With College Football nearing the half way point, and being roughly one week away from the first glimpse at the 2011 BCS Standings – I figured what a perfect time to check in on the Heisman race. This of course is my personal opinion on the issue; taking each player’s stats, performance in big games, and their team record into consideration. I took a look at the statistical leaders around the country in each category, and came up with this list of my 10 Heisman Trophy front runners. Obviously, their team record has a lot to do with their standing. Someone like Arizona quarterback Nick Foles, second in the nation in passing yards, would be right up there if it weren’t for his team’s 1-3 (0-2) record. I will update these standings every few weeks, as the season progresses. So take a look – agree, disagree, and enjoy:
1. Robert Griffin III, Quarterback – #25 Baylor
· Baylor is currently 3-1 (0-1) and ranked #25 in the AP poll, #23 in the Dirt Poll
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 93 | 173 | 82.3% | 1,308 | 18 | 1 | 230.0 |
The flashy, strong armed Baylor quarterback has risen to the top of almost every experts’ Heisman standings. Griffin has been nothing short of spectacular, over performing on a team that lacks the talent of most other players on this list. He’s thrown for more touchdowns than any other quarterback in the nation, and also boasts the highest QB rating in the country. Incredibly, before last week’s loss to Kansas State – Griffin had thrown more touchdowns than in-completions through his first 3 games.
There is unfortunately a downside, which is Baylor doesn’t seem to be a team capable of sticking around the national scene. After losing last week to Kansas State, Baylor nearly dropped out of the AP Top 25 poll; after being ranked as high at #14. Griffin’s Heisman hopes rest on his shoulders alone – if he can carry the Bears to a 9 or 10 in season – he’s got a shot.
2. Andrew Luck, Quarterback – #7 Stanford
· Stanford is currently 4-0 (2-0) and ranked #7 in the AP poll, #5 in the Dirt Poll
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 80 | 112 | 71.4% | 1,013 | 11 | 1 | 178.0 |
Everyone knows who is going to be the #1 pick in this April’s NFL Draft – baring a significant injury – and that’s Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. He burst onto the scene last year and would have already been in an NFL uniform, if he hadn’t decided to return to Stanford for one more season. How’s it gone thus far? Pretty darn good.
Stanford has yet to play a real ‘tough’ opponent, though Luck looked good in a whipping of Arizona in Tucson. But my guess is that voters are waiting to see how Luck fares against #9 Oregon – a team that beat the Cardinal last year. The Pac-12 is somewhat down this season, so Luck should enjoy putting up some glossy numbers against inferior opponents. And if Stanford can get by Oregon and remain unbeaten – you might as well hand him the trophy now.
3. Denard Robinson, Quarterback – #12 Michigan
· Michigan is currently 5-0 (1-0) and ranked #12 in the AP poll, #9 in the Dirt Poll
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 50 | 91 | 54.9% | 793 | 8 | 6 | 144.0 |
| Carries | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 77 | 603 | 7.8 | 6 |
The dual-threat, long haired quarterback in Ann Arbor has led Michigan to an undefeated start of the season. The main question for Robinson and his team is – can they keep it up? We all remember their fast start last season, before the eventual crumbling which led to the firing or Rich Rodriguez.
What lands Robinson so high on the list is, clearly, his legs. But in order for him to stick around, he will have to improve his throwing. While Robinson ranked in the top 10 in the nation in rushing yards; he’s completing barely over half his passing attempts, and has thrown nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns.
Yet in his favor is the Big 10 – which seems to be experiencing a down year. Besides for Wisconsin, every other team in the conference seems to be beatable. So if Robinson can keep the Wolverines relevant – and improve his throwing just a bit – he’s got a great chance at taking home the hardware.
