Heisman Watch 2014: Updated Race Predictions Following Rivalry Week

Rivalry week proved to be rather fruitful for Heisman contenders, as front-runners put on brilliant performances to further their cases for the coveted trophy. Although, in the end, there can be only one, and with the regular season in the books, speculating on that matter is a lot easier.

Heisman voters select their top three candidates with three points going to first place, two going to second and one going to third. Since that's the official selection method, it's fitting that these predictions also acknowledge a Big Three, so to speak.

However, before we get into the rankings, let's first take a glance at one honorable mention. Ohio State freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett put on a show this season, breaking all kinds of records en route to 45 total touchdowns. Unfortunately, his season ended Saturday due to a broken ankle, according to Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated:

We should all expect to see Barrett return to Heisman discussions when he's healthy next season. Now, on to the top three.

3. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

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After what Cooper did in the Iron Bowl, it would be foolish to leave him out of the top three. He torched the Auburn defense for 224 yards and three touchdowns on 13 receptions, setting a new school record in the process.

Saturday marked the third time this season Cooper has gone over the 200-yard mark and his second with three total touchdowns. Needless to say, his performance garnered plenty of hype on Twitter. St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long tweeted a notable question:

"

Can cooper win the Heisman in one night?

— Christopher Long (@JOEL9ONE) November 30, 2014"

Of course, the answer to that question is no. However, his season totals of 1,573 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns are incredibly impressive in the highly competitive SEC. It may not be good enough to take the Heisman, but it certainly gets him on the list.

2. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

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Gordon continued his impressive streak Saturday, racking up 151 yards and a score on 29 carries and adding a touchdown reception for good measure. He's now up to an impressive 2,260 rushing yards on the season, putting him fourth on the FBS all-time list, according to SportsCenter:

Adding to his impressive resume, Gordon now has a total of 29 touchdowns (26 rushing, three receiving) in just 12 games. Of course, the running back's crowning achievement this season was his record-breaking 408-yard effort against Nebraska. While that record was broken a week later by Samaje Perine, let's also keep in mind Gordon was pulled early from that contest against the Cornhuskers.

Gordon will continue chasing Barry Sanders' all-time record in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State. He needs another huge day to get there, but he's certainly more than capable. This talented ball-carrier is well-positioned to be the Heisman runner-up.

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

TROY WAYRYNEN/Associated Press

So, the Heisman race between Gordon and Mariota was rather close heading into rivalry week. Gordon put on a show, and Mariota needed to one-up the running back. He did—in a big way.

Mariota torched Oregon State in the Civil War, completing 19 of his 25 passing attempts for 367 yards and four touchdowns and adding 39 rushing yards and two more scores. That's the first time this season he has tallied six total touchdowns. Oh, he also did this, via Brian Davies of The Register-Guard:

Adding to Mariota's legacy with the Ducks, he broke Matt Barkley's Pac-12 record for touchdowns responsible for, via ESPN Stats and Info:

What makes that record even more impressive is the fact Mariota did it in three years—it took Barkley four.

Here we have a quarterback who is extremely efficient, rarely throws interceptions and accounts for just less than 50 touchdowns in one season—all while leading his team to an 11-1 record, a berth in the Pac-12 Championship Game and a potential spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff.

Yeah, that's Heisman-worthy.