Heisman Watch (Week 12)

Another week of college football is in the books and we are closer to seeing another Heisman Winner named.  How did this week with the crazy endings, highlight reel catches, and big performances shape the Heisman Race?  Let's find out!

1. Jameis Winston QB Florida State

Last Week:  19/21 277 yards 2 TDs vs Syracuse (59-3)  Next Week: vs Idaho
Summary:  On the field Winston was amazing this past weekend.  Heck he had 28 points before Syracuse had 28 yards.  Winston continues to look like the best player in the game, but what could hurt Winston is that he doesn't have another marquee game left on the schedule and with the Seminoles blowing out every team his stats aren't going be great.  Also you'd be naive to assume the sexual assault investigation that is hanging around could sway some voters.  However that should be resolved soon and if Winston can win out, he should be a run away winner.

2. Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

Last Week:  BYE Next Week: at LSU
Summary:  3,313 yards 31 touchdowns passing, 611 yards 8 touchdowns rushing.  Those are Manziel's season totals with two games remaining.  He's only 393 yards away from meeting last year's passing totals and because of a few nagging injuries he hasn't rushed the ball as much otherwise he likely would top 1,000 rushing yards for a second straight year.  After last year's amazing performance that made him the first freshman to ever win the Heisman, to think that he could come close to repeating that type of a season was unthinkable.  And to do it while knowing that if the offense doesn't score the team isn't going to win also makes his performance even more clutch.  It's this that is making some think that he could be only the second person to ever repeat as Heisman winner.  Add in with the uncertainty of Jameis Winston's legal issues, Manziel could easily make another run at the award.

3. Bryce Petty QB Baylor

Last Week:  17/31 335 yards passing 3 TDs, 2 TDs rushing vs Texas Tech (63-34)  Next Week: at Oklahoma State
Summary:  If you think that Petty is just another quarterback who benefits from a system, you really need to watch this kid play.  This past week without stars Lache Seastrunk or Tevin Reese it would have been easy for the Bears offense to struggle.  Instead Petty went off again with another five touchdown performance.  He's right in the thick of the Heisman Race and with games against Oklahoma State and Texas to come he could start chipping away at Winston's lead.

Rising

Nick Marshall QB Auburn

Last Week:  15/26 229 yards passing 2 TD, 89 yards rushing 2 TDs vs Georgia (43-38)  Next Week: BYE
Summary:  I don't know if he has enough momentum and it's real late to get him to actually contend, but the Heisman Race is all about hype and memorable moments and Marshall just had one of those.  His big time throw that got the win over Georgia is going to be in voters heads.  Add in that Auburn is ranked in the top 10 and a win over Alabama in a couple of weeks could help put the Tigers into the National Title.  It is late, but Marshall still has a shot to really put his name out there.  Not too bad for a guy that was playing safety at Georgia not too long ago.