Heisman Trophy Rankings Week 6: LaMichael James, Terrelle Pryor On Top
The Heisman race is far from decided.
And this year there are several surprises, in the form of both players and programs represented.
No one knows what will happen in the next few months. But if the season were to end today, who would raise the classic trophy into the air?
Check out these rankings.
No. 10: Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
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Statistics: 110 carries, 700 yards, 6.4 yards per carry, nine touchdowns
These Cowboys are playing far better than the ones in Dallas. At 5-0, they’ve earned a No. 18 ranking in the USA Today poll—home games with Nebraska and Oklahoma will ultimately determine their fate.
And although quarterback Brandon Weeden is posting some of the best passing numbers in the nation, Hunter is what makes that offense go.
And as a 5’8" running back wearing the Cowboy orange, he might earn a little bit of consideration for voters who are nostalgic about Oklahoma State’s only Heisman trophy winner, Barry Sanders.
No. 9: Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
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Statistics: Passing: 39-for-64, 660 yards, three TDs; rushing: 68 carries, 737 yards, 10.8 yards per carry, 12 TDs
There’s no rule forbidding a freshman to get consideration: Adrian Peterson, Archie Griffin, and Herschel Walker once contended as freshmen.
Sure, Martinez’s passing numbers are pedestrian but he’s leading the nation in yards per carry and touchdown runs. More importantly, the Cornhuskers are ranked fourth in the USA Today poll.
No. 8: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
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Statistics: 122-for-176, 69.3 completion percentage, 1,748 yards, 13 TDs, six interceptions
The poor second half against Alabama probably cost him a legitimate chance of winning the award. But with games still remaining against South Carolina, Auburn, and LSU, he still has a chance to impress voters enough to earn an invite to New York City.
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No. 7: Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
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Statistics: Passing: 39-for-64, 660 yards, three TDs; rushing: 68 carries, 737 yards, 10.8 yards per carry, 12 TDs
The 6-0, 19th-ranked Wolf Pack are enjoying arguably their finest season ever.
Running back Vai Taua is doing a ton for Nevada, as the third leading rusher in the nation (837 yards, 11 touchdowns), but Kaepernick has nearly identical rushing yardage and 11 touchdowns of his own. And if he does something special against Boise State in late November, he’ll be in the thick of the race.
No. 6: Andrew Luck, Stanford
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Statistics: 113-for-172, 1,538 yards, 16 TDs, four interceptions
A win in the showdown with Oregon and he’d be at the top of this list. Still, with a nearly flawless showing against USC last week (20-for-24, 285 yards, three touchdowns), the future first-round draft pick might be the best passing quarterback in the nation.
And with the Cardinal still possibly in the Pac-10 race, that earns him votes.
No. 5: Kellen Moore, Boise State
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Statistics: 91-for-135, 1,336 yards, 14 TDs, one interception
If Moore and the Broncos were in a major conference, the Heisman race would be a runaway at this point. Boise State’s No. 3 ranking will keep Moore’s name in the discussion…as long as it continues to win.
No. 4: Denard Robinson, Michigan
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Statistics: Passing: 84-for-125, 1,223 yards, eight TDs, four interceptions; rushing: 119 carries, 991 yards, 8.3 yards per carry, nine TDs
Robinson was never going to be able to carry the Wolverines single-handedly…unless Rich Rodriguez decided to put him somewhere on that horrendous Michigan defense.
So last week’s loss, in which he did not throw the ball well, hurt his Heisman hopes.
Still, he is the leading rusher in the nation. And with a strong second half—and perhaps a win in the season finale against Ohio State another running Heisman favorite—Robinson will return to top billing.
No. 3: Cameron Newton, Auburn
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Statistics: Passing: 70-for-108, 1,138 yards, 12 TDs, five interceptions; rushing: 104 carries, 672 yards, 6.5 yards per carry, nine TDs
Newton has the Tigers in contention for an SEC title and possibly a national championship run. To do that, however, Auburn will have to defeat LSU and rival Alabama. If Newton plays up to par in those two epic showdowns, he will likely leap frog anyone above him.
No. 2: Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
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Statistics: Passing: 104-for-153, 1,349 yards, 15 TDs, three interceptions; rushing: 57 carries, 354 yards, 6.2 yards per carry, three TDs
Aside from his somewhat truncated performance against Illinois, Pryor’s game has been amazing this year. And since he’s done it more with his arm than his legs, voters are extra impressed.
The Buckeyes' No. 1 ranking is just as helpful: The best player on the best team always gets additional consideration.
No. 1: LaMichael James, Oregon
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Statistics: 114 carries, 848 yards, 7.4 yards per carry, nine TDs
With so many quarterbacks racking up rushing yardage and touchdowns, it’s refreshing to see a guy like James.
As of right now, the Ducks are the best story in college football and James is their best player.
Since he missed the first game of the season, the fact that he is the second leading rusher in the nation is mind-boggling. And his 31-carry, 257-yard, three-touchdown highlight reel performance in the big showdown with Stanford will weigh heavy on the voters’ minds.
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