LSU Football: Tyrann Mathieu and the Top 10 Heisman Trophy Candidates

Tyrann Mathieu is in the midst of a special season and is considered to be the best player on the best team in the country.

But when Mathieu missed last week's game against Auburn after serving a one-game suspension for violating the team's drug policy, his Heisman Trophy appeal took an immediate hit.

Despite the suspension, Mathieu should still be considered a strong candidate for the award. He has the most impressive statistics of any defensive player in the country, even with missing the Tigers' past game.

Let's take a look at Mathieu and the top 10 Heisman candidates heading into Week 9 of the college football season.

10. Sammy Watkins

There isn't a more impressive freshman in the land than Clemson WR Sammy Watkins.

Through eight games, Watkins has already totaled 819 yards and nine touchdown receptions. He has totaled seven or more catches in six of his eight games, including a 10-catch, 155-yard, two-touchdown performance against SEC powerhouse Auburn.

It's rare to see a receiver be a Heisman finalist, and even more rare to see a freshman. But Sammy Watkins is a rare player who just doesn't come along all that often.

9. Case Keenum

There is one word to describe the type of numbers that Case Keenum is putting up this year: "ridiculous."

Keenum is having another record-setting year and is breaking new career records in every game he plays. Through eight games, Keenum has already passed for 2,685 yards and 23 touchdowns, compared to just two interceptions.

He has already topped 400 yards on three separate occasions this year and is on pace to possibly to do it again in Thursday night's game against Rice.

If he had a more challenging schedule, he would be much higher up on this list.

8. Landry Jones

Before Oklahoma's loss to Texas Tech last week, Jones was undoubtedly in the top-five of this list. But that loss hurt his Heisman hopes just as much as it did Oklahoma's National Title hopes.

Jones has already topped 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns through just seven games. As good as he was last season, he is even better this year.

If Oklahoma can close out the year with just one loss and a Big 12 title, he will certainly crawl his way up this long list.

7. Tajh Boyd

If Sammy Watkins put up those type of numbers we saw with slide No.10, you had to assume that they guy who is throwing him the ball has to be on this list as well.

Perhaps the most surprising breakout player of this year's college football season, Boyd has put together an incredible sophomore season.

Boyd has thrown for 2,379 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading Clemson to a current undefeated record. He is just below the big boys right now, but if Clemson finishes the season undefeated, expect him to be a finalist on this list.

6. Tyrann Mathieu

Before last week's suspension, Mathieu was at the top of this list. And while the suspension did hurt his chances, it should by no means erase them.

Mathieu, a sophomore, has gained national acclaim for his outstanding play this season. He is second on the LSU team with 42 tackles and has two interceptions and two fumble recoveries for touchdowns.

He has set the school all-time record for fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns, and he has only played one-and-a-half seasons. This has all led to his well-known nickname, "the honeybadger."

If he picks up where he left off, it would be hard to ignore the season Mathieu is having.

5. Robert Griffin III

When Robert Griffin started this season with more touchdowns than incompletions it was beyond impressive, but no one expected it to last for more than a game or two.

Now, after six games, Griffin has just 40 total incompletions compared to his 22 touchdown passes. He has a 78 percent completion percentage, which is nearly unheard of at the Division 1 level.

Griffin is a threat with his arm and legs, passing for nearly 2,000 yards and rushing for another 300 yards. If he keeps this up, it will be hard to ignore come trophy time.

4. Russell Wilson

Wilson sat on top of this list before last week's wild loss to Michigan State.

But realistically, that loss should not affect Wilson's Heisman status too much. He ran into a great defense in Michigan State, and he is still putting up exceptional numbers through seven games.

Wilson has thrown for over 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns thus far, and Wisconsin should finish the regular season with only one loss heading into the Big 10 title game.

That only helps his chances.

3. Kellen Moore

Kellen Moore is putting together one of the greatest college football careers in the history of the sport, regardless of position.

But the amazing part is that after losing the majority of the team's offensive weapons, Moore is having arguably his best season right now as a senior.

Through seven games, Moore has already topped 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. If he can reach 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, it would be nearly impossible not to consider him a top Heisman candidate, regardless of who he plays for.

This is my sneaky pick to be the surprise winner. He's that good!

2. Trent Richardson

What a season Trent Richardson is having...

Not only are the Tide a perfect 8-0 and sporting the No.2 ranking in college football, but they are getting it done behind an outstanding running game, led by Richardson.

The junior tailback has already topped 1,000 total yards this season, in addition to his 18 touchdowns, 17 of which have come on the ground.

If Alabama finishes the year unbeaten, Richardson has to be a Heisman favorite.

1. Andrew Luck

Considered by many to be the most NFL-ready quarterback ever to play college football, Andrew Luck is nothing short of special.

As it stands right now, the Heisman Trophy is Andrew Luck's to lose, because if he keeps up the pace he is on and the Cardinal keep winning, this could be a sure bet.

Through seven games this season, Luck has thrown for 1,888 yards and 20 touchdowns. Most importantly, he has led the Cardinal to a perfect 7-0 record.

Everyone seems to say hat Andrew Luck is the next great quarterback, but I'd beg to differ.

He already is a great quarterback, and he has the resume and the numbers to back that up.

Get a space in your trophy case ready, Mr. Luck. This one has your name written all over it.