4. LaMichael James, Running Back – #9 Oregon
· Oregon is currently 4-1 (2-0) and ranked #9 in the AP poll, #8 in the Dirt Poll
| Carries | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 85 | 852 | 9.0 | 8 |
After Oregon’s season opening loss to LSU in Dallas, many wrote of last season’s Doak Walker award winner and Heisman finalist, LaMichael James. Yet since that game – James has done nothing but impress.
After three consecutive 200 yards games against Missouri State, Arizona and California (becoming the first Oregon back to ever achieve that), James now leads the nation in rushing yards, rushing yards per game, yards per carry, rushes of 20 and 50 yards, as well as total yards. Wow. The junior back has led his team back into national relevance – and the Ducks are poised to make another BCS run.
Unfortunately for James, he got hurt in Oregon’s last game against California. What looked like a rather severe arm injury, turned out to be just a dislocation – and Oregon fans are hoping he is back sooner, rather than later. James’ return from injury and Oregon success are going to be key if he wants to return to New York City again this season. If he is able to only miss one, two at the max – games, he should be able to rebound. And of course, his performance in a November showdown against Stanford will tell the voters all they need to know.
5. Russell Wilson, Quarterback – #4 Wisconsin
· Wisconsin is currently 5-0 (1-0) and ranked #4 in the AP poll, #3 in the Dirt Poll
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 83 | 111 | 74.8% | 1,391 | 13 | 1 | 216.9 |
One of the biggest surprises this season has been the play of Wisconsin quarterback, Russell Wilson. The transfer from North Carolina State has transformed the Badger offense into a dual threat, down field attack. For years it seems Wisconsin has been the epitome of Big 10 football; two tight ends, big lineman, and 40 carries for your big back – week in and week out. But this season, with the arm and legs of Wilson, the Badger offense has been as prolific as ever.
That showed recently when Wisconsin utterly dominated new Big 10’ee Nebraska – and things are only looking up in Madison. Wilson has only thrown one interception and ranks second in the nation in QB rating – all while completing nearly 75% of his passes.
The good news for Wisconsin is if they keep winning, Wilson’s standing won’t go anywhere. And with the Big 10 looking weaker and weaker each week, I think Wisconsin has a great shot at running the table. If the Badgers are able to remain unbeaten and in the national title hunt - a betting man should put his money on Russell Wilson attending the Heisman ceremony in December.
6. Kellen Moore, Quarterback – #5 Boise State
· Boise State is currently 4-0 (1-0) and ranked #5 in the AP poll, #12 in the Dirt Poll
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 102 | 138 | 73.9% | 1,137 | 14 | 4 | 170.8 |
Kellen Moore – calm, cool and consistent. Boise State was once again faced with a one game season, against Georgia, and they again came out victorious. Moore looked good in that game, and has looked great all season – propelling a Heisman finalist from a year ago back to the top of the list this season.
His numbers are going to remain constant, touchdown pass after touchdown pass, with thousands of yards to go along with them. But, the stats have never been the problem for Moore. His Achilles heal has always been the Broncos opponents.
Until Moore is able to shed the belief that he gains his stats against a weaker foe than others – it will be tough for him to climb in the rankings. But in the end, most expect Boise State to be undefeated when it’s all said and done, and if that’s the case; Kellen Moore will once again be in New York.
7. Marcus Lattimore, Running Back – #18 South Carolina
· South Carolina is currently 4-1 (2-1) and ranked #18 in the AP poll, #17 in the Dirt Poll
| Carries | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 124 | 677 | 5.5 | 9 |
Last season’s freshman phenom Marcus Lattimore, running back for South Carolina – has picked up right where he left off. After carrying the Game Cocks to their first SEC Title game in recent memory, Lattimore has put them on his shoulders again in route to a 4-1 start.
He currently ranks third in the nation in rushing yards, and second in rushing touchdowns; both stats that he should continue to pile up as the season goes along. However, there are two things we need to watch.
