FanHouse

390 yards passing on 27 of 45. Four touchdowns. All coming against one of the nation's top defenses.

Not shying away from being the early bird, this afternoon/evening in Pasadena, John David Booty went ahead and submitted his name as an early favorite in the '07 Heisman Trophy campaign.

Sure, he'll start next season with fewer offensive weapons, as senior Steve Smith has officially played his last game as a Trojan, and Dwayne Jarrett's almost certainly on his heels on the way out the door at USC. And there's no doubt that Booty's own shortcomings played a key role in the two Trojan losses of 2006.

That being said, coming off of his worst career game against UCLA, J.D. Booty looked very strong coming back tonight against Michigan. The hurried, inaccurate passes gave way to calm, smooth roll-outs and Leinartesque touch passes over the top of the Wolverine defense.

The 2007 Heisman Trophy ceremony is about 330 days away. It may be too soon for John David Booty to book a flight to New York -- but if he plays the way he did tonight throughout the 2007 season, there's certain to be a seat at the Downtown Athletic Club with Booty all over it.