Heisman watch: Week eight
Heading into the eighth week of the season most teams only have six games remaining. With less than half of the NCAA football season in the books the race for the Heisman is beginning to heat up. The introduction of the Bowl Championship standings in week
seven allowed several players to emerge.
Cam Newton - QB – Auburn
Cam Newton has quickly shot himself to the top of the Heisman race, posting incredible numbers on a dynamic Auburn Tigers offence. The junior looks as though he is playing with high school player when he starts to move his feet in the pocket. Newton has
the ability to fire the ball down the field or get the first down and then some with his feet. Newton has posted an impressive 1,278 yards passing to go along with 13 touchdowns. Meanwhile, on the ground Newton has accumulated over 150 yards in four games
this season, while notching 12 rushing touchdowns. However, what is really putting Newton head and shoulders above the rest of the class is his side’s unbeaten 7-0 record, good enough to lead the competitive Southeastern Conference East.
Kellen Moore – QB – Boise State
Boise State Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore is putting together yet another brilliant season for the orange-and-blue. The Broncos may not get the respect they deserve in the BCS, but Moore is getting plenty of respect when it comes to the Heisman race.
The junior may not be able to do what Newton does with his feet. However, he makes up for it with an impressive arm. Moore has tossed for 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Moreover, the QB boasts the best passer rating in the country at 190.35. Moore
has attempted 150 passes and completed all but 45 of them in 2010. Moore is also helped on by the fact that the Broncos have looked virtually unbeatable this season, charging to a 6-0 record and defeating their Western Athletic Conference opponents handily.
LaMichael James – RB – Oregon
Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James continues to impress every night on a dynamic Ducks offence. It has been well documented this season, that if you want to go head-to-head with the Ducks on offence you are going to lose. The Ducks have posted silly
numbers on the offensive side of the ball, notching over 40 points in every one of their games this season and much of that has to do with the effectiveness of James. James has gone for 848 yards and nine touchdowns this year. Moreover, the sophomore has not
committed a fumble in 114 rushing attempts, while averaging over seven yards a carry. In addition, the Ducks have been unstoppable, earning a record of 6-0, leading, what many are calling 2010’s toughest conference, the Pac-10. The Ducks are currently ranked
second in the BCS standings and if they are able to continue winning will no doubt play for a national championship this season.
Blaine Gabbert – QB – Missouri
Making a late season push for the Heisman is Missouri Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has been credited with the ability to quickly ready and pick apart opposing team’s secondarys. The junior is a hulking figure, standing at 6’5”, 235 pound and
has the ability to hurl the ball down the field. Gabbert has notched 1,591 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. The youngster has been the main cog on offence for a surprise Missouri side, who leads the Big 12 North with a 6-0 record. In addition, Missouri
has managed to pull themselves up from an unranked team to the 11th best squad in the nation, according to the BCS standings. If Gabbert is able to help his team on to a victory over #1 Oklahoma on Saturday 23 October, his stock in the Heisman race
is sure to rise.
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