Alas, I must admit that through seven weeks of the season, a running back sits firmly in the Heisman race, but for now, it is two quarterbacks who seem to have distanced themselves from the rest, at least temporarily. The top two candidates both have big tests this weekend.
Andrew Luck continues to get the headlines; Wilson continues to put up sick numbers. But even with his 14:1 touchdown to interception ratio and 74% completion percentage, if the Wisconsin quarterback cannot lead his Badgers to victory this weekend in Lansing against Michigan State, voters will definitely notice. The Spartans are Wisconsin's biggest test so far this season.
2. Andrew Luck
Stanford's reputable quarterback will also get tested this weekend against a 5-1 Washington squad. Luck threw his third pick of the season last weekend, but that did not diminish his 336 yards through the air and four touchdown passes. Stanford's schedule gets significantly harder the rest of the way, so expect a slight drop in stats, but if Luck can lead the Cardinals to wins over Washington, USC, Oregon, and Notre Dame, don't be surprised when he is handed the Heisman trophy in New York.
What more could the Alabama running back do? He has rushed for more than 100 yards in six straight games for the undefeated Crimson Tide, proving he definitely belongs in the Heisman mix. On the season, he averages almost seven yards a carry and has scored in all but one of Bama's wins. This weekend, he will face a Tennessee Volunteer team that has lost two in a row.
Griffin's numbers came back slightly to earth's radar, but this much can definitely be said about Baylor's quarterback: he is not the Bears' problem, even after they lost to 55-28 to Texas A&M. In a losing effort, all he did was complete 28 out of 40 passes for 430 yards and 3 touchdowns. Baylor rests this weekend, but its job does not get any easier next weekend against Oklahoma State. Griffin would need a marquee win like that to merit serious Heisman consideration.
5. Kellen Moore
In a more just world, Boise State's quarterback would receive more attention. He just does what he does. Last weekend, he completed an ungodly 26 of 30 passes for 338 yards and four touchdown passes. Per usual, he did not throw any interceptions en route to Boise State's 63-13 win over Colorado State. Look for Moore to put up big numbers again this weekend against a struggling Air Force defense.
Honorable mention: Landry Jones (Oklahoma quarterback)