Heisman Watch 2011: What's in Store for the Front-Runners in Week 13

Week 12 of college football provided tons of drama, but it helped separate a very jumbled Heisman Trophy race.

Four of the top-seven teams in the BCS standings were defeated, and while that greatly impacts the BCS battle, the individuals on the losing team also suffered greatly.

The good news is that voters usually have very short memory. We live in a "what have you done for me lately" culture, and players are remembered by their most recent games.

There are two more weeks in the regular season, followed by conference championship games. A player's Heisman candidacy is usually decided in this time frame. These men better be ready to have their "signature moment."

5. Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State)

Last Week: Loss at Iowa State; 42-of-58, 476 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INT

This Week: BYE

Next Game: Dec. 3 vs. Oklahoma

Brandon Weeden was on top of the world a week ago. Oklahoma State was undefeated, he had incredible numbers and the combination allowed him to be No. 1 on many projected ballots.

Unfortunately, his team lost to Iowa State in double overtime on Friday, thanks in part to Weeden's three interceptions.

The quarterback is not out of the race yet, as the next game against Oklahoma will be highly publicized. If the Cowboys can come away with a victory, the team will be back in the national championship picture and Weeden will put himself back in the Heisman discussion.

4. Robert Griffin III (Baylor)

Last Week: Win vs. Oklahoma; 21-of-34, 479 yards, 4 TDs, 72 rushing yards

This Week: vs. Texas Tech

It does not matter how many losses Baylor has, Robert Griffin III is deserving of at least a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist.

In the upset win over Oklahoma last weekend, Griffin totaled 551 yards through the air and on the ground. He accounted for 89 percent of the offense for Baylor.

With the 111th-ranked defense getting his back, it is apparent that Griffin is the most valuable player in football. Being 7-3 at this point is amazing.

The junior is also in the top-six in the nation in passing yards, completion percentage, touchdowns and efficiency.

He should be able to keep these statistics up against a Texas Tech defense that is even worse than his own.

3. Case Keenum (Houston)

Last Week: Win vs. SMU; 30-of-45, 318 yards, 1 TD

Next Week: At Tulsa

After his nine-touchdown performance last month against Rice, everything Case Keenum has done since then has seemed ordinary.

Still, Houston continues to dominate opponents as it works its way closer to a BCS Bowl.

Many have argued that Keenum is only playing well due to facing poor competition. Thankfully, next week the Cougars will finally get a battle.

Tulsa comes in on an eight-game winning streak. The team has three losses this year, but all to teams in the top-10 of the BCS standings.

If Houston finishes the season undefeated, Case Keenum will receive serious consideration for Heisman.

2. Andrew Luck (Stanford)

Last week: Win vs. California; 20-of-30, 257 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

This week: vs. Notre Dame

Andrew Luck fell last week after throwing two interceptions in a loss to Oregon.

Stanford came back strong last week with a win over California, but the quarterback threw yet another interception. It marked his fifth interception in four games, not good enough for an elite quarterback.

Luck remains this high based on his overall talent rather than raw numbers, and thanks to that he still has a chance to bring home the hardware.

With Oregon most likely taking the spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game, Andrew Luck will have only one more chance to impress voters at home against Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish have done well on defense this season, but if Matt Barkley can throw three touchdowns against them, Luck better throw four.

1. Trent Richardson (Alabama)

Last Week: Win vs. Georgia Southern; 32 carries, 175 yards, 2 rushing TD, 1 receiving TD

Next Week: At Auburn

Trent Richardson continues to impress each and every week. He is the most complete running back in football and provides great statistics in every game.

While there are running backs who have better numbers like Montee Ball from Wisconsin, Richardson does it against elite defenses in the SEC.

The 169 total yards the junior gained against LSU was very impressive, especially compared to what the Tigers have done this year to other running backs this season.

If Alabama can win at Auburn this week, it can find itself in the BCS National Championship Game. Team success always helps players bring home the Heisman Trophy, and Alabama is doing everything it can to make Richardson this year's winner.