The front-runners for most of the season (Auburn QB Cam Newton and Oregon RB LaMichael James) were idle this week. Meanwhile, Boise State lefty Kellen Moore and Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon had big games again. Andrew Luck rejoined the chase, while TCU QB Andy Dalton fell out of contention.
1. Cam Newton » The off-field allegations notwithstanding, Newton simply is the most valuable player in the FBS, accounting for 3,335 yards of offense and 38 touchdowns. A dominant performance in the Iron Bowl against Alabama practically clinches the Heisman. Last week » 1
2. Kellen Moore » Boise State’s games are turning into Mad Libs — just plug in a new opponent and pencil the Broncos in for a huge win. Moore threw for 333 yards and four touchdowns Friday night as Boise State destroyed Fresno State 51-0. Last week » 2
3. LaMichael James » James has two games left to make up some serious ground on Newton and Moore. He’ll have his work cut out for him because Oregon’s next opponent — Arizona — is giving up a conference-low 112.9 rushing yards a game. Last week » 3
4. Justin Blackmon » One of the bye week players had to be leap-frogged. The honor goes to Dalton. Blackmon caught 10 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown Saturday against Kansas — his 10th straight game with at least 100 receiving yards and a score. Last week » 5
5. Andrew Luck » Luck worked his way back into the Heisman mix — and likewise bolted past Dalton — by throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 72 yards in Stanford’s 48-14 pounding of rival Cal. Last week » NR
