This article is part of our Heisman Watch series.
Heisman Watch (11/20)
*All rankings listed are BCS, players listed alphabetically by last name
Can any defense stop Blackmon? So far the answer is a resounding 'No'. His 67-yard, second quarter touchdown catch gave the Cowboys a 16-3 lead they would not relinquish, defeating Texas 33-16. He's scored in every game he's played in, and has had double-digit receptions totals in over half his games. Blackmon's 84 catches project out to 101 on the season, which are amazing numbers for a 16-game NFL schedule, let alone a 12-game college season.
Last game: Nine catches for 145 yards and one touchdown receiving (16.1 YPC) @ Texas
Next game: @ Kansas
Stock: Up
Facing an unfamiliar 14-point deficit in the first quarter, Andy Dalton answered with two of his four touchdown passes, as TCU went on to defeat San Diego State 40-35. While no one saw the nation's top-ranked defense surrendering 35 points to the un-ranked Aztecs, it gave Dalton the opportunity to show he could lead a comeback when necessary. Dalton will get a week of rest before getting a chance to put up gaudy numbers against lowly New Mexico.
Last game: 240 yards, four touchdowns, one interception passing (58.3 percent completed, 6.7 YPA) vs. San Diego State
Next game: Bye (followed by @ New Mexico)
Stock: Steady
Well, you can't blow out teams every week, and
Heisman Watch (11/20)
*All rankings listed are BCS, players listed alphabetically by last name
Can any defense stop Blackmon? So far the answer is a resounding 'No'. His 67-yard, second quarter touchdown catch gave the Cowboys a 16-3 lead they would not relinquish, defeating Texas 33-16. He's scored in every game he's played in, and has had double-digit receptions totals in over half his games. Blackmon's 84 catches project out to 101 on the season, which are amazing numbers for a 16-game NFL schedule, let alone a 12-game college season.
Last game: Nine catches for 145 yards and one touchdown receiving (16.1 YPC) @ Texas
Next game: @ Kansas
Stock: Up
Facing an unfamiliar 14-point deficit in the first quarter, Andy Dalton answered with two of his four touchdown passes, as TCU went on to defeat San Diego State 40-35. While no one saw the nation's top-ranked defense surrendering 35 points to the un-ranked Aztecs, it gave Dalton the opportunity to show he could lead a comeback when necessary. Dalton will get a week of rest before getting a chance to put up gaudy numbers against lowly New Mexico.
Last game: 240 yards, four touchdowns, one interception passing (58.3 percent completed, 6.7 YPA) vs. San Diego State
Next game: Bye (followed by @ New Mexico)
Stock: Steady
Well, you can't blow out teams every week, and Oregon reminded everyone of that by squeaking out a 15-13 victory at Cal. James had an off-day as he was held scoreless for the first time all year, and failed to rush for 100 yards for only the second time this season. In a game that was known for their defense rather than their offense, Oregon was held to almost 40 points below their average and James' performance reflected the team's struggles. James was seen on crutches after the game with an ankle injury but has declared himself ready for Arizona.
Last game: 91 yards rushing (3.1 YPC), two catches for 11 yards receiving @ Cal
Next game: vs. No. 22 Arizona
Stock: Down
Stanford got the job done in a close 17-13 victory over Arizona State, but Andrew Luck and the Cardinal offense surprisingly struggled. Luck was held scoreless for the first time all year, and didn't pose any threat from the ground. He fumbled once and threw an interception, but did direct a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter that gave Stanford a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Luck's 22 touchdown passes and seven interceptions constitute a great season, but it most likely won't be enough to catch the other quarterbacks vying for the Heisman.
Last game: 292 yards, one interception passing (80.5 percent completed, 7.1 YPA), three yards rushing (1.0 YPC) @ Arizona State
Next game: @ Cal
Stock: Down
Fresno State was supposed to be one of the tougher opponents for Boise State this year, but Moore and the Broncos tore through the Bulldogs with ease in a 51-0 victory. Moore's four touchdowns were key in the victory, and served as a nice pad to his already brilliant stats. Moore will finally get a chance to really air it out against Nevada next week, as the No. 19 Wolf Pack figure to dare Boise to a shootout.
Last game: 333 yards, four touchdowns and one interception passing (71.1 percent completed, 8.8 YPA) vs. Fresno State
Next game: @ No. 19 Nevada
Stock: Steady
He rallied his Tigers back from a 21-7 first quarter deficit against Georgia, and became the first player in SEC history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season. All in a day's work for Newton. With his legs and arm, Newton scored four times on the day, and now has 39 total touchdowns for the year. With a slim 35-31 lead in the fourth quarter, Newton again showed his mettle completing a 13-yard touchdown to Philip Lutzenkirchen and later scoring on a one-yard run to seal the deal. A road-game in Tuscaloosa remains his last on-field obstacle.
Last game: 148 yards, two touchdowns and one interception passing (80.0 percent completed, 9.9 YPA), 151 yards, two touchdowns rushing (5.0 YPC) vs. Georgia
Next game: @ No. 11 Alabama
Stock: Sky High
It seems like we're on an hourly watch to see if there's another development in the Cam Newton recruitment saga. With that being said, Newton seems to have taken it in stride, as it has not affected his performance on the field. Unless there's a hiccup on the field on the 27th against Alabama, it looks like Newton will rise above the accusations and win the Heisman. But as the world of sports proves time and time again, there's still plenty of time left for things to change.font>
2. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon (Last week: 2)
3. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State (Last week: 3)
4. Andy Dalton, QB, TCU (Last week: 5)
5. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (Last week: 4)
6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (Last week: 6)