The Heisman Trophy race got more wide open thanks to USC quarterback Matt Barkley’s dismal performance (20-for-41, 254 yards, 0 TD, 2 INTs) in Saturday’s loss to Stanford. With Barkley dropping out, here’s our top five:
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5. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State » The cards will always be stacked against a guy playing under the radar in the Big 12 for the Wildcats. But Klein’s got 609 yards passing and five touchdowns in three games plus another 210 yards and four touchdowns running the ball.
4. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State » With 324 yards of total offense and five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing), Miller was crucial in helping the Buckeyes survive against Cal. He and coach Urban Meyer will only get better working together.
3. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA?» If the Bruins are to benefit from the Trojans’ struggles, then so too can Franklin, who leads the nation in rushing with 180 yards per game. Whether or not he can keep up his 2,000-yard pace will be tested at home against Oregon State on Saturday.
2. De’Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon »
Thomas might be the most fun to watch of any Heisman candidate this season. He’s got 228 yards and four touchdowns rushing, 154 yards and three touchdowns receiving and 93 yards in punt returns.
1. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia ?» The numbers are absurd (734 yards passing, nine touchdowns). But Smith’s competition in the first two games was absurdly weak, and Maryland is next. Don’t truly judge the current front-runner until the program’s Big 12 slate gets started.
– Craig Stouffer
