Heisman Watch 2011: What's in Store for Top Contenders Heading into Week 7?

The college football season is six weeks old. As each week passes, Heisman Trophy talks continue to heat up.

Several candidates have emerged for college football's most-coveted individual award.

Players will have ample opportunities to prove themselves as they head into the heart of their respective teams' schedule.

Week 7 will give the top candidates a chance to separate themselves from the pack.

Here is what Week 7 has in store for the Heisman's top contenders.

Robert Griffin III

Week 7 opponent: No. 24 Texas A&M

Texas A&M has been a disappointment so far this season. The Aggies' high hopes for 2011 will face a test against Baylor in Week 7. Defensively, the Aggies surrender over 23 points per game.

Week 6 statistics: 22-30, 212 yards, one touchdown/24 carries, 107 yards, one touchdown

Griffin didn't have a colossal offensive performance like he has in past weeks. He did manage to complete over 70 percent of his passes. Scary, considering that is a low number for Griffin thus far. Griffin didn't have a week worthy of climbing the Heisman ladder, but he did keep pace.

Season statistics: 1,520 yards, 19 touchdowns, one interception

Griffin is definitely in the thick of the Heisman race. His dual-threat ability combined with his excellent decision-making make him elite this season.

Don't expect Griffin to disappear anytime soon.

Trent Richardson

Week 7 opponent: Ole Miss

Ole Miss is an average team in the SEC. Richardson should be able to turn in a great performance. Alabama's offensive line should overwhelm the Ole Miss defensive front.

Week 6 statistics: 19 carries, 107 yards, one touchdown

Alabama shut out Vanderbilt in Week 6. Richardson had a solid role in this game. One touchdown is not enough to break away from the pack, but it will keep pace. Expect Richardson to have a similar, or better game in Week 7.

Season statistics: 96 carries, 729 yards, 11 touchdowns/13 catches, 149 yards, one touchdown

Richardson is one of the most consistent players in college football. He is a workhorse, but is also dangerous in the open field. Alabama's offensive line will ensure Richardson's continued success.

Barring injury, Richardson will be a contender all season long.

Tyrann Mathieu

Week 7 opponent: Tennessee

Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray likes to put the ball in the air. He will need to be careful if Tyrann Mathieu is in the vicinity. Mathieu will play a big role in LSU's Week 7 matchup.

Week 6 statistics: One interception

Mathieu didn't find his way into most columns of the box score for Week 6. However, Mathieu did manage to pick up an interception. Regardless of his Week 6 tackle totals, Mathieu is the best playmaker on a daunting LSU defense.

Season statistics: 36 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions

LSU has arguably the most dominant defense in football. Mathieu is the pulse of the Tigers' defense. He is a dangerous playmaker. Don't let his size fool you. Mathieu is ferocious and plays with tremendous energy.

Defensive players aren't usually in Heisman races. Mathieu may not hang around all season, but he is having an enormous impact through six games.

Russell Wilson

Week 7 opponent: Indiana

Indiana has struggled mightily in 2011. The Hoosiers have one win. Their defense gives up over 27 points per game so Russell Wilson should have a huge game in Week 7.

Week 6 statistics: Bye week

Wilson didn't have a chance to pad his statistics in Week 6. The Hoosiers provide a perfect return in Week 7 for Wilson and the Badgers.

Season statistics: 1,391 yards, 13 touchdowns, one interception

Russell Wilson gives the Badgers a foreign dynamic on offense. His dual-threat ability keeps opposing defenses on their heels. Wilson has 140 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Wisconsin is the best team in the Big Ten, and Wilson is their best player. He runs the Badgers offense with incredible efficiency.

That won't stop any time soon.

Andrew Luck

Week 7 opponent: Washington State

Washington State is 3-2 this season. The Cougars defense has been average. Andrew Luck's prodigious ability will exploit holes in the Cougars secondary in Week 7.

Week 6 statistics: 370 yards, three touchdowns, one interception

Luck shredded the Colorado secondary in Week 6. Keep in mind, Luck didn't play the last 10 minutes of the game against the Buffaloes. He continues to show NFL scouts why he will be worth the wait.

Season statistics: 1,383 yards, 14 touchdowns, two interceptions

Andrew Luck displays an NFL arm and incredible poise week in and week out for the Cardinal. Luck is polished and focused no matter the opponent. As long as he is behind center, the Cardinal will be a formidable opponent.

Luck was the Heisman favorite entering the season. He hasn't done anything to lose that reputation.