2. Tim Tebow

Florida, quarterback, Jr.

Previous ranking: 2nd

2007 Heisman voting: 1,957 votes (1st).

2008 stats: 12 games, 160 of 246 passing for 2,299 yards, 25 TDs, 2 INTs; 137 rushes for 507 yards, 12 TDs.

2007 stats: 13 games, 234 of 350 passing for 3,286 yards, 32 TDs, 6 INTs; 210 rushes for 895 yards, 23 TDs.

Last game (45-15 victory at Florida St., 11/29): In a game where a driving rain could have caused Tebow problems, he showed it was no problem.

What didn’t he do?

He completed 12-of-21 passes for 185 yards – averaging a robust 8.4 yards per pass — and three touchdowns. He also ran for 80 yards and another touchdown, made a key block on Percy Harvin’s touchdown run, recovered a fumble and made a touchdown-saving tackle after an early fumble.

The 45 points were the most the Gators ever scored in Doak Campbell Stadium.

"He deserves to be mentioned again for the Heisman," said Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who compared Tebow to legendary fullback Bronko Nagurski. "I don't know if I've ever seen a better leader. ... He directed everything out there. He's a tremendous player and a tremendous leader."

Next game (vs. Alabama in SEC championship game at Atlanta, 12/6): If Tebow is to repeat as Heisman winner, he needs a big game on a big stage.

In that regard, he has everything he wants when the Gators take on No. 1 Alabama.

But the task will certainly be difficult.

This is an Alabama defense that ranks third nationally in total defense, second in rushing defense, third in scoring defense and fifth in pass efficiency defense. It’s really good.

This is also an Alabama team that has registered its three biggest wins this season on the road, opening with a convincing win at Clemson, rolling past Georgia and holding off LSU in overtime. So this neutral site affair will not have it worried one bit.

The only other time Tebow faced Alabama was in 2006. In limited duty, he ran it nine times for 28 yards and a touchdown and also completed his only pass attempt for 23 yards in a 28-13 win.

Athletes always like to say all they want is an opportunity. Tebow couldn’t have a better one and what he does with it will likely determine if he becomes only the second player ever to repeat as Heisman winner.

Schedule/results: vs. Hawaii (W, 56-10); vs. Miami, Fla. (W, 26-3); at Tennessee (W, 30-6); vs. Mississippi (L, 31-30); at Arkansas (W, 10/4); vs. LSU (W, 51-21); vs. Kentucky (W, 63-5); vs. Georgia at Jacksonville, Fla. (W, 49-10); at Vanderbilt (W, 42-14); vs. South Carolina (W, 56-6); vs. The Citadel (W, 70-19); at Florida State (W, 45-159); vs. Alabama in SEC championship game at Atlanta (12/6).

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