The Heisman appears to be Lamar Jackson’s to lose with Deshaun Watson and JT Barrett vying for second place. A key matchup takes place this week between Knight and Hurts that could really vault the winner/better performer’s chances with the eyes of the nation on that big game.

10. QB Skyler Howard (West Virginia)—Seth Russell’s struggles against the lowly Kansas Jayhawks opened the door for another undefeated Big 12 quarterback who is good but won’t wow you.

9. RB Dalvin Cook (Florida State)—Cook rushed for 115 yards as FSU managed to beat Wake Forest. Still, Cook failed to score, and his status on this list is mainly bolstered by the weakness of other RBs.

8. QB Greg Ward (Houston)—The Cougars’ star had the best yardage performance of any of the contenders, and his team managed a late win. Still, his statistical output needs to be really strong and his team needs to do better for him to get an invite.

7. ATH Jabrill Peppers (Michigan)—Coming out of HS, I loved the triumvirate of Peppers, Garrett, and Fournette. Three years later, each can make the case to be the best player in CFB. Though Heisman buzz has been building, I am not sure Peppers has done enough to garner “invite level” attention, much less be an actual contender for the award.

6. QB Jalen Hurts (Alabama)—Count out the Alabama signal caller at your peril. An adequate passing performance coupled with 132 rushing yards and three scores propelled a dominant win over Tennessee. This true freshman is the real deal, and he has a big opportunity this week against TAMU.

5. QB Trevor Knight (TAMU)—Knight is a little under the radar, more so after a bye week. If he wants to make his case, however, it starts this week. Beating Alabama could seriously put him in the mix.

4. QB Jake Browning (Washington)—Browning enjoyed a bye week. He has a case to make, but his chances to rise are more limited than many below him.

3. QB JT Barrett (Ohio State)—Over the last two games, Barrett has forgotten how to throw while his team has made him the feature runner. The Buckeye signal caller did not stumble, but, in a big opportunity to shine, he failed to gain ground.

2. QB Deshaun Watson (Clemson)—Watson posted his best statistical game of the season, but he is still not yet performing at the high level he closed last season with. Unfortunately for him, neither is his team.

1. QB Lamar Jackson (Louisville)—A “down” week still had Jackson throwing for 181, running for 144, accumulating two touchdowns, and leading his team to a win. Looking human is a new thing for Jackson whose lead is diminished but certainly not gone.