Heisman Trophy Watch: The Amazing Play That Put Each Candidate in the Spotlight

With the college football regular season now over, bowl eligible teams are now turning their focus to their bowl game, and players will begin collecting individual honors and awards.

The Heisman Trophy is the most coveted trophy for an individual and is also the most talked about college football award. 

This year, there are a bunch of outstanding candidates that could fill the role as Heisman winner, but here is a look at the top five players and the game and plays that catapulted them into the Heisman spotlight. 

Andrew Luck vs. USC

Andrew Luck's Heisman moment came this year against USC.

While USC was in their final year of their postseason ban, Stanford was still undefeated and playing for a Pac-12 title and Rose Bowl, or possible national championship.

The Trojans and Cardinal engaged in a back and forth battle eventually leading to extra time. One and then two overtimes were not enough, as this game went to a third overtime and the Cardinal finally outlasted the Trojans.

Luck dropped this perfect pass to Levine Toilolo to send it to the game's final overtime. 

Matt Barkley vs. Oregon

With only a couple of games left in the season, Matt Barkley and USC came into Autzen Stadium treating the game as their bowl game. 

From the outset, Barkley used this nationally televised game as a platform for his coming out party and late-season push for the Heisman Trophy.

Barkley got things started with this deep ball to give the Trojans an early lead on the Ducks.

Robert Griffin III vs. TCU

While many knew Robert Griffin III was a special player coming into the year, nobody saw this kind of season—and certainly this kind of game—out of Griffin.

Baylor was taking on Oklahoma late in the year and Baylor shocked everyone by handing the Sooners their second loss of the season.

The exclamation point on Griffin's excellent season was this 87-yard pass to Kendall Wright. 

Trent Richardson vs. Ole Miss

Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson probably had one of the most memorable plays out of any of these candidates. 

While his resume has only gotten stronger through the season, this run early in the year is what everyone is still talking about.

On a long run, Richardson appeared to be out of room until he jukes this poor Ole Miss defender. 

Case Keenum vs. Rice

The one thing that will work against Houston Cougars quarterback Case Keenum is he really lacks a Heisman moment.

What he does have, however, is some incredible performances that cannot be ignored.

One of those games and records is this performance this year against Rice.

While playing against the Owls, Keenum went crazy and threw nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, Keenum still remains a long shot to win the Heisman.