contention, although he may still be in New York City when all is said and done.

This list basically reflects the race reality of a narrowed field, as highlighted by HeismanPundit's latest Heisman list.

1. Reggie Bush, USC-Had a bye week to get ready for Arkansas.  Backfield mate LenDale White says he's not worried about his carries.  Things are smoothed over, which means White is probably in for a lot of carries to soften the Arkansas run defense.  Look for Bush to have some kind of big return or long run or reception.
2. Matt Leinart, USC-Bye week, like teammate Bush.  Leads the NCAA in passing efficiency.
3. Vince Young, Texas-Impressive performance in a close win over Ohio State last weekend.  Threw for 270 yards and 2 touchdowns after his running plays were shut down by the Ohio State defense.  Lots of buzz this week.  Is in great position.  Last hurdle is the Oklahoma game.  You can start suit shopping, Vince.
4. Chris Leak, Florida-Another efficient performance against Louisiana Tech last weekend.  Big game against Tennessee this weekend.  Lots of buzz coming out of Gainesville that backup Josh Portis is Urban Meyers' "guy", and a better fit for the offense.  This may catch up with Leak, as people may think he's a product of the system yet not all that helpful within it.  Regardless, he's a great passer on a very good team who is putting up great numbers.

The Field:

It's hard to tell at this point who has a good shot at New York City and the Heisman ceremony.  The likely candidate will probably be a survivor, whose team is in the top 10 with a nearly spotless record and has put up the necessary stats.

Any outside candidate will probably have put up unreal numbers at his position.  Think Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma if he can run for 200 ad infinitum, or Minnesota's Laurence Maroney or Northern Illinois' Garrett Wolfe.

• D.J. Shockley, Georgia-Hanging on by a thread.  We'll know more when the SEC shakes out.  Can earn a lot of public good will for sticking things out behind David Greene, and then piloting the Dawgs to an SEC crown.  Think Jason Campbell.
• Marshawn Lynch, California-Also hanging on by a thread.  Is injured, and has not put up gaudy numbers.  I hunch his team will be very much in the top 10 at the end of the year and will have also given USC a close game.  But the story right now is his quarterback, Joe Ayoob.
• Brady Quinn, Notre Dame-Similar to D.J. Shockley.  His numbers aren't that great, but Notre Dame is generating tremendous buzz right now.  If the Irish can continue winning, institutional power and credibility may carry young Quinn far.  He has a game in October against USC that many people will be watching.
  
• Sam Keller, Arizona State-Impressed in win loss against LSU.  Will put up great numbers.  Problem is his team is nowhere near the top 10 right now, and could have a minimum of two three regular season losses (LSU, California, USC).
• Laurence Maroney, Minnesota-Quickly falling, as pace has slackened.  Needs well over 2,000 yards.
• Maurice Drew, UCLA-Huge game this weekend against Oklahoma, playing in honor of his grandfather who passed away in the stands of last week's game against Rice.  Now has two punt return touchdowns.