SPORTS 101

It all comes down to three quarterbacks and one running back. Tomorrow night, only one will be awarded the Heisman Trophy, the award that goes to the season's best college football player. Quarterbacks Drew Brees of Purdue, Josh Heupel of Oklahoma, and Chris Weinke of Florida State, along with running back LaDainian Tomlinson of Texas Christian are the finalists. The Heisman will be presented by the Downtown Athletic Club in New York.

Q: Who votes for the Heisman Trophy?

A: As many as 922 sportswriters, broadcasters, and former Heisman winners. The month-long balloting process ends today.

Q: Who are some previous Heisman winners playing in the NFL?

A: Desmond Howard (1991, Michigan) is currently playing for the Oakland Raiders; Vinny Testaverde (1986, University of Miami) plays for the New York Jets; Doug Flutie (1984, Boston College) for the Buffalo Bills, and Eddie George (1995, Ohio State) for the Tennessee Titans. George signed a contract this past summer that makes him the highest-paid running back in the NFL - six years for $42 million and a $10 million signing bonus.

Q: Who has the edge to win the Heisman Trophy tomorrow?

A: It will be a tight race, but CNN/SI's online poll has Heupel leading by a whopping 41 percent.

Here's what the four finalists have going for them:

Drew Brees: He's leading Purdue to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1966. Brees was also a finalist last year, and is the Big Ten's career passing leader with 11,517 yards.

Josh Heupel: He led Oklahoma to an undefeated regular season and the Big 12 title. He has at least one touchdown pass in all 24 career games.

LaDainian Tomlinson: If he wins the Heisman, he will be only the second Texas Christian University player to do so. Tomlinson led the nation in rushing for the second consecutive year and became only the seventh running back in NCAA history to run for 2,000 yards in a season.

Chris Weinke: He led the nation with 33 touchdown passes. At 28, he would be the oldest player to win.

(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society

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