The Heisman race now looks to be a three-person race with Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, and Johnny Manziel way out in front of the field. With more than half the season in the rear view, the Heisman Watch now only includes the top ten and those “on the cusp.” Still, it will take something unexpected for anyone to surpass those three.
1. QB Jameis Winston, Florida State (Last Week- #4)– After leading his Seminoles to arguably the most impressive win of the season, with a dominant performance over the highly regarded Clemson Tigers, Winston has the momentum and the slight edge in the race. His 444 passing yards and his poise allowed him and his team to look nearly unbeatable Saturday.
2. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon (Last Week- #1)– Mariota does absolutely nothing to hurt his team (still not a single turnover and highly efficient), which I currently have #1 overall, and he continues to do a lot to make the Ducks offense arguably the best in the country.
3. QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (Last Week- #2)– Despite the loss, Manziel was dynamite against Auburn. Had he led his team to a win after returning to the game from shoulder injury, he might be in the top spot at this point.
4. QB Bryce Petty, Baylor (Last Week- #8)-The quarterback of an undefeated major conference team that routinely puts up 70+ points, as it did Saturday, Petty has earned a spot in the conversation. He threw for 343 yards Saturday.
5. RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (Last Week- #9)– The Badgers running back continues to put up gaudy numbers, and his 142 yards and 3 touchdowns drove Wisconsin to a big win over Illinois.
6. QB Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois (Last Week- Unranked)– It is hard to say the MAC quarterback is the thick of the race, but his video game like stats could earn him an invite to the ceremony. Lynch ran for 316 yards and threw for another 155.
7. QB Tajh Boyd, Clemson (Last Week- #3)– An abysmal performance against the Seminoles likely knocked Boyd out of any serious contention for the race. He finished 17-37 for a measly 156 passing yards with two interceptions in an absolute rout at the hands of Winston and Florida State.
8. QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville (Last Week- #7)– Another 300+ yard performance from the standout signal caller, but his team’s loss all but eliminates the one time leader from the competition.
9. QB Brett Hundley, UCLA (Last Week- #5)– Like Boyd, Hundley’s stock is plummeting this week after a very rough outing.
10. RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (Last Week- #10)– One of the best backs in the country, Seastrunk ran for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Bears put up 71 points against Iowa State.
On the Cusp: QB Braxton Miller (Ohio State), QB AJ McCarron (Alabama), QB David Carr (Fresno State), WR Mike Evans (Texas A&M)