Heisman Watch (Week 11)

The week started off with a bang with Stanford's huge upset over Oregon.  With Mariota out of the race where does everybody slot into?  What about Baylor's continued momentum put Bryce Petty.  Add in Johnny Manziel's huge game and we could have a lot of shake up in the rankings.

1. Jameis Winston QB Florida State

Last Week:  17/28 159 yards 2 TDs INT at Wake Forrest (59-3)  Next Week:  vs Syracuse
Summary:  Winston didn't have a great game, but sometimes it's not about winning the Heisman as much as it is not losing it.  With Oregon losing to Stanford, Winston is in a great position.  All he has to do is keep the Seminoles winning and not look like a bum doing so and he'll be the only the second freshman to win the award.  The other one?  Last year's winner Johnny Manziel.  But Winston must avoid that trap game that has hurt Florida State in past years.

2. Bryce Petty QB Baylor

Last Week: 13/26 204 passing yards 3 TDs, 45 yards rushing 2 TDs vs Oklahoma (41-12)  Next Week: vs Oklahoma
Summary:  Not that long ago I didn't think Petty had much of a chance to win the Heisman.  But week after week and win after win, Petty keeps move up the list.  In their first true test of the season, Petty and the Bears made little work of the Sooners.  Petty didn't have monster yardage, but he had a hand in all five touchdowns and just made it look easy.  What also helps is that Baylor's opponents the rest of the season have been or will be ranked, so he has a chance to really impress voters.  Also won't hurt if the Bears are undefeated at the end of the season.

3. Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

Last Week:  30/39 446 yards passing 5 TDs 3 INTs, 47 yards rushing vs Mississippi State (51-41) Next Week: at LSU
Summary:  What Johnny Manziel does week in and week out truly amazes you.  Throwing for nearly 450 yards and 5 TDs makes me want to move him up the list, but then you see his three picks and you wonder why Mississippi State was able to stay so close in this game.  Those mistakes highlight his wrecklessness which turns some voters off.  But with LSU and Missouri still on the horizon Manziel has the opportunity to sway some voters in his favor.

4. AJ McCarron QB Alabama

Last Week:  14/20 179 yards passing 3 TDs vs LSU (38-17)  Next Week: at Mississippi State
Summary:  The Heisman is a award for the best player in college football during that year.  But to think that voters don't take into account a player's body of work, then your crazy.  All McCarron has done since he's become the starter is win.  He has a ton of talent and could put up huge numbers if it wasn't for their style of offense.  Against the Tigers he was his normal consistent self.  He threw for less than 200 yards, but his zero interceptions and three touchdowns allowed them to cruise to an easy win.  Don't be surprised to see him keep sneaking up this list.