Heisman Watch (Week 10)

It's clear that this race has come down to a four man battle.  At the top you have Winston and Mariota vying back and forth for the top spot with Manziel still in the mix.  It would be a three person race, but Bryce Petty still has something to say about that.  So did this dud of a weekend affect anything?  Let's find out!

1. Jameis Winston QB Florida State

Last Week:   21/29 325 yards passing TD 2 INTs vs Miami (41-14)Next Week:  at Wake Forrest
Summary:  The Heisman Race is all about momentum and hype.  Manziel got it last year after the Alabama game and Winston has it here.  In his two biggest games of the year, Winston has lead two huge victories.  First was Clemson and now a 27 point victory over the Hurricanes.  Winston did struggle in the first half, but he bounced back and was his amazing self in the second half.  If Winston wants to stay on top he'll need some huge games because he doesn't have any more quality opponents, while Mariota still has Stanford and Oregon State.

2. Marcus Mariota QB Oregon

Last Week:  BYE  Next Week: at Stanford
Summary:  Mariota slides down a spot, but that's no indication of anything he's done.  With the Stanford game coming up this Thursday it's no surprise that Oregon is on a bye week to avoid a short week for their most important game of the week.  This game could really be make or break for Mariota as it comes to the Heisman.  Mariota has had some huge games this year and been ultra consistent.  However a huge game and win at Stanford could put him back ahead of Winston.  But a loss and an average game along with Florida State winning could keep him down.

3. Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

Last Week:  16/24 273 passing yards 4 TDs, 67 yards rushing 2 TDs vs UTEP (57-7) Next Week: vs Mississippi State
Summary: Manziel did everything he was suppose to do against a bad team.  He had 340 yards and six touchdowns.  This performance keeps him on pace with Mariota and Winston.  It's a neck and neck race for first, but Manziel is not too far behind.  He still has a big game against LSU and Missouri that could help him gain some ground.  However he'll probably need the two guys ahead of him to stumble.  That's a lot to ask for, but you have to admire Manziel's efforts this year.

4. Bryce Petty QB Baylor

Last Week: BYE Next Week: vs Oklahoma
Summary: Just like Mariota, Petty and the Bears are off this weekend due to a Thursday night game next week.  It's really too bad that Baylor/Oklahoma has to share the night with Stanford /Oregon because this could be a great opportunity for voters to get to focus on Petty.  However the big thing is that Petty needs to have success against quality teams if he wants any chance to get first place votes.  Is it too little, too late?  I don't know but we will really find out over the next four weeks.