While most Iowa State students were at home with their families over Thanksgiving break, tailback Troy Davis was going where no Cyclone, and no sophomore, has gone before.

The Miami native passed the 2,000-yard mark rushing for the season by gaining 180 yards in a 45-31 loss at Missouri Nov. 18. Davis is just the fifth running back in NCAA Division I history to run for more than 2,000 yards. He was also named to the Big Eight’s first team offense over the break.

In light of sub-spectacular performances by Heisman Trophy favorites Tommie Frazier of Nebraska and Eddie George of Ohio State over the weekend, the question remains: Can 2,000 yards draw enough attention to make Davis a serious candidate for college football’s top award?

ISU head coach Dan McCarney said Davis’ season-long performance speaks for itself.

“He’s the most consistent, reliable and productive college running back that I’ve ever been around,” McCarney said. “I don’t think that there’s any doubt in my mind, or any defensive player that has played against him this year, that he is a definite finalist and a serious candidate for the Heisman Trophy.”

Still, obstacles remain, such as a lack of national coverage, a losing team record and accusations that many of Davis’ yards came at the end of losing games.

But Davis said he remains confident about his chances. While being swarmed by the press and Cyclone fans after the Missouri game, Davis was asked point blank if he would win the Heisman.

He said: “Yes I will.”

ISU offensive lineman Tim Kohn agreed.

“Troy has done so much for this offense and this whole program. Troy’s accomplishments have gotten the linemen a lot of ink, and don’t think we don’t appreciate that,” Kohn said. “I think this season sets him up pretty good for the Heisman next year. He’s an incredible athlete and one of the elite athletes in this nation. Troy’s the greatest athlete I’ve ever seen.”

Kohn was particularly impressed with Davis’ 41-yard run on a draw play late in the fourth quarter that put him over the 2,000-yard mark.

“Look at that draw. How many guys did he make miss? How many tackles did he shake? You don’t ever see Eddie George do anything like that. Troy is a going to be in a league of his own next year . . .” Kohn said.

Now that the season is over, Davis will have to wait and see if he gets invited to New York City on Dec. 9 for the Heisman presentation.

“The biggest tragedy would be if he didn’t get invited,” Kohn said.

But a confident Davis said: “I will definitely be invited. I got the 2,000 yards.”