This was one of the most highly anticipated Heisman Trophy races entering the season. But diminished stats by Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy and a season-ending injury to Sam Bradford gave an opportunity for several unlikely players to enter into Heisman consideration. Although Tebow and McCoy are still among the front-runners, here are five other possible candidates that have had breakout seasons:
1. Stanford RB Toby Gerhart » The bruising back helped lead Stanford to its first bowl-eligible season since 2001. In a 45-38 win over Notre Dame on Saturday, the senior rushed for over 200 yards for the third time this season, had three rushing touchdowns and even threw for a score. Gerhart leads the nation with 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns.
2. Boise State QB Kellen Moore » He became the Broncos starter last year as a freshman and all he’s done is win his first 24 regular-season games. His only loss under center was to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl last season. As a sophomore this season, he leads the country with a 168.7 QB rating and has thrown 38 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
3. Houston QB Case Keenum » The Cougars are coming off a laugher against Rice where Keenum led the offense to 59 points in the first half. The junior has thrown for 1,000 yards more than any other quarterback in college football while completing 70.5 percent of his passes. His QB rating (160.8) is fifth in the country.
4. Alabama RB Mark Ingram » The Bama back’s Heisman campaign took a big hit against Auburn on Saturday when he was held to only 30 rushing yards as the Crimson Tide went with freshman Trent Richardson down the stretch. But it shouldn’t take away from the great season Ingram has had for the No. 2 team in the country. The sophomore has rushed for 1,429 yards and 12 touchdowns.
5. Cincinnati QB Tony Pike » He was on pace for a Heisman finalist invitation before missing three games with an arm injury. He played sparingly in a win over West Virginia on Nov. 13, but threw for six touchdowns on Saturday as he flourished back in his starting role. Pike has led the Bearcats to an undefeated season with a QB rating of 162.22 — second in the country.
