The Pac-10 conference already boasts two teams in BCS Bowls, including Oregon in the BCS National Championship Game, in 2010. Though the conference as a whole is down, two outstanding individual players will be recognized in New York at the Heisman Trophy Ceremony. Oregon running back LaMichael James and Stanford quarter Andrew Luck make-up half of the Heisman’s four finalists, receiving an invitation to New York as a reward.
Luck, a redshirt sophomore, led the Cardinal to an 11-1 season, only losing to BCS No. 2 Oregon. Along the way, he compiled some eye-popping stats, earning him recognition nation-wide. Luck completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 3,051 yards and 28 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. Much of the Cardinal’s success can be traced back to the passing prowess and poise of Luck.
Oregon’s LaMichael James had an outstanding sophomore campaign for the Ducks, playing a huge role in the Ducks run to the BCS National Championship Game. Despite missing the first game due to suspension, James rushed for 1682 yards and 21 touchdowns on 281 carries, averaging an even six yards per carry. James took home the Doak Walker award as the nation’s best running back at the College Football Awards Ceremony earlier this week.
James and Luck join Boise State’s Kellen Moore, from Prosser, WA, in New York at the Downtown Athletic Club as finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Those three, however, are expected to finish well-behind the odds-on favorite for the 2010 award, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. Despite that, having three West Coast athletes recognized as finalists for college football’s most prestigious award is an accomplishment in itself.