warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Heisman Watch 2011 - Week 7 Contenders

Michael Katz |
October 17, 2011 | 4:30 p.m. PDT

Staff Writer

Jones deserves Heisman mention if for no other reason than the success of his Sooners. (Wikimedia Commons)
Jones deserves Heisman mention if for no other reason than the success of his Sooners. (Wikimedia Commons)
It’s time for the third edition of our Heisman watch. 

Lots of movement this week-- a few undefeated teams went down over the weekend, shifting the rankings.

Without further hesitation, here’s the list:

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Last year’s Heisman runner-up has made his move to the top of the list. 

He threw four touchdowns last night against an improved Washington State team, and now has 18 of them compared to only three interceptions. Stanford is rolling now, and because Luck is producing like he should, he takes the top spot this week.

2. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson has been lighting it up the past few weeks. 

He has 912 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns, and is the top three in the country for both. Averaging almost seven yards a carry, Richardson is leading a great Crimson Tide team in the tough SEC. 

He has emerged as the best pure running back in the country, and a player of Richardson’s caliber will always get a lot of Heisman votes.

3. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Wilson (below) has to take a backseat this week. 

He’s still only thrown one interception and Wisconsin is undefeated, but he needs to put up bigger numbers to get back to the top here; 14 touchdowns isn’t going to cut it. 

Also, the fact that he has a stellar running game waters his numbers down to a point where he looks more like a “game manager” than a “game winner.”

4. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Every single week, I say that Griffin is the best player in the country, and I always believe it. 

His numbers are unreal: 22 touchdowns, two interceptions, and 78 percent pass completion.

His only fault? 

Baylor now has two losses, which is lowering his chances every week. 

5. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

I didn’t really want to put Jones in here, and the only reason I’m doing so is because the Sooners are scoring at an incredible rate. 

They are averaging 45.3 ppg, and Jones (pictured top right) is throwing for over 300 yards a game this year.

 I think Jones is overrated, but he’s the best player on a top three team; that has to count for something.

In the hunt: Case Keenum, QB, Houston; LaMichael James, RB, Oregon; Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma; Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson; Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

__________________________

Reach Michael by email, or follow him on Twitter.

Best way to find more great content from Neon Tommy?

Or join our email list below to enjoy the weekly Neon Tommy News Highlights.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.