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Heisman Watch 2011 - Week 13 Contenders

Michael Katz |
November 27, 2011 | 1:04 p.m. PST

Staff Writer

Barkley has made a case for himself after a series of impressive wins. (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
Barkley has made a case for himself after a series of impressive wins. (James Santelli/Neon Tommy)
Aside from LSU’s surprising demolition of Arkansas, there were no shocks in college football this week. However, there were certainly some shifts in the Heisman race, as conference play is for the most part over, with conference title games and bowl season right around the corner.  Here’s my list of how I think the Heisman race currently stands.

1.    Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Luck certainly didn’t do anything to hurt himself in the race this weekend. He threw four touchdowns in a high profile game against Notre Dame, and the Cardinal are headed to the BCS once again. Luck has 35 touchdowns on the year with nine interceptions, and except for one terrible game against Oregon, has been consistently excellent. While I do not personally think he’s even the best quarterback in his conference (more on that later), the hype machine is too much to overcome at this point. Andrew’s walking away with the trophy come December.

2.    Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Richardson tore Auburn apart Saturday, running for 200 yards in the Iron Bowl. He has 1500 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. However, that loss to LSU hurt his chances drastically, and I don’t think he can jump Luck.

3.    Matt Barkley, QB, USC
It’s time for the best quarterback in the Pac-12 to get his due. Barkley hasn’t gotten the attention that other players have in this race, due in large part to sanctions. In a conference that has featured greats such as John Elway, Joey Harrington, Carson Palmer, and Matt Leinart, Barkley has thrown more touchdowns in a single season (39) than any others. He led the Trojans to a 10-2 season and has a spearheaded a resurgence in Troy. If he doesn’t get an invite to New York, it will be a travesty.

4.    Case Keenum, QB, Houston
Houston is undefeated. Keenum has 43 touchdown passes and three interceptions and his Cougars are likely to be this year’s BCS buster. Oh yeah, all the NCAA records he has, too, will likely get him a trip to the Heisman ceremony.

5.    Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
I wanted to put Robert Griffin in here, but his concussion against Texas Tech and subsequent subpar game really hurt him. Meanwhile, all Ball did against Penn State was score four touchdowns, bringing his season total to 29. He is the second leading rusher in the country, and could break Barry Sanders’ single season touchdown record if he has a big game against Michigan State and in the bowl game.

In the running: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor; LaMichael James, RB, Oregon; Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State; Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin; Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

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