Heisman Watch (Week 11)

1. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
Last Week: 27/41 271 3 TDs 2 INTs vs Oregon (53-30) Next Week: vs Cal

Comments: It wasn't the outcome any Stanford fan wanted. Their big 53-30 loss is a huge blow to a Stanford team that was hoping that they could get to a National Championship Game. Now this loss also complicates the Heisman Race. With a win Luck could have wrapped up the award. However they didn't. But Luck didn't play horrible in the loss. He did throw 2 picks but both were not his fault. He can't control balls going off receivers hands. Luck is still considered the best player in college football and with a muddied field he is still the favorite for the award.

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama
Last Week: 32 carries 127 yards 1 vs Mississippi State (24-7) Next Week: vs Georgia Southern
Comments: A week after their loss to LSU, Alabama and Trent Richardson looked to bounce back and hopefully somehow sneak their way back to a possible National Title. Richardson also hoped to stay right in the thick of the Heisman Race. Against a tough Mississippi State team, Richardson ran for 127 yards and a TD. Add in Stanford's loss and Luck's not so great game and Richardson is still right in the race. But he'll need two more great games if he wants to be the 2nd Alabama player in school history to win the award.

3. Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State

Last Week: 31/37 423 5 TDs vs Texas Tech (66-6) Next Week: @ Iowa State
Comments: Weeden makes his first appearance in the Top 5 this year, but he is a player that you have to consider for this race. He has everything that a Heisman contender needs to win the award. He is playing for a National Title contender and is having one heck of a year. So far this year Weeden has thrown for 3,635 yards and 31 TDs. The offense is one of the best in college football and if the Cowboys can get by Oklahoma the last weekend of the year he could find himself playing against LSU's vaunted defense. I don't know if he can overtake Andrew Luck, but you can't rule it out.

4. Case Keenum QB Houston
Last Week: 22/29 325 yards 3 TDs vs Tulane (73-17) Next Week: vs SMU
Comments: With the blowout win over Tulane we didn't see huge huge numbers for Keenum but that was also because he came out of the game in the 3rd quarter. Houston also had RB Charles Sims go off for 207 rushing yards. However Keenum continues his strong play and 325 yards on 79% passing is astonishing. Look for Keenum to continue to dominant this season as they roll throw SMU and Tulsa before matching up with a tough Southern Miss team. But Keenum will finish this season with all the NCAA records you can have as a QB. It's a great season, but I just don't know how he could get the Heisman over somebody like Trent Richardson or Andrew Luck.

5. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma
Last Week: BYE Next Week: @ Baylor
Comments: Landry Jones enjoyed a week off after their big victory over Texas A&M. This rest comes at the right time when they finish the season with three games over Baylor, Iowa State, and Oklahoma State. Jones may be #5 in these rankings, but he has the opportunity to set himself up for a run at the award. Three wins and three big games could vault him towards the top. But not having a Big 12 Title game really hurts Jones' efforts. But you have to marvel at the season that Jones has put together.

Don't Count Out Yet

Kellen Moore QB Boise State

With their loss to TCU, I don't see anyway that Moore can win the Heisman Trophy. He might be in the top 5 in voting, but he won't win the award. Even if they would have finished the season undefeated, I don't think he would have won the award. It is kind of a shame. Moore has been very good all year and even in their game against TCU he played very well. But Moore can't play defense or kick field goals. Both caused them to loose games at the end of the season the past two years.

Taylor Wilson QB Arkansas
I still can't believe how little attention Arkansas is getting this year. They only have 1 loss and that was to an Alabama team that is considered to be one of the best teams in the nation. Wilson has had a great year and continues to lead this high scoring offense to one of the best records in school history. Wilson probably doesn't have a shot to win the Heisman, but if they win out and beat #1 LSU you never know.

Heisman Watch (Week 10)

1. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Last Week: 20/30 206 yards 3 TDs 1 INT vs Oregon State (38-13) Next Week: vs Oregon
Comments: Another standard day for Andrew Luck and the Stanford Cardinal. In their easy win over Oregon State, Luck threw for over 200 yards and 3 TDs. It wasn't a great statistical game, but Luck continues to guide the Cardinal to an impressive season so far. However this weekend Stanford will be matched up against their toughest opponent yet, Oregon. If Luck can lead the Cardinal to a huge win, he could seal his fate as a Heisman winner. A loss to the Ducks and Heisman race could get a lot muddier.

