Heisman Watch 2011: Predicting Whether Every Candidate Will Be a Finalist or Not

The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in college football. The trophy winners are among the most elite players. Win it, and your life will change forever.

Before every season, everybody throws out several players who have a chance at winning the award. Some are favorites; others are dark horses who, if they are able to play to their potential, have an outside shot of winning the trophy.

The reality is that there are many talented college football players, but only a handful have a chance of winning the Heisman.

Here are all the Heisman candidates and whether of not they'll earn a trip to New York.

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson has played fantastic this season throwing for 2,506 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has really improved this Badgers offense and is a big reason why they're 9-2 and have a chance to win the Big Ten.

The problem is the Badgers do have two losses and that is going to hurt his chances of not only winning the Heisman but even receiving an invite. Sure, he could have a great game against Penn State this weekend but even then, there are stronger candidates than him with more successful teams.

Invite to New York: No

Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck is still considered by many to be the favorite for the award.

And why not?

He's thrown for 2,937 yards and 31 touchdowns. You take him off this Stanford team and they aren't 10-1 with a chance to reach a BCS bowl.

Although the Cardinal may not be able to win the Pac-12, Luck is still one of the most popular players in the country with great numbers.

Invite to New York: Yes

Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson is fourth in the country with 1,380 rushing yards and he has 20 rushing touchdowns, breaking Shaun Alexanders single-season record at Alabama. He is the workhorse for this team and puts this offense in position to score points since the passing game struggles.

The Crimson Tide are the No.3 team in the country and Richardson is a main reason for it. He is without a doubt the best back in the league and if any back wins the Heisman it will be him.

Invite to New York: Yes

Case Keenum

Keenum is on a team that will likely go undefeated and possibly reach a BCS bowl if they win the C-USA. He has put up ridiculous numbers, including 4,269 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. He has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks the last five seasons and is a huge reason for the Cougars success.

During his career he's thrown for 17,855 yards and 145 touchdowns. It's about time this guy gets some Heisman love.

Invite to New York: Yes

Brandon Weeden

Brandon Weeden and his Heisman hopes took a huge hit last week with the loss to Iowa State. Although even with the loss you can't deny his numbers of 4,111 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. He makes this Cowboys offense go that averages nearly 50 points per contest.

He may not win the award but expect his stock to rise with a victory over Oklahoma in a couple of weeks.

Invite to New York: Yes

Kellen Moore

Kellen Moore has had a fabulous career and it's a shame it will likely end in a non-BCS bowl. Moore has broken several NCAA records and has thrown for 2,915 yards and 35 touchdowns. He has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks of all-time and has a 46-3 record as a starter.

Unfortunately with his weak MWC schedule he had to have a perfect season to have any chance of winning the Heisman. A loss to TCU destroys that and I'll be surprised if he receives an invite. 

Invite to New York: No

LaMichael James

LaMichael James started the season as a Heisman favorite but once he missed two games due to an injury many thought those hopes were dashed. Even missing two games he still has 1,285 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns. That's pretty impressive. 

With a couple of big victories for the Ducks and a Pac-12 title, James will probably be high enough on most ballots to deserve an invite.

Invite to New York: Yes

Robert Griffin III

Baylor may have three losses but they play in the tough Big 12 and have a defense that couldn't cover a sleeping baby. Robert Griffin has been a blessing to this Baylor team throwing for 3,572 yards and racking up 38 touchdowns.

The win over Oklahoma really put him back in the Heisman conversation and a win over Texas may help as well. I just don't think it will be good enough considering there are other strong candidates in this Heisman class. He'll just miss out on a invite.

Invite to New York: No

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]