1. Collin Klein QB Kansas State
Kansas State senior quarterback Collin Klein led the Wildcats to a solid conference road win at Iowa State, rushing for 105 yards and three touchdowns while passing for 187 yards through the air. With the victory, Kansas State is in sole possession of first place in the Big 12 leading into a highly anticipated showdown with Geno Smith and West Virginia.
The dual threat Klein has rushed for 510 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 67 percent of his passes. Klein has 17 total touchdowns and is the driving force behind the Wildcats success this season. The head to head face-off between Heisman candidates in Morgantown this Saturday could be an instant classic.
2. Geno Smith QB West Virginia
West Virginia senior quarterback Geno Smith suffered a setback to his Heisman hopes after his Mountaineers were blown out by Texas Tech 49-14 in Lubbock. After weeks of ridiculous stat lines, Smith was 29 for 55 for 275 yards and only one touchdown against the Red Raiders. It was the first time this season Smith did not throw multiple touchdowns in a game.
Despite the defeat, Smith still has compiled Heisman worthy numbers with 25 touchdowns and no interceptions. A big matchup with unbeaten Kansas State and Collin Klein will provide Smith with the perfect opportunity to bounce back.
3. AJ McCarron QB Alabama
Alabama junior quarterback AJ McCarron had another efficient outing last week, leading the Crimson Tide to an impressive 42-10 thrashing of Missouri. McCarron has 12 touchdowns and no interceptions in leading Alabama to the top spot in the first BCS standings.
Despite suffering a knee injury against Missouri, McCarron is determined to lead his team against rival Tennessee this week. Expect McCarron to make enough plays to keep the Tide rolling.
4. Matt Barkley QB USC
USC senior quarterback Matt Barkley had a quiet performance against Washington last week but led the Trojans to a key conference road win. For the year, Barkley has 16 touchdowns and 1475 passing yards.
Barkley will have the opportunity for Heisman defining moments as the Trojans still have huge games against Oregon and Notre Dame remaining. With a home game against Colorado this week, expect Barkley to put up big numbers.
5. Kenjon Barner RB Oregon
Oregon senior running back Kenjon Barner leads the Ducks in rushing with 727 yards and nine touchdowns heading into a Thursday night showdown at Arizona State. Barner has carried a heavy load for Oregon thus far and is averaging over six yards per carry.
The undefeated Ducks rank third in the initial BCS standings and will likely play for the national title if they run the table. As Oregon continues to rack up victories, expect Barner’s Heisman stock to rise.
