Heisman Trophy Watch: Top Contenders Heading into Week 7

The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in college football. Win it, and your life will change forever, as you enter a group of elite players.

Before entering every season, everybody throws out several players who have a chance at winning the award. Some are favorites; others are dark horses who have an outside shot if they are able to play to their potential. 

The reality is, there are many talented college football players, but only a handful have a chance to win the Heisman.

Here are the top candidates for the Heisman heading into Week 7 of the college football season.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist who covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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Alabama RB Trent Richardson

Alabama running back Trent Richardson has really picked it up over the last few weeks and has jumped back into the consideration.

He now has 729 rushing yards, good for fifth in the country, and has 12 total touchdowns. He averages 6.3 yards per touch and has 149 receiving yards.

Richardson produces fantastic numbers when given the ball, but Alabama only rides him when they need to. His lack of touches may be the reason he won't win the award, as it seems like the Crimson Tide are picking a national championship over the Heisman Trophy.

Richardson still has a couple of big stages left, with games against LSU and Auburn still on the schedule.

Although he may be fifth on the Heisman watch right now, his numbers show that he has passed South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore, who was a favorite just a couple weeks ago.

Boise State QB Kellen Moore

Kellen Moore is playing this season like he has played his entire career. The Broncos are a top-five team and will likely go undefeated and win the MWC.

He has completed 74 percent of his passes for 1,391 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, the two things that may hurt him are his four interceptions and his weak schedule.

It's hard to see Moore as a favorite for the award when the next three candidates are quarterbacks who have to play much more difficult schedules. Boise State only plays one ranked team all season, and the rest of their opponents consist of teams like Wyoming, Colorado State and New Mexico.

I like Moore and the Broncos, but it's going to take a lot for him to win the Heisman.

Baylor QB Robert Griffin

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin was my favorite to win the award until he threw an interception that played a huge part in the Bears' first loss.

He still has a great shot because he has played out of his mind and led the Bears to a impressive 4-1 record.

Griffin has the highest completion percentage in the country at 80 percent. He has thrown for 1,520 yards, and the most impressive stat of all is his one interception. He also has 21 total touchdowns.

Baylor hasn't really played anyone this season, but now, with the Big 12 schedule opening up, the Bears will really be tested.

If Griffin can continue to lead the Bears to wins and put up those type of numbers against Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Texas, it will be hard to deny him the award.

Stanford QB Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck was the favorite coming into the season and should remain a favorite for the award until he gives us a reason not to be.

Stanford is currently 5-0 and ranked No. 7 in the country—in large part because of Luck.

He has thrown for 1,383 yards, and his 73.1 completion percentage is good for sixth in the country. He has 15 total touchdowns and has only thrown two interceptions.

Many will criticize him for the weak Pac-12 schedule Stanford plays, but the numbers are there and the team is winning. It's hard to argue with that.

Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson

I made the case here a week ago and still believe it. 

Russell Wilson has been the most impressive player in the country so far, and if the season ends today, he should win the award.

Russell Wilson has done everything and more for Wisconsin.

He has led them to a 5-0 start to the season and has the Badgers ranked No. 4 in the country.

His 74.8 completion percentage is third in the country, and he has 1,391 passing yards. He's only thrown one interception to his 15 total touchdowns and has 140 rushing yards.

A lot of people have Luck as the favorite right now because he's the most popular, but the award should go to the player who has earned it. Right now, it's Wilson that deserves the award the most.