College Football 2011: Predictions for the 4 Heisman Finalists

It’s never too early to examine the competition between the top athletes in college football, including the most applicable players to be in the running for the Heisman Trophy.

The race should be tighter than ever with three of the four finalists from last season returning for 2011.

Cam Newton was announced the 29th quarterback to be rewarded the most prestigious award in college football last year. He makes the ninth QB selected for the trophy in the last 10 years.

Although Newton ran away as the unanimous pick with the all-time record of 2,263 points in 2010, there are assumed favorites for '11. However, it's a different year, and that means different athletes. Familiar names will be heard throughout the season but don't be surprised to see some new faces in the race.

Here are my predictions for the four Heisman finalists.

Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

With Stephen Garcia potentially at quarterback (suspension) and Marcus Lattimore at tailback, the South Carolina Gamecocks have an impressive one-two punch on the offensive end.

Defenses will have a hard time staying on balance against this two-headed monster.

Lattimore rushed for 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns last season as a freshman. And with the majority of the offensive line returning to help aid him on his way to an explosive season, there's no reason why Lattimore won't be on that distinguished list.

However, luck isn't on his side. Just one running back has been selected to win the Heisman since 1999.

Andrew Luck, Stanford

Andrew Luck is arguably the best quarterback in college football.

But he won't win the Heisman in 2011, and for one reason—the Stanford Cardinal will not be nearly as good as they were a year ago.

This is nothing against Luck. He will probably still continue to be the athletic, intelligent and tough playmaker that he is. But when you lose almost your entire offensive line, both of your star receivers, an outstanding fullback and six starters on defense, it's going to be hard to shine.

And recent history shows that your team's success reflects on your Heisman eligibility.

You've got to give the utmost respect for Luck's decision to stay in school and work for his degree. But he most likely skipped out as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft—a head scratcher, for sure.

Andrew will need to be pretty lucky to find his way onto the Heisman Trophy podium.

LaMichael James, Oregon

LaMichael James led the entire NCAA in rushing with 1,731 yards in 2010, finding the end zone 21 times.

The 5'9", 190-pound All-American running back was responsible for 144 of the team's 611 points (23.6 percent). He had 1,937 total yards and 24 touchdowns. James' best game came against Stanford, in which he ran for 257 yards and had three touchdowns.

He would be Oregon's first ever Heisman winner.

However, the Ducks lost starting offensive linemen Bo Thran and Jordan Holmes. The offense will still be high-powered no doubt, but it'll be a little more difficult for James to put up better numbers than he did in 2010.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Sooners are the hands-on favorite to win the BCS national championship this upcoming season.

And quarterback Landry Jones is possibly the best choice to win the Heisman Trophy.

Jones is a perfect fit for the role—he provides explosive numbers and is expected to lead his team to a national title.

He threw for 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns last year—second in the nation—and completed 65.6 percent of his passes. And with the Sooners' receiving core returning in '11, these numbers should be surpassed.

Oklahoma's opponents have a combined 89-64 record from 2010. They have tough non-conference matchups against Tulsa and Florida State before taking on the competitive Big 12.

If the Sooners fight through their schedule and go undefeated, you can guarantee Landry Jones would be a huge reason why.

And he'd lock up a Heisman Trophy—the third Oklahoma QB chosen in the last eight years.