Five weeks into the season, here’s how the race for the 2013 Heisman Trophy stands. These are the players with the best chance to actually win the award:
1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon -- A driving rain storm hampered Mariota’s final numbers against Cal, but the Oregon sophomore still projects as the front runner at this time. He’s on pace to have 3,263 passing yards, 962 rushing yards and 46 total touchdowns by the time the Heisman vote is due. How he does in big games against Washington, UCLA and Stanford will ultimately determine his fate.
2. Tajh Boyd, Clemson -- The senior quarterback had a huge game against Wake Forest with 311 passing yards, 68 rushing yards and four total scores against Wake Forest. He’s on pace to have 3,250 passing yards, 520 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns by the time the Heisman vote is due. A huge matchup with Florida State looms in mid-October which could make or break his candidacy.
3. Aaron Murray, Georgia -- No player helped himself more in the Heisman race this past weekend than Murray, who guided Georgia to a thrilling win over No. 6 LSU. He now has two wins over ranked teams and his only loss is a close one to a top five Clemson squad. He’s on pace for 4,342 passing yards and 46 combined touchdowns and his schedule sets up fairly easy until a potential SEC title game at season’s end.
4. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville -- While his schedule is weak, his numbers are sterling. The potential first pick in next year’s draft is on pace for 3,636 passing yards and 42 touchdowns. He’ll have to add to that production in the coming weeks and approach 50 touchdowns if he wants voters to possibly overlook his soft slate of opponents.
5. Bryce Petty, Baylor -- The nation’s leader in passing efficiency could have the Bears challenging for a Big 12 title. He’s on pace for 4,008 passing yards and 40 total touchdowns. Big games in wins over Oklahoma and Texas could give him a boost the same way they did Robert Griffin III a couple years ago.
On the cusp: Brett Hundley, UCLA; A.J. McCarrron, Alabama; Kevin Hogan, Stanford.
Where’s Johnny Manziel?
Make no mistake, he’s having a fine season and is on pace have 3,576 passing yards, 756 rushing yards and 41 total touchdowns by the time the Heisman vote is due. But voters are generally reluctant to give out second Heismans -- there’s only been one two-time winner, after all. And when you combine his declining numbers (compared to last season, at least) with the general attitude toward his off-season antics, he’s got an uphill climb. He’s likely to get to New York as a finalist; he just won’t win.