College Football Heisman Race: Week Nine

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 its winner, so I'll be ranking based on what I think the committee is considering. (Previous rankings are in parentheses).

1. (3) Tim Tebow—QB, Florida

Here we go again. Now, anybody who's read my articles over the course of the season knows that I don't rank Tebow here strictly because of his stats. The Heisman Trophy winning circle has been dominated by QBs recently.

The Heisman celebration has also started to reward reputation over stats; big name players over big seasons.

With that in mind, I truly believe the committee is dying for Tebow to start putting together some solid performances. He is, after all, the most recognizable face in college football.

Going 15-for-21 for 164 yards through the air and two TDs, plus an additional 85 yards and two TDs on the ground, is just what the committee is waiting for. Even if Georgia is clearly not the team it's been in recent years.

2. (1) Mark Ingram—RB, Alabama

I still think Ingram deserves the award based purely on performance, but truly believe that he falls behind Tebow right now for the above reasons. Alabama was off this week, so he wasn't able to add to his statistical total, but 1,004 yards on the season is still impressive.

That number makes him fifth in the nation in rushing and he gains yards at 6.6 per carry. It might very well come done to the conference championship games.

3. (2) Jimmy Clausen—QB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame certainly didn't do any favors to its strength of schedule this week, but you can't fault Clausen. Where some players from heavy favorites tend to fall into a bit of a lull against weak teams (Ricky Stanzi's five INTs this week), Clausen ups his performance every week.

He went 22-for-27 for 268 yards and three TDs in leading the Fighting Irish to another win. Notre Dame needs to keep winning for him to have a shot, but he's there if the season ended now.

4. (4) Colt McCoy—QB, Texas

Texas dominated an underrated Oklahoma State team, but don't get so excited about what that does for Colt's chances. The game was won mostly by Texas' defense and the field position battle.

McCoy only threw five incomplete passes, but he didn't throw much during the game, going 16-for-21 for 171 yards and one single TD. The win was good, but the numbers won't help his cause.

5. (8) Kellen Moore—QB, Boise State

Boise State may be getting pushed by TCU for the title of BCS Buster, but not many people are pushing Moore for any recognition this season. The lefty had another stellar performance this week against a solid San Jose State University defense.

He threw more incomplete passes than usual, but still went 21-for-33 for 278 yards and three TDs. He's only 30th in the nation with 1,905 yards, but he has a 67 percent completion percentage and is second to only Case Keenum with 24 TDs on the season.

6. (10) Case Keenum—QB, Houston

Man, Houston's defense is doing everything it can to kill its QB's shot at being invited to NYC. That defense might not be able to stop a high school offense, but the 6'1" Keenum just keeps pushing the Cougars to victories.

He completed 44 of 54 passes for a ridiculous 559 yards and five TDs, including one on a late fourth quarter, game-winning drive. He's thrown for a nation-leading 3,293 yards and 25 TDs and could very well seal himself an invite if Houston can avoid that second loss.

7. (7) Dion Lewis—RB, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh was another team with an off-week this past Saturday, so hopefully Lewis is resting up for the final push. Virginia Tech's loss drops Ryan Williams from the list, leaving Lewis as the only freshman on the list.

Without question, it's a serious uphill climb and Pitt may need to win out to even give him a chance, but his stats don't hurt. On the season, he is fourth in the nation in rushing with 1,029 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and has crossed the goal line 11 times.

8. (5) Tony Pike—QB, Cincinnati

Pike is still on this list based on Cincinnati's record and his potential. Before the injury to his non-throwing arm, Pike was a front-runner for the award, throwing for 1,633 yards and 15 TDs in six games.

In his absence Cinncy has continued to roll behind Collaros, but Pike will be back, and if he continues that level of play and the Bearcats keep winning, his name is going to resurface again.

9. (NR) LaMichael Jame—RB, Oregon

What a performance by Oregon, just dominating USC and really announcing itself as a championship contender. Without that one slip-up against Boise State, the Ducks might be challenging Florida for that top spot—that's how well they've been playing lately.

Part of the reason for that is James. He tore up USC, rushing for 183 yards and a TD on 24 carries.

After taking over from starting RB LeGarrette Blount, James has only had one game under 100 yards, totaling 918 yards (16th in the nation) on an absurd 7.0 yards per carry, to go along with seven TDs. If Oregon can keep it up, James' name will keep climbing lists.

10. (NR) Josh Nesbitt- QB, Georgia Tech

Nesbitt is truly more of a RB than a QB, but he's also the best dual-threat player in the nation. Yes, I believe he is better as a runner than Tebow. Granted, they have different running styles, but Nesbitt is so hard to touch in the open field.

Georgia Tech keeps winning games and Nesbitt's name keeps coming up all over the stat sheet. On the season he's only thrown for 1,172 yards and six TDs, but he's also rushed for 763 yards with 13 TDs on the ground.

Dropped Out: Williams (6), Devine (9)

Dark Horses

Jeremiah Masoli—QB, Oregon

Masoli made my preseason list because of his ability as a dual-threat QB and then proceeded to stink up the field in Oregon's first few games.

He's certainly righted his own ship lately, and that was on display last night against USC. He was 19-for-31 for 222 yards and a TD through the air, while adding another 164 yards and a TD on the ground. Impressive against that Trojan defense.

Ndamukong Suh—DT, Nebraska

With no offensive players really grabbing a hold of the Heisman this year, I might finally have to eat my words about defensive players not being invited to NYC. This could certainly be that year, but it will take a dominating defensive player to do it.

Suh is definitely dominating. Despite seeing constant double teams, he's racked up 44 tackles, four sacks, and even added an INT.