Heisman watch: Week 11
As the top teams in the nation head into the 11th week of play, plenty of talk still surrounds who will take home the Heisman Trophy at the end of the 2010 season.
The top three candidates, Cam Newton, LaMichael James and Kellen Moore, are currently locked in a battle for a championship game berth, while the fourth ranked player, Justin Blackmon, has drifted slightly from the pack. Although Auburn Tigers quarterback
Cam Newton looks to have a stranglehold on the trophy, the Tigers may falter down the stretch, and there will be several players waiting to take home the coveted prize.
Cam Newton – QB – Auburn Tigers
Cam Newton has been nothing short of electrifying this season with the Auburn Tigers. The junior from Georgia continues to impress every week, and in week 10 against the Chattanooga Mocs he continued his dominance over the competition. Newton pounded the
Mocs, throwing for 317 yards and four touchdowns.
In addition, the 6ft 6in QB also tallied 24 yards on the ground and one rushing touchdown. Although the win over Chattanooga was expected, the victory helped to cement Newton atop the Heisman list. The youngster has tossed for 1,890 yards and 19 touchdowns
this season, while also rushing for over 100 yards five times and earning 15 touchdowns on the ground.
In total, Newton has accounted for 34 touchdowns this season. Moreover, the Auburn quarterback, to this point, has led his team to an unbeaten record. Newton will win the Heisman at the end of the season, baring a complete collapse by the Tigers late in
the campaign.
LaMichael James – RB – Oregon Ducks
LaMichael James continued his push for the Heisman Trophy with another splendid performance in the Oregon Ducks win over the Washington Huskies in week 10. James managed to accumulated 121 yards rushing on 26 attempts and crossed the goal-line for three
touchdowns. Simply put, James has been the best running back in the nation this season.
The native of Texarkana, Texas has managed 1,331 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in only eight games. Moreover, the youngster has averaged over four yards a carry with the exception of one game this season and still has yet to commit a fumble. If the Ducks
are able to win the national championship James could challenge Newton for the Heisman.
Kellen Moore – QB – Boise State Broncos
Kellen Moore is currently having the best season in his storied career with the Boise State Broncos. Moore is a straight pocket-passing quarterback and executes to perfection. His week 10 performance against the Hawaii Warrior was the highlight in an already
impressive season. Against Hawaii, Moore tossed for 507 yards and three touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 81%.
Moore has been untouchable this season and currently has 2,372 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Moreover, Moore has a quarterback rating of 192.38 yards. Perhaps the most impressive statistic this season is his four interceptions. Boise States conference
will keep Moore out of the top two in Heisman voting. However, there is little to no denying that he is the best passing quarterback in the country.
Justin Blackmon – WR- Oklahoma State Cowboys
Justin Blackmon has been the best wide receiver in the country, playing for one of the nation’s most underrated teams in 2010. Blackmon added to his impressive totals in his club’s week 10 victory over the Baylor Bears, hauling in 13 receptions for 173 yards
and a touchdown. So far this season Blackmon has managed 75 receptions for 1,285 yards and 15 touchdowns in only eight weeks. Blackmon is a long shot to receive the Heisman because his team is sitting 10th in the Bowl Championship Series standings.
Nevertheless, the youngster should receive a nomination at the end of the season.
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