Heisman Watch 2011: Which Studs Are Legit Contenders To Win?

The 2011 Heisman Trophy race was slated to be a landslide victory for Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, but every week the gap between first and the rest of the pack closes ever so slightly.

With Week 11 of the season already underway, the next stage of the battle for the greatest hardware in college sports has already commenced.

Enjoy the wild ride that is the Heisman Trophy watch!

No. 1 Contender: Andrew Luck

Since the season started, Andrew Luck of the Stanford Cardinal has been the No. 1 contender for the 2011 Heisman Trophy.

The NFL-ready quarterback has been touted as one of the greatest college football players of all time and his refinement is second to none.

Stanford Football’s official twitter is reporting:

Luck has a huge matchup in Week 11 against conference rival the Oregon Ducks, and if he shows his talents with an impressive statistical day, he will all but lock up the Heisman Trophy.

Prognosis: Favorite

No. 2 Contender: Kellen Moore

Boise State Broncos starting quarterback Kellen Moore is a machine that does nothing but throws touchdowns and wins games.

Moore has a total of 2229 passing yards and 29 touchdowns through the air so far this season, and will look to build on those numbers in Week 11 against TCU.

The tough defense of TCU will present unusual problems for the Boise State slinger, but if Moore can overcome them then he will be a serious threat if Andrew Luck falters against Oregon.

Prognosis: Contender

No. 3 Contender: Case Keenum

Just like Boise State, the Houston Cougars get no respect from the BCS voters and thus they leave Case Keenum out of the Heisman Trophy race.

Keenum is an offensive juggernaut, putting up 3951 passing yards and 37 touchdowns to just three interceptions, and the Cougars are enjoying the 10-0 start he has led them to.

Associated Press Sports Writer Tim Reynolds is reporting on twitter:

With a nice showing already in Week 11 against Tulane, If Keenum can keep this pace up over the final two weeks of the season, he will be a serious contender for the Heisman Trophy.

Prognosis: Contender

No. 4 Contender: Trent Richardson

While I have been one of the biggest advocates of Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson, he has continued to come up less than stellar in big moments.

Just like his solid performance against the LSU Tigers, Richardson plays well in big games but doesn’t take them over like a Heisman Trophy winner should.

Richardson has over 1000 yards rushing this season and another 292 through the air, but it’s his 18 combined touchdowns that still have him in serious contention.

Prognosis: Pretender

No. 5 Contender: Justin Blackmon

While a bad game by Justin Blackmon standards earlier in the season against Tulsa slowed his momentum, the fact that the Oklahoma State Cowboys are No. 2 in the league makes the stellar wideout a serious contender.

Blackmon is the most NFL ready of all the wide receivers this season, and his 87 receptions for 1029 yards and 12 touchdowns makes him one of the most dangerous targets in college football.

ESPN Big-12 Blogger David Ubben is reporting on twitter:

With the next closest receiver on the Cowboys with just 35 receptions, Blackmon’s influence on the outcome of every game makes him a serious Heisman contender.

Prognosis: Contender

No. 6 Contender: Brandon Weeden

The battle between who deserves more credit at Oklahoma State between wideout Justin Blackmon and star quarterback Brandon Weeden is a classic\ chicken or the egg conundrum.

Weeden has put up amazing numbers this season, tallying 312 yards throw the air and adding 26 touchdowns, but it’s the nine interceptions that have some voters weary of the QB.

I think Weeden has benefited from having Justin Blackmon on wing, and I believe Blackmon deserves more credit for the Oklahoma State success than Weeden.

Prognosis: Pretender

No. 7 Contender: Landry Jones

The Oklahoma Sooners have given Landry Jones the keys to one of the most dangerous teams in the nation, and he has continued to play well, but not good enough to be a serious Heisman Trophy candidate.

While 3349 passing yards and 28 touchdowns are absolutely amazing, it’s the nine interceptions and 64.6 completion percentage that has kept him from being a serious contender for the Heisman in 2011.

ESPN.com Oklahoma Sooners beat writer Jake Trotter is reporting on Jones’ dependence:

If Oklahoma can win out, including a final game meeting with No. 2 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys, Jones could catapult himself back into the Heisman talk.

I still think it’s too late, though.

Prognosis: Pretender

Check back for more on the NCAA Football as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s College Football Page to get your fill of College Football.

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