Richardson and Wilson Lead the Race for the Heisman Trophy

This is the time of the season when the horse race begins for the Heisman Trophy.  Each week, a stellar performance catapults a new player into the limelight.  Through five games, four contenders have stood out from the rest of the pack. 

Trent Richardson, Alabama

The stars on the top teams command the headlines and few are doing it better than Richardson.  Alabama’s Mr. Everything is proving he is the nation’s best all-around player.  He has 622 yards rushing, 148 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. 

Everyone knew that the Tide would be fantastic on defense, but there was some uncertainty about the offense after losing Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Greg McElroy.  Those concerns have quickly been put to rest by the offensive line and Richardson. 

Circle Nov. 5, when LSU comes to Tuscaloosa.  If Richardson has an incredible game against the Tigers, he’ll easily become Alabama’s second Heisman Trophy winner. 

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

If there were any doubts about the impact Russell Wilson would have on the Big Ten, they were eliminated last Saturday, when Wilson cut up Nebraska’s defense with a carving knife.

On the season, Wilson has thrown for 1391 yards with 13 touchdowns and only one interception.  He also has 140 yards rushing with two touchdowns.  Combined with Montee Ball and James White, this is the most explosive backfield in the FBS. 

Without Wilson, the Badgers were a threat to win the Big Ten.  With him, they are a legitimate national title contender.  He’s a difference-maker.  The only downside to him winning the Heisman is that he shares the backfield with Ball and White, who could steal some of his thunder.

Kellen Moore, Boise State

Ask anyone to name a player on Boise State’s roster other than Kellen Moore, and you’ll get a lot of blank stares. One reason for that is very few people take Boise State seriously, which is shocking considering the last five seasons.  The likely reason is that Moore distributes the ball to so many play-makers that no one really stands out.  That’s part of Moore’s genius. He doesn’t care who gets the ball, he just cares about moving the chains.

Moore is lighting up the stats again this year.  He’s passed for 1137 yards with 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions.  His numbers are going to continue to explode as he carves up the weak defenses in the MWC. 

The primary question is whether the performance against Georgia will be be enough to sway the votes.  Unlikely, but it should be.  The award goes to the best player in college football.  Moore fits the description perfectly. 

Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

Defense wins championships, but it doesn’t win the Heisman.  That could change this year. 

Surprisingly, only three defensive players have won the award since 1935.  The last was Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson in 1997, but it was his kick return achievements that likely helped him win the hardware.  Mathieu’s skills are similar to Woodson’s, so it would not come as a surprise to see him in New York in December. 

Mathieu has been a beast while leading the nation’s no. 1 team.  Like Woodson, Mathieu is a ball hawk.  He already has 35 tackles, two sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception.  Not to mention, Mathieu is a good punt returner.

The list will change as the season progresses.  The two contenders are Andrew Luck and Denard Robinson, who have both played against weaker competition.  For now, Richardson and Wilson are firmly in the lead.