Can Lattimore hold up, week in and week out, while taking a beating from those tough SEC defenses? And more importantly, can South Carolina hold up through the tough SEC slate? Things were looking good for the Game Cocks until the lost last week to a below average Auburn team. Another loss like that, and no matter what kind of numbers he puts up – it will be tough for Lattimore to stay in the race.
8. Trent Richardson, Running Back – #2 Alabama
· Alabama is currently 5-0 (2-0) and ranked #2 in the AP poll, #2 in the Dirt Poll
| Carries | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 96 | 622 | 6.5 | 10 |
Everyone knew replacing NFL 1st round draft, and former Heisman winner Mark Ingram wasn’t going to be easy – but Trent Richardson has picked up right where he left off. Carrying the Crimson Tide back to the Top 5, currently #2, Richardson leads the nation in rushing touchdowns.
The good thing for Richardson is Alabama has an inferior offense, replacing Julio Jones on the outside has led to resurgence in their running game – and Richardson has taken advantage of it. As his carries continue to increase, so will his yards – and Trent should be one of the top statistical backs come year’s end. If Alabama continues to win – and Richardson can survive all of those tough SEC defenses – look for another possible Heisman trophy to go to Tuscaloosa.
9. Landry Jones, Quarterback – #3 Oklahoma
· Oklahoma is currently 4-0 (1-0) and ranked #3 in the AP poll, #4 in the Dirt Poll
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 111 | 155 | 71.6% | 1,447 | 10 | 5 | 164.9 |
Oklahoma was the unanimous preseason #1 throughout the country – and quarterback Landry Jones was a big reason why. And to this point in the season, the Sooners remain smack dab in the middle of National Title contention. Jones’ numbers haven’t been staggering – and he did struggle against Florida State (a defense our next finalist tore up) – but he’s the quarterback for one of the best teams in the country, and that’s usually enough.
Jones has thrown the ball a lot this season, and will continue to do so as the year rolls along. He needs to improve his touchdown to interception ratio, but other than that his yards and completions should just pile up.
However, Jones will need to make up for his lack-luster performance at Florida State, and he’ll have three more chances. The Sooners still face Oklahoma State, Texas A+M and Texas this week. Three big games – and wins for the Sooners – and Jones stock will only skyrocket upwards.
10. Tajh Boyd, Quarterback – #8 Clemson
· Clemson is currently 5-0 (2-0) and ranked #8 in the AP poll, #7 in the Dirt Poll
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 103 | 168 | 61.8% | 1,459 | 14 | 2 | 159.4 |
The biggest surprise thus far in college football has been the resurgence of Clemson, a team that has finally remembered how to win big games. Much of their success has been due to the play of youngster Tajh Boyd – who has looked brilliant throughout the season. After two lack luster wins of inferior opponents, Boyd and Clemson rattled off three consecutive wins over ranked teams; Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech.
Is Clemson for real? Only time will tell. One thing we all need to remember is that Clemson plays in a rather weak conference; and they already knocked off the two top dogs – Florida State and Virginia Tech. Although there will be a few tough games remaining, Clemson should be favored to win every one, from here one out.
If Boyd and the Tigers can somehow manage to run the table – expect to see the young Clemson QB in New York come December.
· Just missed the list….
11. Robert Woods, Wide Receiver – USC
| Catches | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 55 | 747 | 13.6 | 6 |
12. Darron Thomas, Quarterback – #9 Oregon
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 79 | 133 | 59.4% | 1,040 | 15 | 2 | 159.3 |
13. Ray Graham, Running Back – Pittsburg
| Carries | Yards | Avg. | TD |
| 126 | 734 | 5.8 | 8 |
14. Keith Price, Quarterback – Washington
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 97 | 142 | 68.3% | 1,209 | 17 | 4 | 173.7 |
15. Matt Barkley, Quarterback – USC
| Att. | Comp. | Comp. % | Yards | TD | INT | QB Rating |
| 133 | 188 | 70.7 | 1,587 | 14 | 4 | 162.0 |
No comments:
Post a Comment