Johnny Manziel's Updated 2013 Heisman Outlook After Performance vs. Arkansas

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel is continuing to build a compelling case to win college football's most coveted individual award for a second consecutive season.

The stupendous Texas A&M Aggies sophomore quarterback completed 23 of 30 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-33 road victory against Arkansas in an SEC showdown. Manziel also had 59 yards rushing on nine carries.

After this contest in Fayetteville, Manziel has accounted for 17 total touchdowns this season—14 through the air and three on the ground.

Manziel didn't post monster numbers in facing the upstart Razorbacks, but he was efficient. He led his team to two key touchdown drives when Arkansas pulled within one possession two separate times in the second half.

Even though the Aggies lost to No. 1 Alabama 49-42 at home, the signal-caller's virtuoso performance in that marquee matchup (562 total yards, five touchdowns) should have vaulted him to the top of most Heisman watch lists.

ESPN.com has Manziel No. 2 in the Heisman race, trailing Oregon star QB Marcus Mariota, but there is still plenty of time for Manziel to prove himself and get to the top.

With an inferior defense to complement him on the other side of the ball and tougher competition in the SEC, this effort against the Razorbacks at least keeps Manziel's Heisman hopes very much alive, if not enhances them.