2010 Heisman Trophy Race: Top 5 Contenders Have Been Consistent From Start

With the season nearing the end, the contenders for the Heisman candidacy are looking about as solid as ever. 

Five guys have consistently impressed from the get go, from individual stats to team victories. 

With Cam Newton, Kellen Moore and LaMichael James in the mix it will be a tough decision, making the ceremony just as intense as one of their season games.

TCU Quarterback Andy Dalton

George Frey/Getty Images

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs throws a pass against the Utah Utes during the second half of an NCAA Football game November 6, 2010 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. TCU Beat Utah 47-7.

Dalton and TCU didn’t impress much in their scare versus San Diego State, but Dalton's season-high in points is strong enough to keep him in the mix of Heisman contenders.

The senior ranks sixth nationally in passing efficiency and has chipped in with 415 yards and five scores on the ground.

His steady play and unassuming leadership are playing a big role in TCU's undefeated run and ascent to No. 3 in the BCS standings.

Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal calls signals against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona.The Cardinal won 17-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The loss to Oregon all but prevents Luck from taking home the Heisman trophy.

The junior has performed well enough to earn a trip to Manhattan.

Luck is completing 69.6 percent of his throws for 2,511 yards with 22 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions.

Should Luck elect to leave school early, his next trip to New York could be in April when he has a legitimate shot at becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Oregon Runningback LaMichael James

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks in action during their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

James had a risky performance in a 15-13 win at Cal.

It was the first time in six games that James failed to hit the century mark in rushing yards, but James showed a lot of grit battling through a second-half ankle injury in the game against Cal.

James still leads the nation in rushing yards per game with an average of 158 yards and he's the most dynamic player on any offense.

Boise State Quarterback Kellen Moore

Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos looks for a receiver against the Oregon State Beaversat Bronco Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

Moore has continued effectiveness and persistence.

Moore leads the nation in passing efficiency. That includes his incredible touchdown-to-interception ratio of 24-4.

His clutch fourth-quarter performance in the Virginia Tech game is more than enough reason for him to be included in this category.

In Boise State's two closest games this season (Virginia Tech and Oregon State), Moore completed 65 percent of his throws for 503 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions.

Auburn Quarterback Cameron Newton

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates after an official review showed Newton crossed the end zone after diving for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in A

Despite the media’s attention towards Newton’s likely scandal, as long as Newton is eligible his Heisman candidacy should be based solely on his performance on the field.

After 11 weeks, it’s unfair and unreasonable to say anyone else is on his level.

Newton has the stats. He leads SEC in rushing and passing efficiency.

He has the wins and the on-the-field persona of a Heisman Trophy winner, too.

Plus, no player means more to his team than Newton does to Auburn.

And the Winner Is...

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers watches the jumbotron against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

At this point, I’m not sure myself who’s going to win the Heisman.  

My heart is telling me Moore will win it, my brain tells me that Newton will get over all the side issues and win it.  

I am certain about one thing though, it will be one of these five guys.