College Football Heisman Race: Week Six

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.

I base my rankings on what the Heisman Committee tends to value when honoring their winner, so I'll be ranking based on what I think they are leaning towards. (See previous ranking in parentheses.)

1. (1) Colt McCoy: QB, Texas

Colt is the beneficiary of nobody really taking this year's race by the neck. The top players coming into the season have either gotten hurt (Sam Bradford) or failed to put up staggering numbers (Tim Tebow), and no other players on championship-contending teams have shown on a consistent basis they should be considered the best in the nation.

So as a default, the QB for the No. 3 team in the nation still stands atop the ladder after a 32-of-39 performance where he threw for 265 yards and a TD. 

2. (3) Tony Pike: QB, Cincinnati

The Bearcats had the week off, but Pike moves up the list because he has the credentials to possibly knock off McCoy. He's the face of a BCS team that (if they continue winning) could sneak into the national championship picture.

Pike has shown week after week that he has the ability to lead his team to victory and put up impressive numbers in the process. For the season he's thrown for 1,493 yards and 13 TDs to lead unbeaten Cincinnati.

3. (2) Tim Tebow: QB, Florida

I wish I could make the argument that his mediocre overall stats would take him out of contention, but I just can't see that happening. He is still the face of the college game, and as long as he keeps playing a part in Florida's wins, I can't see the committee leaving him out—even though he's 98th in the nation with 777 passing yards so far.

4. (NR) Ryan Williams: RB, Virginia Tech

It's an uphill climb for a freshman to get an invite to NYC, but Williams is certainly making his case. Up against a solid BC defense, he continued to run hard, taking 18 carries for 159 yards and a TD. He's the nation's fifth leading rusher on the season with 734 yards on 5.8 yards per carry, while adding nine rushing TDs.

5. (5) Jimmy Clausen: QB, Notre Dame

With Notre Dame being off last week, Clausen didn't have the chance to capitalize on suspect games by the top two QBs. But he gets his big test this week against USC.

If he can lead Notre Dame to a win, he'll not only have a big win to back up his stats, but he'll also help prove that Notre Dame is a good enough team to take notice of (a close loss could also do the trick). If they can prove that, it will make his 1,544 yards and 12 TDs shine even brighter.

6. (NR) Mark Ingram: RB, Alabama

Ingram is another player who I think will benefit from being on a specific team. If Alabama keeps playing the way it is and inserts itself firmly in the championship picture, the committee is going to look to reward one of its players. That guy is going to be Ingram.

He has shown his ability in flashes this year, like this week, when he compiled 172 yards and a TD on 28 carries. He's the nation's ninth leading rusher with 659 yards (5.9 ypc) and has also added seven TDs and is fifth in the nation in points scored. However, suspect games against Florida International and Arkansas really hurt his chances.

7. (8) Jacquizz Rodgers: RB, Oregon State

Another high-profile win for Oregon State, and another leap up into the eyes of the nation's viewers. "The Quizz Show" took the head-to-head matchup against the nation's leading rusher in Toby Gerhart and completely stole the show. He rattled off 189 yards and four TDs on 33 carries but also continued to do damage through the air, catching five passes for an additional 82 yards.

For the season, he's the seventh leading rusher in the nation, averaging 5.4 yards per carry on his way to 697 and 13 TDs. He's added 247 yards and a TD in the receiving game and is second in the nation in points scored. A few more wins by State and he could jump up a bit further.

8. (6) Max Hall: QB, BYU

As long as BYU keeps rattling off some wins, Hall is gonna stay on the outside of the Heisman picture. He cut down on his interceptions this week but completed 21 of 27 passes for 320 yards and two TDs. On the season, he's the sixth leading passer with 1,723 yards through the air and 13 TDs.

One more BYU loss could drop him from the picture, but the huge win against Oklahoma still sits on his résumé.

9. (4) Case Keenum: QB, Houston

This is the name I always catch grief for. But here is my thought process. The Heisman committee always seems to like extending one invitation to a great player on a Cinderella-type team that had a good season but was never really a true contender. This year, I think Keenum could be that guy.

He has Houston ranked again after beating a Mississippi State team that gave a few contenders fits. However, Keenum lit them up for 434 yards and four TDs. He's the nation's leading passer with 2,130 yards and 17 TDs, and Houston could very well win out and finish this season 12-1 and within the top 15.

10. (NR) Todd Reesing: QB, Kansas

Kansas continues to win, and Reesing continues to lead them forward. He completed 37 of 49 passes this week for 442 yards and four TDs in the win. It upped his season total to 1,579 yards, which is good for 10th in the nation, to go along with 13 passing TDs.

Kansas will have plenty of opportunities to prove their worth in the Big 12, but if they can rattle off some big wins, it might help their QB's case.

Dropped out: (6) Jahvid Best, (8) Dez Bryant, (10) Blaine Gabbert

Dark Horse

Toby Gerhart: RB, Stanford

Yes, I know he is the nation's leading rusher, but Stanford needs to stay relevant for him to have a chance. Relevant just means in the top 25 if he keeps running the way he has. So far he's busted off 746 yards and 10 TDs on the ground.