College Football Heisman Race: Week Five

Each week, I'll break down who I think are the Top 10 contenders for the Heisman, and let you know who may have fallen out of contention. There was a lot of moving and shaking after Week One, so let's get to it. (See previous ranking in parenthesis.)

1. (1) Colt McCoy—QB, Texas

He was No. 1 last week, and with Texas coming off a bye, he's not going anywhere. He's thrown for 1,145 yards and nine TDs this season, and while those numbers don't jump, he's on one of the best teams in the country, and stepping his play up of late. All of that makes him a very strong candidate.

2. (2) Tim Tebow—QB, Florida

There might not be a person who would like to see Tebow's name slip down this list more than me, but he's the biggest name in the college game right now on the nation's top team. That, and he just always seems to fill up a stat sheet, even if it is because his coach leaves him in garbage time to run up the score.

3. (8) Tony Pike—QB, Cincinnati

Pike continues to show that he truly is a late bloomer. He seems to have reached his prime as a senior. Pike has led Cincinnati to a Top 10 ranking, and another crucial win. He threw for 270 yards and two TDs, upping his season total to 1,493 yards and 13 TDs. That's good for fifth best yards in the country.

4. (5) Case Keenum—QB, Houston

In reality, Keenum probably should be dropped off this list after his defense let him down. His Houston Cougars losing all hope of a BCS bid severely depleted his chances of a Heisman. However, the kid threw for 556 freakin' yards with five TDs and zero, count 'em, zero interceptions. On the season, he's thrown for the third most yards in the country (1,696 and 13 TDs). If Houston can run the table and finish 12-1, he might still have an outside shot. In my mind, he warrants an invite.

5. (NR) Jimmy Clausen—QB, Notre Dame

He just seems to keep orchestrating comebacks. While he will almost certainly be overshadowed by the bigger named QBs (Tebow and McCoy) when it comes to NYC invitations, it's hard to argue that Clausen isn't going to be the best pro of the bunch. We'll see what happens when Notre Dame steps it up in competition, but with 1,544 yards and 12 TDs on the season, Clausen has proven his worth.

6. (4) Max Hall—QB, BYU

The guy can make all the throws, but sometimes he's gotta stop trying. He's throwing far too many interceptions lately, but he's saving himself with the TDs he's been adding too. Another 218 yards and three TDs this week keeps him on the outside of the picture.

7. (3) Jahvid Best—RB, California

Best has been let down by his teammates in two straight weeks. With Cal falling behind early in two straight weeks, Best has seen his number of carries plummet, and has never gotten into a groove. With 14 carries for 47 yards against USC, he might not be getting that invite anymore.

8. (6) Jaquizz Rodgers—RB, Oregon State

Oregon State is quietly winning some big games, and slowly positioning itself as a team to be taken seriously. Rodgers is a huge part of that, and one of the nation's best pass-catchers out of the backfield. He's been getting it done on the ground as well, crossing the goal-line nine times, which is good for second best in the country at his position.

9. (9) Dez Bryant—WR, Oklahoma State

That's two weeks in a row that Bryant hasn't played. Last week because of injury, and this week because of the bye. As arguably the most dynamic receiver in the country, he can thrust himself back into the picture in a heartbeat, but he's got to start moving soon.

10. (10) Blaine Gabbert—QB, Missouri

Another guy whose stock will remain the same after a bye week. But now, Missouri is a ranked team, so the attention will finally be thrust onto him and his teammates. With 1,161 yards and 11 TDs, so far he's proved that he can make plays, but when that Big 12 schedule gets going, he's going to need to prove it again.

Dark Horse Candidates

Noel Devine—RB, West Virginia

Devine made an appearance on my preseason list on the premise that he would likely make up for the offensive numbers that Pat White took with him to the NFL. However, he struggled early and dropped, only to resurrect himself in the last few weeks. Devine carried the ball 22 times for 220 yards, and a TD last week to up his season totals to 540 yards on the ground, and six TDs in four games.

Toby Gerhart—QB, Stanford

The nation's leading rusher has put Stanford back in the minds of college football fans. He ran all over a usually strong UCLA defense this weekend, totaling 134 yards and three TDs. On the season, he's tallied 650 yards rushing and eight TDs, and is the face of the Stanford resurgence.