Heisman watch: Week 12
On the field the gap between Heisman Trophy frontrunner Cam Newton and the rest of the Heisman challengers continues to widen. However, off the field questions circle around Newton’s decision to join the Auburn Tigers out of junior college with allegation
that Newton accepted money from the university intensifying.
Cam Newton
Newton has been exceptional on the field this season and week 11 was no different, as the youngster managed 148 passing yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, on the ground Newton was able to rush for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The junior’s numbers are
simply exceptional, as he has managed 2,038 passing yards and 21 touchdowns through the air, while also running for over 100 yards in six games, earning 17 touchdowns in the process. In total Newton has accounted for 38 touchdowns in only 11 games. Nevertheless,
Newton’s off-field problems may keep him from winning the Heisman. Allegations that the youngster took money from Auburn during the recruitment process are seriously hurting his chances at receiving the trophy. Just months removed from the Heisman committee
stripping Reggie Bush of the award, after an investigation determined that Bush was ineligible, it is unlikely Heisman voters will risk another debacle.
LaMichael James
Newton’s off-field struggles opened the door for LaMichael James to take over as the number one candidate. However, week 11 was not kind to James as the Ducks normally powerful offence was stifled by the California Golden Bears. James was held to just 91
yards and no touchdowns in the match-up. The poor week from James dropped the youngster to third in several surveys. Nevertheless, the sophomore from Texas was able to hold onto his number two spot, based on his play this season. So far this year James has
managed 1,422 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Moreover, the youngster has yet to commit a fumble.
Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore continued to put pressure on James and Newton with another impressive game in week 11. Moore and the Broncos trounced the Idaho Vandals 54-12 getting their ninth win of the season. The Boise quarterback tossed for 216 yards and three touchdowns
in the competition, completing 73% of his passes. Moore has been incredible this season, tallying 2,588 total passing yards and 24 touchdowns. In addition, the Washington native has only thrown four interceptions in nine starts. The poor play from James and
the accusations surrounding Newton could help to vault Moore to number one on the Heisman list. Moreover, Boise’s chances at playing for a national title continue to improve with each victory and if the Broncos are able to qualify for the title game Moore
has a great chance of taking home the award.
Justin Blackmon
Unfortunately for Justin Blackmon the 2010 Heisman class is extremely deep, otherwise the sophomore would be considered a frontrunner. Blackmon continued to show why he is the best receiver in the nation in week 11, hauling in nine receptions for 145 yards
and a touchdown. Blackmon has not disappointed all season and currently has 84 receptions for 1,430 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Oklahoma native has been the catalyst on offence for an underrated Oklahoma State Cowboys side all season long.
Marcus Lattimore
Marcus Lattimore was able to force his way into the Heisman conversation with an incredible week 11 game against the Florida Gators, in which the freshman tallied 212 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Lattimore has been an important cog for the Gamecocks
all season and has managed 964 yards and 14 touchdowns in only nine games this season. Moreover, South Carolina is headed to a Southeastern Conference championship game where they will take on Auburn.
Tags: