The conclusion of week six brought some new faces to the Heisman race, as well as eliminated some old ones. Michigan’s Denard Robinson had a rare slip up against in-state rival Michigan State as Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez and South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery emerged as dark horse candidates. So, without further ado, here’s the list.
1) LaMichael James, RB Oregon (last week -- #4)
James carried the load for Oregon once again against Washington State, rushing 25 times for 136 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Equally as important was his ability to take pressure off backup quarterback Nate Costa, who filled in for the injured Darron Thomas. Assuming James doesn’t punch a chick in the near future and get suspended, he’s on track to being a finalist.
2) Kellen Moore, QB Boise State (last week -- #2)
Moore was a quiet 16-of-22 for 267 yards and three touchdowns against Toledo. By far, Moore drew the least amount of attention to himself this weekend as other Heisman hopefuls climbed and fell. With that said, Moore did nothing to gain or hurt his stock.
3) Denard Robinson, QB Michigan (last week -- #1)
So, Shoelace is human after all. The stats weren’t horrible for the sophomore -- 215 yards passing and 86 yards rushing with two total touchdowns. However, three interceptions by the quarterback hurt the Wolverines’ chances against Michigan State and delivered a blow to his Heisman stock.
I still firmly believe that Robinson is the one thing keeping Michigan from being a .500 team and, as long as he’s in the game, Robinson will continue to give the Wolverines a chance to win.
4) Andrew Luck, QB Stanford (last week -- NR)
It wasn’t the efficient 20-of-24 passing for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns against USC that impressed me (even though it did). Rather, it was Luck’s two-minute drive to put Stanford in field goal range to win the game that solidified Luck as a true Heisman candidate. His poise in the pocket, ability to make plays with his arm and his legs and his high football I.Q are just some of the things that make him one of the best players in the country.
5) Cam Newton, QB Auburn (last week -- NR), Taylor Martinez, QB Nebraska (last week -- NR), Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina (last week -- NR)
Yes, I know this is a cop out. Sue me. It’s just hard to leave out three guys who had spectacular games in week six. Now, if I can only separate them ...
Just missed the cut, but keep your eye on ‘em: Colin Kaepernick, QB Nevada, Terrelle Pryor, QB Ohio State, Josh Jasper, PK LSU