There’s one month to go before ballots are due from the country’s 925 Heisman voters. Here’s a look at the top five candidates and how they did over the weekend:
1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State -- Winston had a rather ordinary game against Wake Forest, passing for 159 yards and two touchdowns (with one interception) on 17 of 28 passing. But the Seminoles crushed the Demon Deacons, 59-3, so he wasn’t really needed. On the year, he has 2,661 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. His passer efficiency rating is a sterling 192.23, which is second nationally. While his remaining schedule doesn’t hold much appeal, with matchups against Syracuse, Idaho, Florida and whoever FSU plays in the ACC title game, he should win the Heisman if he finishes strong.
2. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor -- Petty accounted for five touchdowns -- three passing, two rushing -- in Baylor’s 41-12 victory over No. 12 Oklahoma. On the year, he has 2,657 yards and 21 touchdown passes with just one interception. He also has eight rushing touchdowns. With games remaining against Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU and Texas, he has a chance to raise his profile considerably if he continues to perform well and Baylor remains undefeated. Working in his favor is his 210.64 passer rating, which would shatter the NCAA record if the season ended today.
3. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama -- McCarron moved another step closer to becoming the first quarterback to win three-consecutive national titles as he threw for 179 yards and three touchdowns in Alabama’s 38-17 win over No. 13 LSU. On the year he now has 2,041 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Games against Auburn and whoever Bama plays in the SEC title game should boost his candidacy just as Heisman voters receive their ballots.
4. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon -- Mariota was knocked off his front runner’s perch after No. 5 Stanford beat No. 2 Oregon, 26-20. The sophomore threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns on 20 of 34 passing, but he was ineffective for much of the game. On the year, he’s got 2,531 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and no interceptions, with 495 rushing yards and nine scores. If he goes on a tear in Oregon’s final three games against Utah, Arizona and Oregon State, he has a chance to sneak back into the top spot if none of the other candidates finish strong.
5. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M -- Johnny Football threw for 446 yards and five touchdown passes in A&M’s 51-41 win over Mississippi State. But he also threw three interceptions. On the season, he now has 3,313 passing yards with 31 touchdown passes and 11 picks, to go with 611 rushing yards and 8 scores. Remaining games at LSU and Missouri will give him a chance to make a final push at the trophy, but becoming the second-ever two-time winner is going to be a difficult proposition.