Heisman Watch 11/8

1. Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Ingram carried the load against a tough LSU defense that is as good as any in the nation. It really shouldn't surprise you, the sophomore back has been doing it all year. He's my Heisman winner because he is by far the biggest reason for the Tide's success on offense and because he is the reason they're in a position to win the SEC and play for a national title.

2. CJ Spiller, RB Clemson
Spiller is rewriting the ACC record book with his contributions in the running game, passing game and dominating the return game. He's had at least one 58+ yard touchdown in every game this year with the lone exception being a 49-3 beatdown of Coastal Carolina where Spiller's services were not needed. If Clemson can run the table and avenge their earlier loss to Georgia Tech and win the ACC title, Spiller could steal the Heisman.

3. Colt McCoy, QB Texas
McCoy certainly didn't start off the season in Heisman form, but hey, it's not how you start it's how you finish. Sure it was UCF, but McCoy took full advantage of his opponent and put up Heisman-type stats for the second straight week and seems to be gaining steam toward the finish line. If (when) Texas finishes off the Big 12 title and McCoy keeps this up, he will almost certainly find himself in New York with a legitimate chance of winning.

4. Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame
Yes they lost to Navy, yes he had a couple costly turnovers that contributed to the loss, but the Heisman is an individual award. Clausen has been absolutely brilliant for the entire season, outperforming every other QB in the nation as far as being a pure passer is concerned even without one of his 2 go to receivers for much of the year. Even in defeat today Clausen threw for 452 yards and a couple scores. His chances to win it are probably done with this loss, but that doesn't mean Clausen isn't deserving of an invite to New York.

5. Tim Tebow, QB Florida
Again I'd like to reiterate that the Heisman is an individual award, not a team award. Therefore, Tim Tebow does not get credit over the other candidates for having the best defense in the nation. He does, however, get credit for being a great leader and for the most part an efficient passer and absolute force in the ground game. With that said, his numbers simply are not there and the Gators' offense simply has not been good enough to warrant a second Heisman for Tebow.

Honorable Mention (In order)
Jonathan Dwyer, Case Keenum, Jeremiah Masoli, Kellen Moore, Toby Gerhart, Jordan Shipley, Golden Tate