Heisman Race: 5 Dual-Threat Quarterbacks Ready To Make a Run at the Award

2010 has so far proven to be the year of the “dual-threat” quarterback.

We’ve seen some great performances from college football’s most athletic signal callers such as Denard Robinson of Michigan and Taylor Martinez of Nebraska as they’ve ran their way through opposing defenses with great precision.

In this era when it seems high powered spread offenses are what rules the college football scene, quarterbacks who can run the rock are now more valued then ever. And the opportunity is there for them to show off their wide array of skills.

Let’s look at five of the top dual-threat quarterbacks who have a chance to really make some Heisman noise with great showings this weekend.

Denard Robinson: Michigan

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ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 25: Cameron Truss #30 of Bowling Green tackles Denard Robison #16 of the Michigan Wolverines on September 25, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Robison left the game after this play with a reported leg injury. (P

Opponent: Iowa

Denard Robinson finally came back to down to Earth this past weekend after dazzling the nation through the first five weeks of the season.

Robinson was able to rush for 162 yards and throw for over 200, but the fact the Wolverines came up short to Michigan State at home is somewhat of a blow to his illustrious Heisman campaign.

When your worst performance of the season is still better than the majority of other players in the game, that’s saying something about the type of talent Robinson possesses.

The sophomore quarterback, who leads the nation with 991 rushing yards, is still in the driver's seat for the award. And a great performance against a very stingy Iowa defense would go a long way to legitimizing his chances.

Terrelle Pryor: Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores on a 53-yard run against the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty I

Opponent: Wisconsin

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor could be the most debated player in college football right now.

The question seems to keep popping up: Is he for real, or has he just looked good against lesser competition?

We’ll find out tomorrow night when Pryor leads the Buckeyes into a Big Ten battle with Wisconsin up at Camp Randall Stadium.

Pryor is now the leader of the No. 1 team in the nation, and as we’ve seen throughout history, that usually helps boost up a player in the eyes of Heisman voters.

If Pryor can lead his team to victory in dominating fashion tomorrow night, he could become a true front runner for the award.

Taylor Martinez: Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 11: Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 works twoard the endzone during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Martinez covered the ball in the end zone

Opponent: Texas 

A freshman has never won the Heisman Trophy before, but if Nebraska’s new sensation Taylor Martinez keeps performing at the pace he's started the season on, that could very well change.

Martinez is averaging over 10 yards a carry, which is something no other player in college football can claim. His electric Thursday night performance in a 48-13 beat down of Kansas State has found him a place on the Heisman map.

Nebraska will be looking to avenge their heartbreaking loss in last year’s Big 12 Championship when they host Texas tomorrow.

This is a spotlight game against a marquee opponent, and if Martinez shines and carries his team to another victory, it will undoubtedly help out his Heisman cause.

Colin Kaepernick: Nevada

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Reno Wolf Pack celebrates with fans after defeating the UNLV Rebels 44-26 at Sam Boyd Stadium October 2, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Opponent: Hawaii

Boise State is the WAC team that seems to be getting all the nationwide love, while it’s their conference  counterpart, the Nevada Wolf Pack, who are flying firmly under the radar at 6-0.

Nevada’s success can be attributed to the play of their superstar senior quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been one of the most consistent players over the last three seasons.

Kaepernick came into the season with over 7,000 passing yards and 2,500 rushing yards under his belt, and so far, he has yet to disappoint as he’s totaled nearly 2,000 yards of offense in just six games.

If the senior quarterback can lead his team to an undefeated season and a big win over Boise State at the end of the year, the Heisman eyes will be forced to take notice.

Cameron Newton: Auburn

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Opponent: Arkansas

A lot of people around college football had the feeling that Cam Newton could be special. All the big 6‘6" 250 lb. ultra-athletic quarterback had to do was prove it on the field.

Well, so far, he’s proved his worth.

Newton has paced Auburn to a 6-0 record and a top 10 ranking and has been an absolute terror for opposing defenses to try and contain.

The junior has scored 21 total touchdowns and has made a habit of beating defenses with both his arm and his legs.

A SEC West showdown with Ryan Mallett and Arkansas is the perfect opportunity for Newton to showcase his extraordinary talents.