Top 5 Heisman Favorites Heading into Week 11

The College Football season is beginning to wind down as just a few games remain in the regular season. Not only is this a chance for the likes of Kansas State, Notre Dame and Oregon to try to impress the BCS computers and voters (The Alabama Crimson Tide should have no trouble making it in if they win out), but it is the final opportunity for the top 5 Heisman Trophy Candidates to impress voters across the country.

1.Colin Klein, QB, Kansas State
Heading into the weekend Klein is considered to be the Heisman front runner. He’s not a glamorous quarterback like a Johnny Manziel or Braxton Miller, but his tough, blue collar style of play has caught the attention of voters across the country. There is no question he is the most important piece to Kansas State, accounting for 2500 yards of total offense and 29 touchdowns.

However questions have come out of Manhattan, Kansas regarding the senior quarterback’s health. If Klein were to miss the game against TCU or play poorly, his status at number one on this list would take a major hit.

2. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon
The Oregon Ducks have a long history of producing fast, explosive playmakers at the running back position. Heading into 2012, most of the country thought that player would be Barner’s teammate, DeAnthony Thomas, but the Riverside, California native was eager to prove otherwise.

Barner’s position in the Heisman standings has no doubt been helped by his performance last week against the University of Southern California Trojans (38 carries for 321 yards and 5 touchdowns), but he will have to prove he can sustain those performances

3. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama
McCarron is a unique Heisman candidate because he doesn’t have the jaw dropping numbers of others around the country. However, he has shaken his game manager status and played aggressively smart in 2012 becoming one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country with a 175.85 passer rating, throwing 20 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Last week against LSU, his stat line wasn’t great but McCarron’s late game heroics were unparalleled. If he can finish out the season near the 30 touchdown mark with no interceptions-he will give voters plenty to think about.

4. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
In covering the SEC, I can’t remember the last time the hype machine had built up so quickly around one player. Sure there was Tim Tebow, but his hype machine was in full effect coming out of high school. Manziel however,has proven it on the field to the tune of 3400 yards and 31 touchdowns on offense.

While his statistics have been impressive, Manziel has yet to prove he can perform against the elite defenses of the Southeastern Conference. However, he’ll have a chance to change all of that Saturday against Alabama.

5. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State
Miller is arguably the best player in college football right now but has been overlooked in large part because the Buckeyes are not eligible for a bowl this season. Miller is an elite athlete ranking 7th in the nation in rushing with 1166 yards while adding nearly 1800 yards passing the football.

Don’t look now, but Ohio State is 10-0 on the season and Miller is as much to credit as head coach Urban Meyer for the success. He should make it to New York this year, but if not, you can bet he’ll be there next season.