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama
Last Week: 23 carries 89 yards 5 catches 80 yards against LSU (6-9) Next Week: @ Mississippi State
Comments: 169 yards against one of the best defenses in the nation isn't a bad day. But when you can't find the end zone and lose one of the biggest games of the year, it's not that great. This loss hurts Richardson's Heisman stock on two different levels. First they lose the game and Richardson doesn't have a memorable game. Second, unless LSU collapses Richardson won't have the SEC Title Game to impress Heisman voters one last time. Now he isn't out of the running for the Heisman yet, but the gap between him and Andrew Luck just got a little bit bigger.

3. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Last Week: 18/38 255 2 TDs vs Texas A&M (41-25) Next Week: @ Baylor

Comments: Landry Jones had a good game throwing for 255 yards and 2 TDs in a blowout win against a dangerous Texas A&M team. Jones continues to put up big time numbers and get big wins for a team that is trying to show everybody that they are not the team that lost to Texas Tech. His play has him hanging around in the race for the Heisman Trophy, but is going to need Luck and Richardson to fall off if he wants to win the award. A big win against Oklahoma State in a couple of weeks would do wonders.

4. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
Last Week: 18/31 219 5 TDs vs UNLV (48-21) Next Week: vs TCU
Comments: After a week off Kellen Moore picked up right where he was before. "The Surgeon" carved up the Runnin Rebals for 219 yards and 5 TDs. Moore hasn't had a lot of Heisman hype this season, but a big game this upcoming week against TCU could really do something for that. TCU isn't the same team we saw last year, but they do only have 2 losses and bring some defensive credibility.

5. Case Keenum QB Houston
Last Week: 39/44 407 yards 2 TDs 2 rushing TDs vs UAB (56-13) Next Week: @Tulane
Comments: He didn't set any NCAA records in this game, but Case Keenum had another amazing game for the undefeated Cougars. Completing 88% of his passes for 407 yards and 2 TDs is pretty impressive. But don't forget that he ran for two TDs also. I don't know if Keenum can win the Heisman playing in Conference USA, but his play is making people take a second look. But if Houston can win out (which they should) and he can wow Heisman voters in the Conference USA Championship Game, he might have an outside shot. Crazier things have happened.

Don't Count Out Yet

Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State
With all the teams around them losing, Okie State has moved into the #2 spot and have an inside track to a National Title appearance. Before the season started the Heisman talk on their team was about Justin Blackmon. However it has been the play of QB Brandon Weeden. Against Kansas State Weeden set a school record with 502 yards and 4 TDs. If Weeden has a big game and a win over Oklahoma the last week of the year, he might be able to sneak into the discussion.

Taylor Wilson QB Arkansas
All the talk in the SEC has been about LSU and Alabama, but a team that people need to check out is Arkansas. Quietly the Razorbacks are a 1 loss team (LSU) and playing some very good football. A big part of that has been Taylor Wilson who is running Bobby Petrino's offense magically. Against South Carolina, Wilson threw for 299 yards and 4 TDs. But playing in the SEC West with Alabama and LSU makes it hard for them to get a lot of attention. But a win over Alabama would sure get him a lot of attention.

Heisman Watch (Week 9)

1. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Last Week: 29/40 325 3 TDs 1 INT vs USC (56-48) Next Week: @ Oregon State

Comments: What a wild night for Luck and the Stanford Cardinal in their 56-48 triple OT win over USC. In the win Luck continued to show the type of player that he is. Despite throwing the ball 40 times he completed 73% of his passes for 325 and 3 TDs. But what was even more impressive was that Luck did it when it mattered. In OT he was deadly. He extended plays scrambling and even threw a TD to Levine Toilolo and a 2 point conversion to Colby Fleener. To win a Heisman you have to have some memorable games where you lead the team to a victory, Luck did that here against USC.

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Last Week: BYE Next Week: vs. LSU

Comments: In lew of their big game against LSU, the Crimson Tide and Trent Richardson enjoyed a week off the rest and prepare for their biggest game of the year. So far this season Richardson has rushed for 989 yards and 17 TDs. Pretty good stats considering they still have four games left in the regular season. Richardson can really make his mark in the race for the Heisman this week with a huge game over #1 LSU. A big game there and a win could let him overtake Andrew Luck for the top spot. But it could also ruin his chances if he struggles and they lose.

3. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Last Week: 35/47 505 5 TDs 2 INTs vs Kansas State (58-17) Next Week: vs Texas A&M

Comments: After losing the week before to Texas Tech, Jones and the rest of the Sooners wanted to show everybody that was a fluke. In his match up against an undefeated Kansas State team Jones was dominant. He shredded the Wildcats for 505 yards and 5 TDs. And despite throwing 2 picks, he could do whatever he wanted. This game was good for Jones' Heisman stock because it allowed him a chance to put up huge numbers over a highly ranked team. Jones needs to continue his high play next week when they host a Texas A&M team that is very dangerous. Jones still has a chance to win the award, but he mostly needs others to fall. That may not happen.

4. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: BYE Next Week: @ UNLV

Comments: After a surprisingly tougher game than expected against Air Force, the Broncos used the bye week to rest up for their remaining 5 games. So far this season Moore has completed 174/228 for 2010 yards with 24 TDs and 5 INTs. Those are pretty impressive numbers. However it's an uphill battle for Moore because the only team that they play that is even considered to be tough is TCU and even they

aren't as good as previous years. It's starting to look like Moore's chances of winning the award going away, but you never known.

5. Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Last Week: 20/32 253 yards 3 TDs vs Ohio State (29-33) Next Week: vs Purdue

Comments: Through their first six games it looked like Wisconsin and Russell Wilson were the cream of the crop in the Big 10, a sleeper for the National Title, and Wilson a contender for the Heisman Trophy. But their last two games very well could have ended all three. In both of those losses, Wilson hasn't looked very good. Even though he hasn't thrown many picks, he has missed a lot of open receivers and hasn't controlled the game like he did earlier in the season. Wilson is going to have to play out of his mind the rest of the season if he wants to get a real chance to win the award.

Others to Watch

Case Keenum QB Houston

In their Thursday Night game against Rice, Keenum was unstoppable. Throwing for 534 yards and 9 TDs Keenum has set NCAA records for most passing yards and touchdowns. His stats are video game esc. The Cougars are also undefeated and as long as Keenum stays healthy they have a great shot at finishing the season that way. But what hurts Kennum's chances in the Heisman is that he doesn't play in a good conference and he is largely considered a system QB.

Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

Despite leaving last weeks game early with a concussion, Blackmon returned and had a huge game over Baylor. Blackmon had 172 yards and 2 TDs in their 59-29 victory over the Bears. Blackmon has put up some big numbers for the Cowboys, but really isn't getting the Heisman hype he did last year. However Oklahoma State is ranked #3 and if they continue to win, Blackmon's stock will continue to rise.

Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU

It's been a couple of quiet weeks on the Mathieu front with the suspension for a game and then the bye week. But with a huge game against Alabama next week, it gives Mathieu another opportunity to make his presence felt. If he continues to make huge plays in big games he could get some consideration.

Rex Burkhead RB Nebraska

Not a lot of people are talking about Burkhead when it comes to the Heisman, but he definitely deserves it. In their big victory over Michigan State Burkhead was the offense. He rushed for 130 yards and had 2 rushing TDs. Add in a 4th quarter receving TD and it was a big game for Burkhead. I don't know if he'll even get an invite to New York, but if the Huskers run the table, you never know.

Heisman Watch (Week 8)

1. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Last Week: 16/21 169 yards 2 TDs vs Washington (65-21) Next Week: @USC

Comments: In what was supposed to be Stanford's toughest game, the Cardinal made little work with Washington in route to a 65-21 beat down. Luck's numbers were not overly impressive at first look, completed 76% of his passes for 169 yards and 2 TD. But they didn't need a big game from him. The Stanford running backs took control and rushed for 446 yards. Even though his stats were not eye popping, Luck was in control and very efficient with the passes he threw. Next week Luck faces off against a USC team isn't as good as we thought at the start of the season, but he'll get the chance to go against a Monte Kiffen defense that is going to try and confuse him.

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Last Week: 17 carries for 77 yards 2 TDs vs Tennessee (37-6) Next Week: vs LSU

Comments: With Andrew Luck having a down statistical game against Washington, this was Richardson's chance to close the gap. Now he didn't have a bad game by any means, but getting to at least 100 yards would have been nice. But all that can be forgotten depending on how he does against #1 ranked LSU. If Alabama can win and Richardson has a great game he could very well rise past Luck into the #1 spot and the favorite for the award. But a bad game against LSU's tough defense could ultimately harm his chances. It should be fun to watch.

3. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: 23/29 281 yards 3 TDs 1 INT vs Air Force (37-26) Next Week: @UNLV

Comments: Boise State didn't roll over Air Force, but the offense had a pretty good day. Moore continued to his efficient self, completing 80% of passes and throwing for 3 TDs. The biggest thing was that Boise State continues to win. And with games against San Diego State and TCU still on the schedule he has two bigger games to prove that he should be in this discussion.

4. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Last Week: 30/55 412 yards 5 TDs and 1 INT vs Texas Tech (38-41) Next Week: @Kansas State

Comments: It wasn't Jones fault that Oklahoma lost, but it could end up hurting his Heisman chances. Jones threw for 412 yards and 5 TDs, and you would think that 38 points should get you a win. But the Sooners and Jones have an opportunity to bounce back next week with a game against undefeated Kansas State. If Jones plays well in that game and they win along with a big win and victory against Oklahoma State, he could find himself right back in the discussion.

5. Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Last Week: 14/21 223 yards 2 TDs 2 INTs Next Week: @ Ohio State

Comments: In their toughest game of the season, Wilson didn't look very good. Wilson was able to lead the Badgers down the field and threw a game tying TD. But through the game he over threw wide open receivers and threw 2 picks when they needed scores. Wilson didn't look like the same player that was shredding Oregon State, UNLV and South Dakota. Wilson is going to need a flawless rest of the regular season and huge Big 10 Title Game if he is going to be considered for the Heisman.

Other to Watch

Robert Griffin QB Baylor

RG3 has put up Heisman type numbers, but losing two of their last three games isn't helping his chances. However Baylor has games against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech to prove that he should be right back in this race. If they win out Griffen has just as good of a shot to win the award as anybody else.

Tajh Boyd QB Clemson

Boyd continues to lead the Tigers to an undefeated 8-0 record. Against a Tar Heel defense loaded with NFL talent, he threw for 367 yards and 5 TDs. Add in another rushing TD and he had 6 total. Very impressive. If Boyd can get the Tigers to an undefeated season and an ACC Title he could easily be in New York come Heisman Night.

Heisman Watch (Week 7)

1. Andrew Luck QB Stanford
Last Week: 23/36 336 yards 4 TDs 1 INT vs Washington State (44-14) Next Week: vs Washington
Comments: It wasn't a surprise what happened when the Cardinal faced off against the over matched Washington State Cougars. Even though Luck threw a pick on his first pass of the game, it was easy sailing for him and the rest of the Stanford team. Luck threw for an impressive 336 yards and 4 TDs. He keeps showing everybody that he is the best player in the country and that is what the Heisman is for. Now all he needs is a big win over Oregon and he could add the Heisman to his long list of accomplishments.

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama
Last Week: 17 carries for 183 yards 4 TDs vs Ole Miss (52-7) Next Week: vs Tennessee
Comments: Richardson makes a huge leap up the Heisman Watch with a big game against Ole Miss. Now its not like Ole Miss is LSU, but 183 yards rushing, 3 TDs, and a highlight run of highlight runs really gets every body's attention. Richardson is the best player on Alabama's offense and a key to their success. Now all he needs is that big win over LSU and he could legitimately challenge Luck for the #1 spot in the Heisman Race.

3. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma
Last Week: 29/48 363 3 TDs 1 INT vs Kansas (47-7) Next Week: vs Texas Tech
Comments: I still can't figure out why Landry Jones isn't getting any Heisman hype. He is putting up huge numbers, is the leader of his team, and is on a undefeated top 3 ranked team that probably will be playing in the National Title game. All three of those qualities normally gets you a Heisman, or at least in the discussion. However nobody is talking about Jones. He even has big games against both FSU and Texas on a national stage. However he can still impress some voters with a big win against Oklahoma State on the last weekend of the year. But he has a lot of work to do.

4. Kellen Moore QB Boise State
Last Week: 26/30 338 4 TD vs Colorado State (63-13) Next Week: vs Air Force

Comments: In previous years Moore would put up good but not great stats against poor competition. The difference this year is that Moore is putting up enormous numbers against slightly better competition. The thing that hurts is that the Mountain West isn't as good previous years. TCU is slightly down and San Diego State and Air Force aren't the teams that they were last year. And with those teams down, it looks lie Moore's chances to win over voters is starting to fade. But the Broncos should be undefeated for another season and have a shot at a BCS game, so don't count Moore out yet.

5. Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin
Last Week: 12/17 166 1 TD 42 yards rushing 25 yards receiving 1 TD vs Indiana (59-7) Next Week: @ Michigan State

Comments: Wilson's numbers weren't huge against a weak Indiana team, but he did just a little bit of everything. He only had 233 yards, but did a little bit of everything. He threw for a TD and caught one, and added 42 yards rushing. Wilson is playing at an extremely high level, but with such a great team around him and an emphasized running game Wilson might not have the numbers to get the top nod. However their match up this week against Michigan State could do wonders for his chances.


Others to Watch

Robert Griffin III QB Baylor
If Baylor was undefeated right now we might see Griffin sitting atop the Heisman Race. However against the two best teams they have played the Bears have lost both. But it hasn't been Griffin's fault who threw for 430 yards against Texas A&M with only 1 INT.

Heisman Watch (Week 5)

1. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Last Week: 23/27 227 3 TDs vs UCLA (45-19) Next Week: vs. Colorado

Comments: The way this race is going is going to benefit Luck's chances to becoming the next Heisman Trophy winner. No player is really running away with the award and that suits Luck well. He is the best player in football and that's where the Heisman is suppose to go to. Against a UCLA team Luck was his effiecent self. Completing 85% of his passes for over 200 yards and 3 TDs. He doesn't have the guady stats that most people have, but he doesn't need to with their power running team.

2. Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

Last Week: 23/33 425 5 TDs 1 INT vs. Ball State (62-6) Next Week: vs. Texas

Comments: Its nothing against Jones, but he just isn't getting the attenion he needs to win this award. Doesn't help playing games against Ball State. Ball State is a horrible team. This was nothing more than a stat padding game for Jones, and he didn't dissappoint. Completing 70% of his passes for 425 yards and 5 touchdowns is good against anybody. Next week will be another great opprotunity to impress voters in a nationally televised game against rival Texas. A big game against Texas' defense could go a long way to help him in this race.

3. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Last Week: 19/33 142 2 TDs 2 INTs vs Nevada (30-10) Next Week: @Fresno State

Comments: Well we found out that Kellen Moore is human. Against a subpar Nevada, Moore who is normally very accurate struggled. He completed less than 60% of his passes and threw two picks. But the main thing was that Boise State was able to get the win. Heisman voters will forget about his game if Moore can bounce back and keep this team going. Next week they face off against a Fresno State team that is much improved.

4. Trent Richardson RB Alabama

Last Week: 181 yards 2 TDs vs Florida (38-10) Next Week: vs. Vanderbilt

Comments: In a big match up against a rising Florida team, it was the Trent Richardson show. Florida had no answer for the powerful runner. And when the Tide wanted to put the game away they put Richardson back in the Wildcat and let him go. Alabama looked like on the the best teams in college football on saturday and that should only help Richardson who is hoping to win the award just like his former teammate Mark Ingram. And if they keep this up, he has a great shot.

5. Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Last Week: 14/20 255 2 TD 1 rushing TD vs Nebraska (48-17) Week: Bye

Comments: Wisconsin did their best to initiate Nebraska to the Big 10 Conference. Wilson was a huge part of that. He was in control of the whole game and did what ever he wanted to against the Nebraska Blackshirt defense. He completed 70% of his passes for 255 yards. He also used his feet to extend plays that really hurt Nebraska. This Wisconsin team is for real and should make it out of the Big 10 undefeated. Wilson is getting a lot of attention and that could have him rising up this board.

Rest of the List
6. Robert Griffin III QB Baylor
He threw for 356 and 5 touchdowns, but he threw his first INT of the year at the worst time. His pick came when the Bears needed to run out the clock and it allowed Kansas State to kick the game winning FG. Its too bad, because RG3 was looking to really jump up this Watch List. They'll need to win some big games against the Oklahoma's and Texas' if he wants to regain his momentum.

7. Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina
South Carolina's inability to get Lattimore going was a big reason they dropped their game against Auburn. Lattimore rushed for only 66 yards in this game. Lattimore isn't out of the race quite yet, but the Gamecocks need to keep winning and he needs to not go under 100 yards.

8. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State
After their big comeback win over A&M, the Cowboys enjoyed a weekend off. Blackmon is having a good year once again 450 yards and 4 touchdowns on the season. But he needs to keep those numbers up and have the Cowboys knock off the Sooners and the Longhorns if he wants to be in New York for the Heisman ceremony.