Heisman Trophy Update: Stanford's Andrew Luck Primed to Win After Alabama Loss

A shot at the BCS National Championship wasn't the only thing lost on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The bitter 9-6 loss the Crimson Tide suffered at the hands of rival LSU may have effectively dashed the Heisman Trophy hopes of running back Trent Richardson, who was looking to follow in the footsteps of former Tide back Mark Ingram, who won the prestigious award in 2009.

Richardson came into the prime-time matchup with a ridiculous 17 touchdowns and 989 rushing yards, but could only muster 89 rushing yards in the loss.

The loss not only closes the door on Richardson's chances but swings it wide open for Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who has been superb in 2011 and will likely be the first player taken in the 2012 NFL draft next spring.

Luck has the Cardinal undefeated through nine games and in contention for the national championship as they climb the BCS standings week after week, while dominating the Pac-12.

His numbers are more than worthy of being invited to New York, the 6'4" senior has thrown for 2,424 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2011, while throwing just five interceptions total thus far.

Also consider that Luck has completed 71.3 percent of his passes this season, which is eighth-best in FBS, and boasts the fifth-best quarterback rating in FBS, making him more effective than nearly every elite quarterback in college football.

Luck's arm has the Cardinal 9-0, ranked third in the nation and in scoring offense and among the 25 best passing attacks in college football.

Following the Alabama loss, the pro prospect is without a doubt the favorite to overtake Richardson on the Heisman podium.