Thanks to a stifling defensive performance by the Stanford Cardinal against USC, there is a new leader in CLA’s weekly Heisman pecking order. Early season favorite Matt Barkley struggled against the Cardinal, failing to throw a touchdown and throwing interceptions on consecutive passes in the Trojans 21-14 loss in Palo Alto.

1. DeAnthony Thomas RB Oregon

The time has come. The 2012 college football season kicks off Thursday with a good set of games to get the ball rolling.

The only ranked team on the slate are #9 South Carolina who opens the year on the road against Vanderbilt in an early season SEC clash.

Another intriguing story line is the debut of Brett Hundley as UCLA starting quarterback in head coach Jim L. Mora’s first game at the helm.

In the battle of the Cougars, Washington State travels to Provo to take on BYU in Mike Leach’s inaugural game as WSU head coach.

Games to Watch