Heisman Watch 2013: Previewing the Top Contenders' Matchups for Week 5
The Heisman Race is heating up and many of the top contenders will have a chance to help their cause in Week 5 of the 2013 college football season.
When you're in contention for one of sports' most prestigious awards, there are two kinds of games each weekend: You'll either have the pressure of needing a huge game against an inferior opponent, or you're facing a great defense and must make a statement.
Both scenarios are well-represented on this list but in either case, the common denominator is needing a solid all-around performance. Against good teams, contenders are given a little more leeway but one awful week and the Heisman Trophy can start slipping away.
We're looking at the top five contenders for the award and breaking down their matchups this weekend, although guys on a bye week, like Teddy Bridgewater, were excluded. Bye week typically doesn't play very good defense.
So click ahead to get your Heisman fix and learn what to watch for in this week's edition of the race for the stiff-arm trophy.
All stats via ESPN
RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
1 of 5
Saturday vs. LSU
Todd Gurley is the top running back in the country, and he's shown why in 2013.
Through three games, the true sophomore has 377 yards rushing and four touchdowns. In back-to-back weeks against Clemson and South Carolina, he combined to rush for 286 yards on 42 carries.
While several other names have had more noteworthy performances so far, Gurley may have the best chance to make a statement on Saturday, because he'll be facing the mighty LSU defense.
The Tigers are 4-0 and only Auburn's Tre Mason has eclipsed the 100-yard mark, although that came in a 14-point loss for Gus Malzahn's team.
Saturday, if the Bulldogs pull out the victory and Gurley has anywhere near 150 yards on the ground, you'll be looking at the top contender at the running back spot. LSU isn't going to allow many yards on the ground with a stout front four led by Anthony Johnson, and only the best teams will be able to move the ball on them.
Georgia must win this one, because big games can get lost in the cloud of defeat, but make sure you pay attention to Gurley on Saturday. If he has one of his signature performances, we're in for quite a show.
AJ McCarron, Alabama
2 of 5
Saturday vs. Ole Miss
If it weren't for Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron's performance against Texas A&M in Week 3, he might not be on the Heisman Trophy list.
But the senior with a pair of titles in his back pocket did more than enough against the Aggies that day, throwing for 334 yards and four scores in a 49-42 victory.
However, in games against Virginia Tech and Colorado State, McCarron combined to throw for just 368 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. When you have other guys throwing for 400-plus a game, mediocre performances against inferior opponents aren't going to keep you in the race for very long.
And with so few tests remaining on the schedule for the Crimson Tide, a big game is necessary for McCarron to keep his hat in the ring.
The Ole Miss defense hasn't been much more than average this season, ranking 57th in points allowed, but the Rebels are off to a 3-0 start with dark-horse shot of really competing in the SEC West.
On Saturday, McCarron must complete a high percentage of his passes, play mistake-free football and lead his team to a comfortable victory if he hopes to stay in the Heisman race.
Tajh Boyd, Clemson
3 of 5
Saturday vs. Wake Forest
Clemson Quarterback Tajh Boyd is in the thick of the Heisman battle, and he'll need a big game against Wake Forest to stay there.
In other words, he just has to keep doing what he's been doing.
The senior has played well thus far in 2013, throwing six touchdowns without a pick and completing over 60 percent of his passes in all three games.
A 270-yard, three-touchdown day against Georgia in Week 1 is one of the signature performances of this young season.
In Wake Forest, he'll face a team that is 2-2 without even playing any great opponents. The Demon Deacons are only allowing 16 points per game, but Louisiana-Monroe is probably the best team they've faced.
Look for the Tigers to come out strong and win big in this one, and if Boyd can play efficient, mistake-free football and show off his arm strength and mobility in the process, he'll be in great position after Week 5.
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
4 of 5
Saturday at Arkansas
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel is in Heisman contention for the second year in a row, and whether you're sick of the super sophomore or not, he belongs in the conversation.
In three and a half games, Manziel has already thrown 1,228 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also has 255 yards on the ground with three touchdowns, and his performance against Alabama was simply legendary.
Against the Tide, Manziel accounted for 562 total yards, and it's hard to imagine anyone else even breaking the 400-yard mark against Nick Saban's defense this season. Oh, and he's completing 70 percent of his passes as well.
Because the A&M defense isn't very good, Manziel has the advantage of needing to put up big numbers in order for his team to win. On Saturday, he'll get that opportunity in the form of a road game against Arkansas, another team we don't know a whole lot about yet.
But the expectations for Manziel are now through the roof, so he'll need another game filled with hair-on-fire running and high-arcing rainbows that fall neatly into the arms of wide receiver Mike Evans to keep up in the race.
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
5 of 5
Saturday vs. Cal
If there's one guy on this list who can afford an average game on Saturday, it might be Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Or, that would be the case if the Cal defense weren't so terrible.
It currently ranks 121st in the nation, giving up 42 points per game. The Bears allowed 44 and 52 to Northwestern and Ohio State, respectively, and even gave up 30 to Portland State, an FCS foe.
So while Mariota's numbers speak for themselves, playing well against Cal is crucial for the Ducks' quarterback to stay at or near the top of the Heisman race.
In three games, the sophomore has thrown for 889 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception. On the ground, he has 262 yards and four touchdowns, and the offense has yet to turn the ball over. Like Manziel (and several others on this list, too), Mariota is often pulled before the start of the fourth quarter.
The only issue with Mariota so far has been a penchant for starting slowly, but against Cal he'll need his A-game from the get-go in order to put up dazzling numbers and hold steady in the race for the Heisman.
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