Minnesota vs Michigan: Where's Denard Robinson in the Heisman Race?

Last season Michigan QB Denard Robinson accounted for more than 4,200 yards and scored 32 TDs.

He's arguably the most exciting player in all of college football. This season, however, he's beginning to develop as a pocket passer, thus only making him more dangerous.

That being said, there are loads of talent at the QB level this year in college football.

So how does Robinson stack up amongst the top Heisman candidates?

Well, it's for certain that he is one, but just where does he rank?

Check out the following list of the Top Five Heisman Trophy candidates for 2011 to find out.

5. Robert Griffin III: QB, Baylor

Despite having yet to play a really legitimate opponent (sorry Baylor fans, but TCU was overrated), Baylor Bears' QB Robert Griffin has thrown 13 TDs to zero picks in three games.

His worst completion percentage was 77.8 percent in game one against the Horned Frogs and he's only been getting better and more confident.

That being said, his next nine games are all Big 12 conference games, so it will be interesting if he can keep it rolling as the schedule gets more difficult.

Nonetheless, Griffin has established himself as one of the best QBs in college football and he's putting the Baylor Bears on the map.

4. Denard Robinson: QB, Michigan

Against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday, Michigan QB Denard Robinson only increased his numbers to make his Heisman argument that much more reputable.

Now although he only accounted for 220 total yards of Michigan's 580, he managed the game to a T.

Passing he was 15-of-19 for 169 yards, with two TDs and no picks.

And yes, it was Minnesota who's now 1-4, but annihilating inferior teams 58-0 when your No. 19 Michigan like you're suppose to, that's how you convince voters to hop on your side.

Not to mention that to this point the Wolverines have had formidable opponents in Notre Dame, and then two solid non-AQ schools in Western Michigan and San Diego State.

It's going to be difficult for Robinson to get some of the votes over the next three Heisman candidates, but he's still deserves to be considered at the very least.

3. Marcus Lattimore: RB, South Carolina

Although the South Carolina Gamecocks have been underachieving as a team despite their 4-0 record, RB Marcus Lattimore has been very impressive to say the least.

In four games he has nine total TDs, compiled 611 yards and has 139 receiving yards as well.

He's the best RB in college football and what's scary is that's Lattimore is only a sophomore.

SEC play continues through mid-November, so we'll get to see how much Marcus has developed since his freshman campaign (1,609 total yards, 19 TDs).

Watch him every chance you get, because he's only going to be in college one more year, as Lattimore is too good not to leave early for the NFL.

2. Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford

Yes, it's debatable with Boise State's Kellen Moore (spoiler alert), but regardless, it's no secret that Stanford's Andrew Luck is a top Heisman candidate.

His numbers through three games are very good (786 yards, eight TDs, one pick, 67.1 completion percentage), and the Cardinal is the best team in the Pac-12.

In addition, Stanford could very well be in the national title race if they get the smallest bit of help.

However, even without a national title bid, Luck will lead his team to a Pac-12 championship and a BCS bid at they very least.

Along with Moore he was a Heisman finalist a year ago, and the most impressive thing about Luck is that he still has another year of eligibility.

Now it's practically ludicrous if he doesn't leave for the NFL after this season, but can you imagine how dominant he would be if he stayed for his senior season?

1. Kellen Moore: QB, Boise State

Just like Andrew Luck, Boise's Kellen Moore has played only three games heading into October, but Moore has one-upped Luck on the stat sheet.

995 yards, 12 TDs and only two picks to go with a 79.3 completion percentage.

Also, their schedule's have been rather even in terms of strength thus far, and although Luck's will be slightly more difficult with Arizona State, Oregon and USC, Moore will have to take his game to an unfathomable level.

Thing is, he's not only capable of that, but being that it's his senior season, everyone is anticipating his best, including Moore himself.

And although the Broncos' schedule is more difficult this year than it has been in recent years, Moore throwing close to 4,000 yards, 50 TDs and only six picks for the year isn't out of the question.

He is every bit as deserving as Andrew Luck to win the Heisman, it just comes down to who impresses the voters more.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.