Few made a strong case for the Heisman in Week 2, leaving our top three spots unchanged. Still, the top ten now includes Todd Gurley, Devin Gardner, and Lache Seastrunk. Week 3 features several opportunities for players like Bridgewater, Mariota, Miller, and Hundley to make a move against solid competition.
Also, AJ McCarron could launch himself back into the race or Johnny Manziel could become the frontrunner with strong performances. Also watch out for Florida State freshman quarterback Jameis Winston who would be impossible to keep off this list if he has a similar performance against Nevada as he did in his opener against Pittsburgh. Here are the top contenders:
1. QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville (Last Week- #1)- Once again, Bridgewater turned in a spectacular performance, however, it was against Eastern Kentucky. While he remains in the top spot, he may struggle to get the attention he deserves due to a lackluster schedule.
2. QB Tahj Boyd, Clemson (Last Week- #2)- Boyd was not called on heavily against South Carolina State, but his performance in Week 1 against Georgia carries him this week.
3. QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon (Last Week- #3)- The Ducks routed Virginia despite Mariota’s inefficient passing performance. Still, he threw for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns while adding another TD on 122 yards rushing despite only 4 carries.
4. QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M (Last Week- #6)- Manziel put up great numbers against Sam Houston State (403 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 36 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD), but all eyes will be on his performance next week where he will either vault to the front of the Heisman race or become an after thought. Very few voters really want to select Manziel, but, if he can beat the Tide, he could become the early frontrunner with a repeat in sight.
5. RB Todd Gurley, Georgia (Last Week- Unranked)- The Bulldogs redeemed themselves with a big win against South Carolina. While his team is 1-1 and will struggle to climb back into title contention, Gurley has been sensational, rushing for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns against stiff competition.
6. QB Braxton Miller, Ohio State (Last Week- #4)- An injury sets Miller back in the race significantly, even if he does return in Week 3. At this point, he is definitely still in the mix due to the team he plays for, but it may be an uphill climb.
7. QB Devin Gardner- Michigan (Last Week- Unranked)- The Wolverines had a huge win over Notre Dame due to the arm and legs of Gardner. He had five total TDs on 294 yards passing and 82 yards on the ground. While Miller has the slight edge at the moment as the Big Ten’s top Heisman threat, Gardner could surpass him next week.
8. QB Brett Hundley, UCLA (Last Week- #7)- The Bruins were off, but Week 3’s matchup against Nebraska could vault Hundley into the thick of the discussion… or knock him back down a bit.
9. RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (Last Week- Unranked)- There may not be a player on more of a hot streak than Seastrunk who came out of nowhere at the end of 2012 and picked right up in 2013. In limited action, Seastrunk has 261 yards rushing and 5 TDs with a 9.3 yards per carry average. The Bears have not played elite competition yet, but the electric running back is poised to make a run at the nation’s biggest award.
10. QB Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois (Last Week- #8)- The Huskies were off, but Lynch should put up big numbers in Week 3 against Idaho.
On the Cusp: QB Jameis Winston (FSU), RB Duke Johnson (Miami), RB De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon)
In the Mix/Stock Rising: QB Bryce Petty (Baylor), QB Aaron Murray (UGA), QB Devin Gardner (Michigan), RB Alex Collins (Arkansas), WR Jordan Matthews (Vanderbilt), WR Stefon Diggs (Maryland), WR Odell Beckham (LSU), WR Christion Jones (Alabama)
Stock Falling: QB Derek Carr (Fresno State), QB AJ McCarron (Alabama), WR Sammy Watkins (Clemson), DE Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina)
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