Tajh Boyd's Updated 2013 Heisman Outlook After Win vs. NC State

Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd bolstered his Heisman Trophy case with an impressive victory over North Carolina State on Thursday night.

The senior wasn't on top of his game on this night, but he was good enough to lead his team to a 26-14 victory over the Wolfpack.

Dan Wolken of USA Today accurately summed up Boyd's night in regards to the Heisman race:

Boyd finished the game 24-of-37 for 244 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 38 rushing yards on 13 carries.

This season, the quarterback has 683 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air without having thrown an interception. He has added 90 rushing yards along with three scores on the ground.

It wasn't a spectacular performance against the Wolfpack, but he continues to be consistent.

Heisman winners are usually helped by a big win. Boyd led the Tigers to a home victory over then-No. 5 Georgia, which has helped move Clemson (3-0) all the way up to No. 3 in the country.

When looking at the Heisman race, Boyd still trails the front-runners.

Oregon's Marcus Mariota appears to be the favorite, as he continues to put up outstanding numbers and is the quarterback of the No. 2 team in the country. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel's stock took a hit after Texas A&M lost to Alabama last week, but he played well enough to stay in the conversation. 

The next group of candidates is tightly packed.

Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron continues to make a push, as his team makes a run at a three-peat.

Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has put up sensational numbers through three games and he has a great chance to run the table. However, Bridgewater's chances aren't very good given his team's weak schedule.

Boyd has worked his way into the second group with McCarron and Bridgewater. He will put up better overall numbers than McCarron and already has a bigger win than Bridgewater will have all year.

It's going to take an undefeated season by Clemson and some help for Boyd to join Mariota and Manziel at the top of the list.

All statistics are courtesy of ESPN.com.