Newton Entering Rarified Air

In honor of this week's Editor's Heisman voting, I thought I would look at just how impressive Auburn Cam Newton's stats have become. (Incidentally, Newton claimed all seven first place votes.)

First, only one SEC QB has ever rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. Auburn's Jimmy Sidle rushed for 1,006 in 1963. Newton has 860 rushing yards through 7 games.

Second, only seven QBs in college football history have topped the 2,000/1,000 marks. Clemson's Woodrow Dantzler was the first in 2001. MIssouri's Brad Smith did it twice, in 2002 and 2005. Texas' Vince Young did it en route to a national title in 2005. "Thunder" Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan accomplished this feat in 2007. "Crazy Legs" Kaepernick from Nevada and UAB's Joe Webb both did it twice over the last two seasons. Middle Tennessee's Dwight Dasher also hit those marks last season. Newton is at 1,278 passing for the season and 860 rushing.

Third, Tim Tebow was the only player to ever rush and pass for 20 TDs in a season. Newton has 13 passing scores and 12 trips to paydirt on the ground. He is on pace to join the elite 20/20 club.

Finally, Ricky Dobbs set the NCAA all-time rushing TDs by a QB in a single season by scoring 27 times in 2009. This one is a bit more out of reach, but is still possible. Newton would need 15 more rushing TDs to get there.