Heisman Trophy Watch: Stock Up, Stock Down for Week 4

As expected, Week 4 in college football was just as exciting if not more exciting than the last.

Also, each week the Heisman Trophy race gets more and more interesting being that the number of candidates runs pretty deep in 2011.

That said, who's stock is up and who's stock is down after Week 4?

To begin, here's five candidates, but be sure to check back throughout the evening as more will be added once the night games are completed.

Denard Robinson: QB, Michigan

Stock Up

From a passing perspective, Michigan QB Denard Robinson hasn't been all that impressive.

In Week 4 he threw two picks against San Diego State, but his rushing is where the damage was done—again.

200 yards on 21 carries and three TDs on Saturday, and a long of 53 yards.

Robinson's stock is up, but if his passing ability doesn't kick in soon he will drop as the Big Ten won't be as easy to run against.

Trent Richardson: RB, Alabama

Stock Up

17 carries for 126 yards and three catches for 85 yards, including one TD for 'Bama's main Brahma Bull Trent Richardson on Saturday.

In other words, just another day at the office.

And although the Arkansas Razorbacks aren't nearly the team they were a year ago, it was a solid start for Richardson in the 2011 season with conference play happening each week.

The LSU game will be the tell all challenge, but based on how he's done thus far, there's no reason why Richardson can't outrun anyone to the Heisman.

Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State

Stock No Change

Although Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon finished Saturday with 11 receptions for 111 yards, he could have done so much more had his first half not been blanketed.

That said, he is still the most dangerous WR in the college ranks, much like he was a year ago.

As the Cowboys get into the thickness of the Big 12, they don't have another formidable opponent until Oklahoma in the regular season finale.

There, Blackmon's production will be more important than ever as Oklahoma State could very well be in the hunt for not just a Big 12 title, but a national title.

Ronnie Hillman: RB, San Diego State

Stock Down

Until the San Diego State Aztecs played the Michigan Wolverines, RB Ronnie Hillman had completely dominated all other opponents.

And although he ran for over 100 yards on Saturday, it was against a weak Michigan defense that usually allows much more to stud players.

Hillman should have gained closer to 150, if not more, but the Wolverines stepped up whereas Hillman, unfortunately, did not.

Ronnie's not going to win the Heisman but he'll still be in the race as he's simply too good not to get any national recognition.

Michael Floyd: WR, Notre Dame

Stock Up

He may not be in too many Heisman race lists, but Notre Dame's Michael Floyd is arguably the best WR in college football.

After Week 4 he has 35 receptions for 422 yards, and has scored two TDs.

The Irish have clearly gotten back on track and are now 2-2, and a lot of that can be attributed to Michael Floyd.

Sure his numbers went down a bit from Week 1 and 2, but that's a testament to exactly how good he is.

Not to mention, his QB is only a sophomore in Tommy Rees.

Kellen Moore: QB, Boise State

Stock Up

Three of the last four seasons the Tulsa Golden Hurricane has had 10 or more wins.

And even though they came into the Boise State game at 1-2, those two loses came against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Well, Kellen Moore hasn't slowed at all against a Tulsa team that was expected to be a formidable opponent.

In the first half alone, Moore was 19-of-25 for 239 yards and three TDs.

The Golden Hurricane could very well contend for a Conference USA championship, so they're by no means a slouch.

But Moore makes it look effortless against pretty much everyone.

Robert Griffin III

Stock Up

He just keeps getting better and better, and the Baylor Bears keep getting scarier and scarier.

Robert Griffin was the talk of the town in college football after his Week 1 performance versus TCU, and he's only lived up to the expectations since.

Through only three quarters against the Rice Owls in Week 4, Griffin was 28-of-32 for 332 yards and had five TDs.

Sure it's Rice, but it's not like Baylor has been a dominating team atop the Big 12 every year either.

He also has over 50 rushing yards with one TD.

Therefore, when you account for six of your teams' TDs in one game, it's safe to assume that you are the offense.

Griffin is that for Baylor, and he is a solid Heisman candidate.

Watch out Big 12 (for however much longer your around), because Baylor is here to stay.

Marcus Lattimore: RB, South Carolina

Stock Not Changed

Although Marcus Lattimore's numbers have been unreal, it's hard for him to move up when there's Heisman QBs constantly throwing TD after TD with no interceptions.

That said, he is the top RB in the nation and has accounted for over 150 yards and scored one TD against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

Now although South Carolina hasn't really been as dominant as we've liked, much can be blamed on QB Stephen Garcia and his lack of consistency.

As for Lattimore, as long as he just keeps rolling it will be tough to oust him for the Heisman.

Once the Gamecocks get into the thick of the SEC however, that's when he'll shine.

Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford

Stock No Change

Having a bye-week never hurts your status, but at the same time, it doesn't help either.

Nonetheless, Stanford QB Andrew Luck is slated to be the Heisman front-runner all season in the voters' eyes.

And rightfully so, as he was a Heisman finalist a year ago, and is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft as well.

This year has a lot of players who could win the Heisman, but Luck remains the front-runner.

However, challengers like Boise's Kellen Moore aren't more than a half step behind (at the most).

Plus if Stanford wins the Pac-12 in addition to being national title contenders, that will only help his resume look that much more reputable (as if it wasn't reputable enough already).

Landry Jones: QB, Oklahoma

Stock Down

Despite being on the No. 1 team in the land, Oklahoma QB Landry Jones' Heisman stock has slightly dropped this week.

QB Kellen Moore, RB Marcus Lattimore, and WR Justin Blackmon to name a few all performed much better than Jones this week.

Now where does he exactly fit, well that's for the so-called experts.

In any event, he's thrown two picks against a vastly inferior Missouri team, but has over 400 yards and three TDs.

It's another solid performance from Jones, but it's nowhere near as good as we've seen him play before.

Yes, he's being held to a high standard, but that's what comes with the territory of being the starting QB on the country's No. 1 ranked school.

Bleacher Report is your home for college football for the 2011 season. From scores, news, analysis, live blogs and updates on your favorite teams and the big national games every week, keep it on Bleacher Report for the very latest in college football news.

Also, be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.