With only six weeks remaining in the college football season, College FootBlog takes a look at who is making the strongest cases to make the trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony. Here are the four elite players we feel have the best shot at bringing home the hardware this December.
Cameron Newton (QB/Auburn): When you’re leading your team in rushing as a quarterback and your team is ranked #1 in the country, you’re making a very strong case for the Hesiman. Newton’s numbers have been sick this season, averaging over 305 yards per game with 27 total touchdowns. He will get at least one more chance to shine on national television when he leads his Tigers into Tuscaloosa to face Alabama in the Iron Bowl. A strong performance against Nick Saban’s defense would essentially lock up the Heisman and an SEC Championship game.
Sophomore LaMichael James leads the most explosive offense in the nation (google images)
LaMichael James (RB/Oregon): After missing the opener due to a suspension, many writers had removed the talented running back from their Heisman watch lists. But James has burst back onto the scene and currently leads the nation in rushing yards per game with 161. If Oregon keeps winning and James keeps getting his touches, he could be the fourth straight sophomore to win the coveted award.
Kellen Moore (QB/Boise State): Once again, BSU’s quarterback has quietly put together the most efficient passing attack in the NCAA. The junior signal caller has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, with only one interception. With six more games remaining, he could end up with video game statistics again this year, and his Broncos have their best chance ever at playing for the BCS Title. If his stats hold up (and based on his career, they should) and if BSU can secure a BCS Title game, Moore will have as good of a shot as anyone at winning the Trophy.
Justin Blackmon (WR/Oklahoma State): Dez Who? Blackmon has ripped through secondaries all season long for the 6-1 Cowboys and leads the nation with 158.9 yards per game. In last weekend’s shoot out with Nebraska, the sophomore wideout eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark to go along with 14 TD receptions. If he keeps this pace, he would finish the season with 1906 yards and 24 touchdowns–numbers that should lock him up for a trip to New York. OSU has a tough road to finish the season, with games against Texas and Oklahoma, so keeping that pace will not be an easy task.
Look for another breakdown in a few weeks that will provide our pick for the top three, along with who College FootBlog thinks will ultimately bring the award home.
