1. Mark Ingram, Alabama, RB
Ingram was the lone offensive weapon for the Crimson Tide as they escaped with a win against Tennessee last Saturday. The sophomore tailback rushed for 99 yards against the Volunteers as he broke the 1,000-yard mark for the season. It is unlikely that Alabama would still be undefeated without their star running back, which is why Ingram remains at the top of the Heisman watch.
2. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame, QB
The Fighting Irish are hoping that Clausen will return for his senior year after he has already led his squad to a 5-2 but is only a couple plays away from being undefeated. Clausen put up 246 yards and two touchdowns last week in a win against Boston College. He is one of the most accurate passers in FBS and his 2,050 yards and 16 touchdowns have him among the top candidates to win the most prestigious trophy in sports.
3. Tim Tebow, Florida, QB
Tim Tebow’s legend took a hit this week after he threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in the Gators’ win against Mississippi State. Last week’s game proved that the Gators are capable of winning even without Tebow at the top of his game. Tebow threw for 127 yards against the Bulldogs and ran for 88 yards and a touchdown. The 2007 Heisman winner is still loved by the voters, but he will need to get back to his elite status.
Tebow has only thrown for more than 200 yards twice this season, which are not Heisman numbers for a quarterback unless you are Eric Crouch.
4. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB
McCoy had his best game of the year against Missouri last week completing all but five of his 31 attempts for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The game against the Tigers was one of the rare times this year the McCoy looked like the player everyone saw in 2008.
But, he did throw another interception, bringing his total to eight this year, which will definitely hurt his Heisman chances. McCoy’s season stats include 1,806 yards and 14 touchdowns, and he is one touchdown away from his 100th career touchdown pass.
5. Case Keenum, Houston, QB
Keenum threw for a season-low 233 yards and one touchdown last week against SMU but still raised his totals to an FBS best 2,734 yards and is second in touchdowns with 20.
Keenum has five more opportunities to boost his stats, but another loss will destroy his chances. The Cougar offense has relied on him all season and will continue to for the remainder of the year.
