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Heisman Watch 2010 - Week 6, or Revenge of the Plainsman
October 20, 2010 | By Benjamin Miraski
Just two weeks ago, it looked like this race was a done deal. Denard Robinson was running away with it.
But on the fringes was this guy out on the Plains, doing what Robinson was doing against much tougher competition, leading an entire conference in rushing.
Maybe it was only appropriate that his last name is the unit for force, as now Cameron Newton is the main force inthe Heisman race.
It didn't hurt that Newton had four hours to show the nation just how good he was in the highest scoring game in SEC history.
For a moment forget all the arguments about what conference is the best in the nation. For a moment let's just say it's the SEC (It is by the way. Just look at the results outside the conference: 27-5. I don't care who the competition was -- pretty good -- try and beat that).
This guy leads the SEC in quarterback rating. This guy leads the SEC in rushing yards.
This guy is the top scorer in the conference too, and one score away from the leading scorer in the nation.
So why shouldn't he be considered the best player in the country?
I think the argument is settled for now.
Then again take two weeks and then call me.
- Cameron Newton (QB, Auburn)
- Kellen Moore (QB, Boise State) - Almost by default. Hasn't done anything to not deserve this award while he leads Boise State to their success. But then again, he is really benefitting from no one else really making this a close race. One player jumps out and then comes back to the pack. Moore is just pack.
- Denard Robinson (QB, Michigan) - Great player, but has a tendendcy to get hurt these days and the magic that Michigan had is starting to slip away. As Robinson goes, so do the Wolverines and right now, Robinson is not running at top speed. Still a chance to come back but better find that fifth gear in a hurry.
- Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford) - Barely the second-best rated passer in what is likely the deepest conference in the country this season. Plus his team has only lost to the top team in the polls this week, and Luck had them winning that game for the first half. Keep an eye on him, because Stanford still has a shot to make some very big waves nationally and he could make a late move, especially with western voters.
- LaMichael James (RB, Oregon) - Yes, two weeks ago I wasn't ready to say he deserved a spot up here yet. I have changed my mind. In fewer games than anyone else has played, he has rushed for 170 more yards than the next player in the conference. He is fifth in the nation in rushing (although behind two of the players ahead of him on this list too). For those voters who hate giving the award to quarterbacks (and there are some), James is the best pick right now.
Others - Wisconsin's John Clay (the other running back), Hawaii's Bryant Moniz (I told you it was just a matter of time. The Nevada win sutre helps), North Carolina State's Russell Wilson (You can't lose to East Carolina like that, but he is the ACC's most impressive signal caller right now, for what that is worth), San Diego State's Ronnie Hillman (The next Marshall Faulk?)
Posted October 20, 2010 11:00 PM