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.