Heisman Watch 2011: Predicting the 5 Finalists for the Trophy

With just one weekend left in the 2011 college football regular season, the Heisman Trophy race is coming to a close. Numerous candidates can have big games today that could decide whether or not they are invited to New York.

Unlike some years, the race is still wide open. Here are the five players who will be picked as finalists for the most important award in college football once the dust clears.

Trent Richardson, Alabama Crimson Tide

With Mark Ingram gone, running back Trent Richardson has gotten the brunt of the carries this year for the Alabama Crimson Tide—and he has not wasted the opportunity. Richardson has 1,583 yards and 20 touchdowns on the season.

Most impressively, despite playing in the defensively-strong SEC, he has averaged over six yards per carry and over 130 yards per game.

Case Keenum, Houston Cougars

No, I don't think the Houston Cougars have been very impressive this season. They've beaten zero ranked teams all year and Case Keenum probably faced tougher defenses in high school than he's seen at times this season.

Still, you can't argue with statistics and you can't argue with winning games. Keenum doesn't have any say in who his team plays—all he can do is come out and do his best, which is certainly what he's done this season.

Keenum has put up some seriously gaudy numbers this year, completing 73 percent of his passes for 4,726 yards, 43 touchdowns and just three interceptions. With that kind of efficiency and consistently good play, he deserves a trip to New York (assuming they win today).

Andrew Luck, Stanford Cardinal

You know a college football player is good when he inspires a "suck for Luck" campaign among fans of numerous NFL teams.

Statistically, Andrew Luck has not been perfect this season, but he's been very good. In starting all twelve of the Stanford Cardinal's games, Luck has completed 69% of his passes for 3,170 yards and 35 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. He is currently ranked fifth in the nation in passing efficiency.

It's also hard to argue against his 23-2 record as a starter over the last two seasons.

Matt Barkley, USC Trojans

Despite being precluded from playing in the Pac-12 Championship Game and BCS bowl they deserve (from a talent standpoint), the USC Trojans have played inspired football this season. And a big reason has been the play of quarterback Matt Barkley.

Barkley has been much more careful with the ball this season, only throwing seven interceptions despite his 39 touchdowns. He's thrown for over 3,500 yards.

Most impressively, he's come up big in big games, combining for 607 yards, seven touchdowns and just two interceptions in the two games against the Stanford Cardinal and Oregon Ducks.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor Bears

The only quarterback in the country that has a higher passer efficiency rating than Robert Griffin III is Russell Wilson, and Wilson has a considerably better team around him.

Simply put, RG3 has been phenomenal this season. He's thrown 34 touchdowns with only five interceptions. He's led his team to victories over a ranked TCU Horned Frogs team and the No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners.

And, while passing for over 3,600 yards, he's also rushed for 612 yards and seven touchdowns. When a player is this prolific with the Baylor Bears, he deserves to be a Heisman finalist.