The nation’s top performers seem to want to play hot potato with the Heisman as most put together lackluster performances. However, as conference play begins in earnest, hopefuls will have to step up or step aside. Notably, Marcus Mariota takes the top spot as Teddy Bridgewater struggles to catch attention as his team cruises against lightweight competition.
1. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon (Last Week- #2)- Oregon did not play this week. Nevertheless, Mariota takes the lead as others stumble.
2. QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (Last Week- #5)- Another dominant performance from “Johnny Football” (244 passing yards, 102 rushing yards, and 3 total touchdowns) only makes it harder for Heisman voters to ignore him.
3. QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville (Last Week- #1)- Solid numbers and a dominant team performance that saw his opponent ask for a running clock is great but cannot justify giving the #1 ranking any more. Bridgewater’s numbers have to be eye-popping or the Cardinal’s schedule will be the end of his Heisman chances.
4. QB Tahj Boyd, Clemson (Last Week- #3)- Clemson did not look good against NC State, but Boyd’s three touchdowns propelled the Tigers to a win. The dual threat signal caller still has not thrown an interception.
5. RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (Last Week- #9)- The dynamic back ran for 156 yards as the Bears continue to put up mind-popping offensive numbers. How Seastrunk and his team perform against legitimate competition will determine the seriousness of his (and quarterback Bryce Petty’s) Heisman campaign.
6. RB Todd Gurley, Georgia (Last Week- #7)- A solid performance against North Texas was expected, but how the Bulldog handles LSU could be a launch point into the upper echelon of contenders.
7. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (Last Week- Unranked)- As the nation’s leading rusher, Gordon will look for Big 10 play to bolster his chances.
8. QB AJ McCarron, Alabama (Last Week- #4)- Numbers were solid (258 passing yards) but the performance against Colorado State failed to inspire.
9. QB Keith Price, Washington (Last Week- #10)- A strong performance against lowly Idaho State did little on its own to improve or hurt the Huskies’ signal caller’s chances.
10. QB Brett Hundley, UCLA (Last Week- #6)- Two interceptions against lowly New Mexico State is a step back for the sophomore sensation.
On the Cusp: RB De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon), QB Derek Carr (Fresno State), QB Bryce Petty (Baylor), QB Jordan Lynch (Northern Illinois)
In the Mix/Stock Rising: QB Aaron Murray (UGA), RB Alex Collins (Arkansas), WR Jordan Matthews (Vanderbilt), WR Mike Evans (TAMU), DE Vic Beasley (Clemson), RB Jeremy Hill (LSU)
Stock Falling: QB Jameis Winston (FSU), QB Braxton Miller (Ohio State), QB Devin Gardner (Michigan), RB Duke Johnson (Miami), RB TJ Yeldon (Alabama), WR Stefon Diggs (Maryland)