2010 Heisman Trophy Rankings: Rating the Top 5 Contenders' Performances

Though this year's Heisman Trophy race seems like a runaway victory for Cam Newton of Auburn, there are a few challengers who could close the gap if Newton slips up or if Auburn struggles down the stretch.

LaMichael James of Oregon is the clear No. 2 in this race, as he has led his Oregon Ducks to an undefeated record so far this year.

Then there are the outsiders, guys like Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, Kellen Moore of Boise State and Blaine Gabbert of Missouri, who will need to play really well for the rest of their games and have Newton and James struggle mightily in the rest of their games in order to have a shot at the trophy.

Let's take a look at how these top five Heisman contenders fared in their most recent games.

5. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri Tigers

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Safety Courtney Osborne #12 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers hits quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska De

Blaine Gabbert all but fell out of contention for the Heisman Trophy after his team's dismal performance against Nebraska on Saturday.

Gabbert threw for 199 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Cornhuskers—pretty mediocre numbers for any quarterback. He was also sacked six times, as the Tigers' offensive line was under siege all afternoon.

This week, Mizzou travels to Lubbock to take on the Red Raiders of Texas Tech. Gabbert will need to have a monster game if he wants to revitalize his Heisman hopes.

Heisman Stock: Plummeting

4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State Cowboys

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WACO, TX - OCTOBER 24: Justin Blackmon #81 and Cooper Nicholas #89 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrate a touchdown in front of Jordan Lake #21 of the Baylor Bears at Floyd Casey Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/G

Justin Blackmon has had at least five catches, one touchdown and 125 yards in every single game he's played this year. He's putting up numbers we haven't seen in college football since Michael Crabtree was around.

However, Blackmon was suspended for Oklahoma State's most recent game against Kansas State due to an arrest for a minor (Blackmon is only 20) driving under the influence of alcohol.

Therefore, Blackmon was not able to accumulate any stats, hurting his Heisman chances. He's still a shoo-in for the Biletnikoff Award for the nation's best wide receiver though.

Heisman Stock: Falling

3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State Broncos

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BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos calls a play against the Oregon State Beavers at Bronco Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

Kellen Moore is the most accurate passer in college football. He rarely makes mistakes with the football, always giving his receiver a chance to catch the ball.

This week, Moore did a little catching of his own, catching a touchdown pass against Louisiana Tech on a trick play.

Moore also threw for 298 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, only his second interception of the year.

Moore is the definition of consistency, so if Cam Newton or LaMichael James slips up, Moore will be right there to claim the Heisman Trophy.

Heisman Stock: No Change

2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon Ducks

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks carries the ball against the USC Trojans during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

LaMichael James had a huge game for Oregon last week against the USC Trojans. James carried the ball 36 times for a whopping 239 yards and three touchdowns in Oregon's 53-32 beatdown of the Trojans on Saturday.

James has already run for over 1,200 yards this year to go with 14 touchdowns. No one can slow him down, and until they do, Oregon will keep rolling along on its way to the BCS National Championship Game.

Heisman Stock: Rising

1. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Tigers

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers walks on the sideline during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

What makes Auburn's Cam Newton so dangerous is that he can beat you in three different ways. He can beat you by throwing the ball all over the place, he can beat you by running all over your defense or he can beat you by mixing and matching runs and passes.

On Saturday night, Newton primarily beat the Ole Miss Rebels through the air. He threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns in Auburn's 51-31 victory.

For good measure, he added 45 rushing yards.

As long as the Tigers remain unbeaten, a tough task considering they end the year by playing Alabama in the Iron Bowl, Newton will be the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.

Heisman Stock: Skyrocketing