Heisman Trophy Watch: Analyzing the Top 5 Candidates and Who They Face Today

After Brandon Weeden’s Oklahoma State Cowboys lost to Iowa State last night, the Heisman race blew wide open.

Just like the national championship, the Heisman race is going to come down to the end of the season.

Each and every week, it becomes more important for candidates to make an impact and shake the college football landscape.

I thought Weeden took the lead last week after dismantling Texas Tech 66-6. At the time, his team was one of the few undefeated teams remaining.

But Weeden and the Cowboys blew it last night, and these five candidates have to take advantage in their respective upcoming games.

These are the top five Heisman candidates and the teams they face today.

RB Trent Richardson: Alabama Crimson Tide

Trent Richardson represents that rare breed of running backs that possess both power and breakaway speed.

With the Alabama Crimson Tide playing a cupcake game today, this is his chance to make more highlight runs.

The Georgia Southern Eagles might as well throw in the towel right now, because this game is going to get ugly. Richardson should benefit from some nice holes up front and find the end zone on multiple occasions.

Richardson has 1,205 yards and 18 touchdowns this year. Expect him to pad those stats today.
 

QB Case Keenum: Houston Cougars

Today is your day, Houston.

You’re finally getting the national exposure you’ve craved with ESPN’s College GameDay visiting.

Voters are finally starting to give Case Keenum some love. Here’s the spotlight, kid.

It's his obligation to take advantage of this. If Keenum wants to win the Heisman, this will be his biggest case. Pun intended.

The Cougars’ game against the SMU Mustangs today will be Keenum’s biggest platform to perform on all year until Houston’s bowl game.

He has the stats, but he doesn’t have the Heisman moments or huge plays in big games. This is Keenum's moment, and he must dazzle with gaudy stats to stay in this race.

QB Andrew Luck: Stanford Cardinal

It’s the rivalry game that was made famous by the band being on the field during the last play of the game.

But that doesn’t mean this one shouldn’t be a blowout.

The California Golden Bears are 6-4, and they have the task of dealing with an upset Stanford team led by an upset Heisman candidate.

Andrew Luck suffered his first loss of the season last week to Oregon, and it was a game that he struggled in. Luckily for him (again, pun intended), not one player has separated themselves from the pack.

I expect Luck to have another big day today and get right back in the thick of things.

RB LaMichael James: Oregon Ducks

LaMichael James just might be the leader in this Heisman race. Look at the numbers he’s been able to produce after missing two games, and it’s beyond impressive.

That, and the fact that his Oregon Ducks just defeated Stanford, put him in the driver’s seat.

Another big day against the USC Trojans today, plus a Pac-12 championship, would almost seal the deal.

A big day for James could be the difference in this race.

QB Landry Jones: Oklahoma Sooners

I still have Landry Jones in my Heisman race because with a lot of luck, the Sooners could still make the national championship.

Should they defeat Oklahoma State next week—and Jones has a huge game—he could very well make his case to win the Heisman.

But that’s next week, and today the Sooners have Baylor in one of the key matchups of the day.

If Jones can outplay Robert Griffin III, he should open up a lot of eyes in the college football universe.