Heisman Trophy update: week nine
The Heisman Trophy race continues to progress, however it looks more and more likely that Auburn Tigers quarterback Cam Newton will take the honours. Nevertheless, the other three candidates continued to make cases for themselves with tremendous performances
over the weekend.
Cam Newton – QB - Auburn
Auburn quarterback Cam Newton has been simply outstanding this season. Newton has been piling up statistics and looks to be pulling away with the Heisman honours. The youngster had arguably his best game of the season in week eight against the LSU Tigers.
Newton was lights out on the ground, rushing for a season high 217 yards and two touchdowns. Although Auburn was unable to get their game going through the air, with Newton only throwing for 86 yards, the quarterback’s ability to move his feet made for an
easy transition to the ground game.
The output added to the junior’s already impressive season. Newton has tossed for 1,364 yards and 13 touchdowns, while accumulating over 100 yards on the ground five times this season.
Moreover, Auburn was named the number one team in the Bowl Championship Series standings in week nine. If Auburn continues to win, there is no doubt Newton will take MVP honours.
Kellen Moore – QB – Boise State
Despite playing in a weak conference, Boise State’s Kellen Moore continues to be mentioned among Heisman hopefuls. Moore is a straight pocket passer and arguably does it better than any other college football quarterback. Moore is frequently pulled in the
third quarter, yet still manages to put up impressive numbers.
Moore added to his tallies with a victory over Louisiana Tech on Tuesday 26 October. The junior threw 20 completions for 298 yards and two touchdowns, tossing one bomb for a gain of 53 yards. Moore’s success in week nine added to his tremendous season, which
sees the Washington native with 1,865 passing yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. Although Moore is trailing Newton as the Heisman favourite, he could make up ground if Auburn falters down the stretch.
LaMichael James – RB – Oregon
Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James continues to add to an impressive season on the nation’s top offensive club. The Ducks have not lost a game this season and have yet to score under 40 points in any of their match-ups. The club is simply the most
dynamic team on offence in the NCAA and James is a central cog.
The Ducks recent 60-13 win over the UCLA Bruins helped to certify James as a legitimate Heisman threat. The sophomore managed 123 yards on 20 attempts, while crossing the threshold for two touchdowns. James averaged over five yards a carry for the fifth
time in the season. The Texas native missed the first game of the year and has still managed 971 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Although James has a tough road to the Heisman, if his Ducks continue to roll and he maintains his torrid pace he could surprise come selection time.
Justin Blackmon – WR – Oklahoma State
Justin Blackmon has made a late charge at the Heisman Trophy. Blackmon has been the key wide receiver for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and is the main reason the club has the third best throwing offence in the country.
Although his side lost to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on 23 October, the youngster did not disappoint. Blackmon was able to collect 157 yards and two touchdowns on only five receptions. The sophomore is the best receiver in the NCAA and has a legitimate shot
at moving up the Heisman ranks. This season Blackmon has hauled in 62 receptions for 1,112 yard and 14 touchdowns.
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