Missouri

4. Chase Daniel

Missouri, quarterback, Jr.

Previous rank: 2nd.

2006 Heisman voting: Not in top 10.

2007 stats: 13 games, 372 of 534 passing, 4,170 yards, 33 TDs, 10 INTs; 104 rushes for 284 yards, 4 TDs.

2006 stats: 13 games, 287 of 452 for 3,527 yards, 28 TDs, 10 INTs; 147 rushes for 379 yards, 4 TDs.

Last game (38-17 loss vs. Oklahoma in Big 12 Championship in San Antonio, 12/1): It couldn’t have gone much worse for Daniel.

His streak of throwing a touchdown pass in a game came to an end at the worst time — 15 straight was the stretch — and his team was completely outplayed in the second half as it lost out on its chance to play in the BCS national championship game.

In his biggest game of the season, Daniel was a lackluster 23-of-39 for 219 yards and a pick. Not Heisman-like.

The biggest problems came in the red zone, where Daniel was unable to get his team in the end zone and three times the Tigers had to settle for field goals. It led to Missouri being held under 30 points for the first time this season.

Season review: Missouri was not even on the national radar when the season began, and Daniel was merely a blip.

But all that changed thanks mainly to Daniel, who developed into a solid quarterback and directed one of the most entertaining and dangerous offenses in the country.

He finished with over 4,000 yards passing, 33 TDs and just 10 interceptions to rank fourth in the country in total offense and 12th in passing efficiency. More important, he brought the Tigers to the brink of their first national title game appearance.

It was a breakout season for both Daniel and the Tigers, who arguably enjoyed their greatest season ever.

Bowl game: Jan. 1 date in Cotton Bowl vs. Arkansas.

Next season: Daniel’s objective will be to build on the success he created for himself and the Missouri program. It will be a tall order, for they won’t be sneaking up on anybody in what is already a difficult conference. But if he can build on this season, he will be a strong Heisman candidate again next season.

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