2011 Heisman Trophy Finalists: Who's In and Who's Out?

The 2011 Heisman Trophy finalists have officially been announced.  Made official by past Heisman Trophy recipient Eddie George, the 2011 Finalists include:

RB Montee Ball (Wisconsin)

RB Trent Richardson (Alabama)

QB Robert Griffin III (Baylor)

CB Tyrann Mathieu (LSU)

QB Andrew Luck (Stanford)

In one of the closest races in recent memory the field is wide open, and everyone has their favorite. Early polls show Richardson and Griffin near the top of the list, but nothing is clear at this point.

Both BCS National Championship contenders have candidates—Richardson and Mathieu. 

The Rose Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl will also feature finalists in Luck and Ball, respectively.  Baylor QB Robert Griffin III is the only non-BCS finalist, who's Bears will face off against the Washington Huskies in the Alamo Bowl.

Some clear omissions from the list include USC QB Matt Barkley, who lobbied hard for a spot late in the season, but couldn't quite make the cut, Oregon RB LaMichael James, Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson and Boise St. QB Kellen Moore.

Each man on the outside has a legitimate beef for not being included, but it is hard to argue against any of the five finalists, all of whom will probably receive at least one first place vote.

The trophy will be presented to the winner on December 10, 2011.  Until then, let the debate begin!