1. Collin Klein QB Kansas State
Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein put forth a Heisman worthy performance in Morgantown, leading the Wildcats to a dominating 55-14 victory over West Virginia. Klein played a near perfect game, scoring seven touchdowns.
Klein clearly outperformed Geno Smith, throwing for 323 yards and three touchdowns while adding four scores on the ground. The Wildcats moved up to third in the BCS standings and should be favored in every game going forward.
K State’s success is due in large part to their dual threat quarterback. Optimus Klein has established himself as the frontrunner for the Heisman heading into the final month of the season.
2. AJ McCarron QB Alabama
Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron shrugged off a knee injury and tossed four touchdowns in leading the Crimson Tide to a 44-13 blowout victory at Tennessee. McCarron displayed total command of the offense and continues to play mistake free football.
For the year, McCarron has 16 touchdowns with no interceptions in leading Alabama to the top ranking for eight straight weeks. If the Tide runs the table, expect McCarron to make a serious charge for the Heisman.
3. Matt Barkley QB USC
USC quarterback Matt Barkley lit up Colorado for six touchdowns and 298 passing yards in the Trojans 50-6 thrashing of the Buffaloes. More importantly, it gave USC their fourth straight win and hold of first place in the Pac 12 South division.
For the season, Barkley has thrown 22 touchdowns and will have the opportunity to advance his Heisman candidacy with big games against Oregon and Notre Dame on the horizon.
4. Kenjon Barner RB Oregon
Oregon running back Kenjon Barner went off early against Arizona State and finished with 143 yards and three touchdowns. For the season, Barner has rushed for 870 yards and 12 touchdowns. Undefeated Oregon and Barner should have another big day against Colorado this week.
Barner’s Heisman stock should continue to rise and will be put to the test with tough road games at USC and Oregon State remaining on the schedule.
5. Geno Smith QB West Virginia
West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith suffered another setback with his team’s home loss to K State. Smith threw his first two interceptions of the season and only threw one touchdown for the second week in a row.
Despite the rough patch, Smith still has a shot at the Heisman because of his 2414 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. However, consecutive blowout losses will be hard for voters to discount.
