Florida State Football: E.J. Manuel, Dark-Horse Heisman Contender or Pretender?

E.J. Manuel has proven to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season.  

A junior and first-year starter, Manuel has thrown for 581 yards and six touchdowns, alongside just two interceptions, in the first two games of the season. 

While Louisiana Monroe and Charleston Southern are not exactly world beaters, Manuel has completed two-thirds of his passes (46-of-69) with an impressive 8.42 yards per attempt.  

Manuel's true test comes tonight, when the Seminoles take on top-ranked Oklahoma State.  

On paper, Manuel looks like he could have a solid game, being that the Seminoles are ranked seventh in the nation in passing yards, while Oklahoma is ranked 24th overall in points against.  

Granted, the Sooners are only allowing 14 points per game thus far, so another 300-yard, four-touchdown performance is unlikely for the former 4-star recruit.  

However, if Manuel can throw for a score or two and not turn the ball over, he may be able to solidify himself as the real deal among college quarterbacks, whether Florida State wins or loses.

In a winning effort, Manuel could see himself catapulted into the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy.

While the season is very young, the 21-year-old looks pretty impressive thus far.  

The game of the week tonight will determine just how far along the Seminoles quarterback truly is.