Last Week: 30/43 338 3 TDs vs Maryland (31-21) Next Week: vs Baylor
Comments: It wasn't the video game numbers that Geno Smith has been putting up lately, but Smith was still spectacular in West Virginia's win over Maryland. His 338 yards helped shred the Terrapin defense and help the Mountaineers improve their record to 3-0. Smith continues to play at a high level and is clearly the front runner to win the award. Right now there really isn't a close #2. But it won't get any easier for West Virginia. Big 12 conference play starts this weekend and Smith won't have to face any elite defenses, but they are still a lot better than anything he has seen so far. But if he keeps up this pace he'll be fine.
Last Week: 13/21 149 0 TDs, 79 yards rushing 1 TD vs O (24-19) Next Week: vs Kansas
Comments: In typical Collin Klein fashion, it wasn't pretty but the Wildcats and Klein got the job done. Klein's stats where not amazing, but he did have a combined 228 yards, but the big thing was getting the victory over top 10 rated Oklahoma. The win vaults KState up the rankings and showcases Klein to the national stage. The win also avenges the Wildcats 41 point loss to the Sooners last year. Things do get easier for Klein and the Wildcats this week as they face off against in state rival Kansas. The Jayhawks are awful this year and should allow Klein to put up some gaudy numbers.
3. Le'Veon Bell RB Michigan State
Last Week: 36 carries 253 yards 1 TD vs Eastern Michigan (23-7) Next Week: vs Ohio State
Comments: The Spartans struggled against lowly MAC Eastern Michigan, but it wasn't at any fault to Le'Veon Bell. Despite an inability to put Eastern Michigan out of the game early, Bell was at his best rushing for 253 yards and a touchdown. This performance is just what Bell needed to stay in the hunt for the Heisman. He has a long ways to go to get back to being one of the favorites, but their game against Ohio State this week could give him that national boost that he needs. And the way Ohio State's defense has been playing, Bell has as good of a chance as anybody.
4. EJ Manuel QB Florida State
Last Week: 27/35 380 2 TDs vs Clemson (49-37) Next Week: at South Florida
Comments: With Florida State needing to seize the opportunity against Clemson, the senior QB stepped up. Manuel threw for 380 yards and rushed for 102. The Seminoles needed every bit of those yards to out score the Tigers high flying offense. Not only did Manuel throw for a bunch of yards, but he was just as lethal with his feet. Manuel was a dark horse candidate to win the award, but after the Seminoles big victory over Clemson and Manuel's performance, he is now thrust into contention. Especially with the race so wide open. Florida State has an easy schedule ahead of them with only Virginia Tech and Florida being possible ranked teams. If the Seminoles can get through the season unscathed, Manuel has a great opportunity to make some noise in the Heisman Race.
5. Matt Barkley QB USC
Last Week: 22/34 192 2 TDs 2 INTs, 102 yards rushing vs California (27-9) Next Week: at Utah
Comments: Looking to bounce back from their big loss to Stanford, Barkley was able to lead the Trojans to victory, but he didn't look good doing so. With the emphasis put on the run game it came at the cost of Matt Barkley. Not only did Barkley throw for less than 200 yards, but he threw 2 picks also. Those aren't terrible numbers, but it's not like he was very efficient. Barkley still has an outside shot at winning the Heisman Trophy, but his national perception isn't the greatest. He'll have to clean his game up and elevate his passing numbers.
4. EJ Manuel QB Florida State
Last Week: 27/35 380 2 TDs vs Clemson (49-37) Next Week: at South Florida
Comments: With Florida State needing to seize the opportunity against Clemson, the senior QB stepped up. Manuel threw for 380 yards and rushed for 102. The Seminoles needed every bit of those yards to out score the Tigers high flying offense. Not only did Manuel throw for a bunch of yards, but he was just as lethal with his feet. Manuel was a dark horse candidate to win the award, but after the Seminoles big victory over Clemson and Manuel's performance, he is now thrust into contention. Especially with the race so wide open. Florida State has an easy schedule ahead of them with only Virginia Tech and Florida being possible ranked teams. If the Seminoles can get through the season unscathed, Manuel has a great opportunity to make some noise in the Heisman Race.
5. Matt Barkley QB USCComments: Looking to bounce back from their big loss to Stanford, Barkley was able to lead the Trojans to victory, but he didn't look good doing so. With the emphasis put on the run game it came at the cost of Matt Barkley. Not only did Barkley throw for less than 200 yards, but he threw 2 picks also. Those aren't terrible numbers, but it's not like he was very efficient. Barkley still has an outside shot at winning the Heisman Trophy, but his national perception isn't the greatest. He'll have to clean his game up and elevate his passing numbers.
Others to Watch
6. Jonathan Franklin RB UCLA
7. De'Anthony Thomas RB/WR Oregon
8. Braxton Miller QB Ohio State
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