Joey Johnston

The Kentucky Wildcats (6-1) could move closer to their first major bowl game since Bear Bryant roamed the sideline. The Florida Gators (4-2) could throw the SEC East race into some potential chaos.

All in all, Saturday’s Florida-Kentucky game is as interesting as it has been in a generation (Kentucky hasn’t won since 1986, the year before Tim Tebow’s birth).

Well, here’s a subplot that you probably hadn’t considered.

Kentucky quarterback Andre’ Woodson can wrap up the Heisman Trophy.

Say what?

I’m serious.

Woodson would have back-to-back victories against LSU and Florida, the two teams picked to meet in this season’s SEC Championship Game. Maybe his performance also knocks out Tebow, the sophomore contender from Florida who might have been the favorite had his Gators hung on at LSU. And Woodson would have already outdueled state rival Brian Brohm of Louisville, one of the preseason favorites to claim the bronze beauty.

If that seems like a far-fetched scenario, do me a favorite. Give me your iron-clad Heisman favorite.

Hmmm.

That’s right.

This season, he doesn’t exist.

In the Season of the Upset, in this year of unprecedented upheaval at the top of the rankings (seven weeks, eight top-five teams sent packing), the Heisman race may be the most jumbled contest of all.

I’m not a Heisman voter, but these were my preseason favorites: USC QB John David Booty (out), Louisville QB Brian Brohm (probably out), Michigan RB Mike Hart (hanging on, barely), Arkansas RB Darren McFadden (almost certainly out) and West Virginia RB Steve Slaton (capable of a comeback, but not likely).

I had mentally shifted to California WR DeSean Jackson as the favorite.

Until his no-show against Oregon State.

Grisly.

Special feature Florida faces SEC upset

Some worthy contenders have emerged – guys such as Boston College QB Matt Ryan, Oregon QB Dennis Dixon, Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford and South Florida QB Matt Grothe, maybe even LSU DT Glenn Dorsey if you’re willing to go against the grain with defense – but they all have plenty to prove.

Woodson has it all right in front of him. He’s a quarterback who could be the first player taken in next spring’s NFL draft. He has led the Wildcats’ resurgence. He’s beginning to collect some marquee victories.

If Woodson shines in a victory against the Gators, in my mind, he can book his ticket to New York. And that type of two-week performance has to turn the heads of plenty of Heisman voters, who now must feel as confused as anybody who’s voting in a top 25 poll.

Q: If Michigan runs the table, I say Lloyd Carr keeps his job. What about you? The Wolverines easily could’ve closed up shop after the 0-2 start, but have bounced back strong. — Frank from Louisville

A: Absolutely, Frank. Lloyd Carr will live to see another season. After losing to Appalachian State (stunner) and Oregon (blowout) at home, who would’ve figured Michigan to be on a Rose Bowl run? But the Wolverines have displayed plenty of heart.

College football Two-man race with Tebow, McFadden

Or is that (Mike) Hart?

If you’re looking for an attractive storyline, how about this: Michigan wins on Nov. 17 for its 10th consecutive victory, punching a ticket to Pasadena. And the opponent is … unbeaten and BCS No. 1 Ohio State, with Coach Jim Tressel summarily deflated after having taken five of the first six meetings against Carr’s Wolverines.

Now THAT would be a finish to remember.

And, make no mistake, it could happen.

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