Handicapping Max Hall

As the saying goes, they still have to play the games.

That much was clear after seeing some of the preseason Heisman watch lists, and noting that BYU’s Max Hall wasn’t even a considered a contender a couple of weeks ago. Now he’s being listed among the top four.

ESPN has him fourth on its Heisman watch, behind Florida’s Tim Tebow, Texas’ Colt McCoy and Cal’s Jahvid Best. So does the Cleveland Plain Dealer
and The Sporting News. thesportingnews.com

Foxsports.com has him listed among the “true contenders,” with McCoy leading the way.

You move up quickly when you’re on a national stage, the way BYU did against Oklahoma. Now comes Florida State and another chance for Hall to move up more.

The drawback for Hall is his three interceptions in the first two games.

One thing Hall has going for him, besides his ability, is his pedigree. BYU quarterbacks have often been on the Heisman watch list, same as Miami quarterbacks. Voters take note. They figure if it’s the program that produced Ty Detmer, Mark Wilson, Steve Young, etc., it can produce another star.

Having been a Heisman voter for quite a few years, I know how it works. You keep track of the big names. But in the case of possible repeat winners, like Tim Tebow, you’re tempted to go for a viable alternative. You don’t want to rubber stamp a previous winner.

Hence, Hall has moved from non-contender to top five consideration. This week’s game with Florida State will go a long way toward advancing his candidacy.

I figure the key to Hall’s candidacy is his offensive line. It held up OK against Oklahoma and Tulane, but there are still questions, due to depth. More injuries to the line could mean more pressure on Hall, which could mean more interceptions.

In fact, right now it’s as much about the O-line as it is about Hall.