College Football Predictions 2011: Ranking the Top 3 Heisman Candidates

Every year there are several potential Heisman candidates, but three names really stick out this season. 

While being a Heisman favorite doesn't guarantee anything, it's generally a good thing to have your name in the conversation. 

Cam Newton was a Heisman sleeper last year, but here are the top three Heisman candidates for the 2011-2012 season.

3. Kellen Moore

I think Kellen Moore has the potential to be a great quarterback in the NFL, but he's probably not winning the Heisman award this year. 

The Boise State Broncos only play in the Mountain West Conference, and while it's a step up from Western Athletic Conference, their schedule is still pretty weak. 

The Broncos only play two ranked opponents in No. 19 Georgia and No. 14 Texas Christian University.

A lot is going to have to go right for Moore and wrong for the other candidates for him to take the Heisman this year. 

2. Andrew Luck

People are calling Andrew Luck the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning.

Wow.

But Luck, just like Manning, won't win the Heisman this year. 

Luck is going to have to play near-perfect every single game to even have a shot of winning it this year.

Stanford is currently ranked No. 7, but it only plays three ranked opponents. 

The Cardinal can probably beat No. 25-ranked University of South California, but beating Oregon (No. 3) is a pretty big stretch.

1. LaMichael James

This is LaMichael James' Heisman trophy to lose. 

And the way the Oregon ducks look this season, I don't see that happening. 

If Oregon can beat Louisiana State University opening weekend, James is sitting pretty. 

The biggest advantage for James is that he's a running back. A quarterback throwing an intercption is magnifixed times 10 over a lost fumble. 

James, plain and simple, has more room for error than Kellen Moore and Andrew Luck. 

And his team isn't too shabby either.