Every week, we’ll take a look at the hottest names in the hunt for the 2011 Heisman. One month into the season, here are some of the top contenders:
Kellen Moore – QB, Boise State
He doesn’t play in a conference with an automatic BCS bowl bid, and his schedule might not be as tough as some of the other contenders, but those aren’t knocks against him. Through four games, Moore has a 79% completion rate, 12 TDs to 2 INTs – and he’s And when he gets the opportunity to show his stuff against schools from powerhouses, like in the 2011 opener against Georgia in Atlanta, he doesn’t disappoint.
Andrew Luck – QB, Stanford
Luck is the clear frontrunner after finishing second in the voting last season and opting not to jump to the NFL. Under a new coach and new offensive coordinator, Luck is proving that his success wasn’t just luck – he’s thrown for 8 TDs with one interception as the Cardinal steamrolled their first three opponents.
Baylor QB Robert Griffin III is attracting attention as one of the top players in college football
Robert Griffin III – QB, Baylor
Griffin has been a big playmaker for the Bears since he threw for more than 2000 yards as a freshman but his big national debut wasn’t until this year’s season opener, when he threw five touchdowns as Baylor stunned TCU, 50-48, on national television. It wasn’t a fluke – in the Bears’ next two blowout wins over Stephen F. Austin and Rice, Griffin’s racked up more than 600 yards, completing around 90% of his passes. Through three games, he has 13 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Denard Robinson – QB, Michigan
Throughout his career at Michigan, junior Denard Robinson has been in the early mix for the Heisman thanks to his electrifying performances on the field, and this season is no exception. As a passer, he could be better, with just 624 yards, 6 TDs, and 6 INTs on the season, and despite his insistence that his passing has improved, his forte is still running the ball. He leads the Big Ten with 552 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground, and has moved up to third all-time in the Big Ten for career rushing yards by a quarterback.
Robert Woods – WR, USC
Woods’ Twitter handle is HeismanWoods, and he earned a spot in the discussion Week One, when he set a new USC record for receptions in a single game with 17 for 177 yards and three touchdowns.. Through three games, Woods had more receptions than any other receiver in Trojans history. His numbers dipped as freshman phenom Marqise Lee started getting more looks, but as defenses recognize Lee as a threat and respect his abilities, Woods’ numbers should stay consistent because the opposing secondary won’t be able to focus solely on shutting him down.
Marcus Lattimore – RB, South Carolina
Last season, Lattimore had 249 carries for nearly 1200 yards and 17 TDs. He’s on track to surpass that this season, with 611 yards and 8 touchdowns through just four games. With big games against Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, and Clemson still to come, it won’t be the easiest route to the Heisman, but if he’s able to keep this pace against tough competition, he’ll be doing so in front of a national television audience, which will only improve his chances of making it to New York.
Sammy Watkins – WR, Clemson
Sammy Watkins is a true freshman but he’s already a star for the Tigers, with 28 catches for 433 yards and 6 touchdowns. Watkins had his biggest game on the biggest stage, with 10 receptions for 155 yards as Clemson upset reigning BCS Champion Auburn on Sept 17.
