The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Pittsburgh receiver Larry Fitzgerald knows the odds are stacked against him tonight in the Heisman Trophy race.

No sophomore has ever won the award, only six winners didn't play quarterback or running back, and only one of the last 46 winners played for a four-loss team like Fitzgerald's Panthers.

"I still think I have a chance," he said. "They wouldn't have invited me if I didn't."

Fitzgerald sure does. He is considered a co-favorite along with Oklahoma quarterback Jason White for college football's most prestigious award when it's handed out tonight.

Fitzgerald and White will be joined in New York by Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning and Michigan running back Chris Perry.

White appeared to be a lock to win the Heisman Trophy until he flamed out in the Big 12 title game.

White threw at least two touchdown passes every game until wilting against the heavy pressure from Kansas State's defense last Saturday.

White went 27-for-50 for 298 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in the 35-7 loss, turning what looked like a Heisman runaway into a potentially close race.

"Some guys are sitting at home relaxing and not playing, and others are playing a championship game against one of the best teams you will play the entire year," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "I believe most people will take that into consideration."

White was the only finalist who played last weekend, after some of the 922 ballots already had been sent in.

Manning was at home after completing only 44 percent of his passes in a November showdown against LSU, costing Ole Miss a chance to play for the Southeastern Conference championship.

Fitzgerald was recovering from a three-catch effort against Miami in a loss that cost the Panthers a share of the Big East title.

Only Perry - a long shot to win the award - delivered when it counted most.

He capped a spectacular season with a 204-yard, two-TD game in a 35-21 victory against Ohio State that sent Michigan to the Rose Bowl.