2013 College Football Power Rankings: Top 5 Heisman Trophy Contenders

2013 College Football Power Rankings: Top 5 Heisman Trophy Contenders: Four weeks of the 2013 college football season are already in the books, and while the year has already produced some memorable games and highlight-reel plays, conference play is really just starting up for a majority of the teams. Despite a majority of the season yet to come, the opening weeks have allowed a few players to put their names in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy. Granted, no player can win the award this early in the season, but the notoriety that comes with a fast start goes a long way in attracting the attention of voters. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the college football players that have established themselves as the early frontrunners for the 2013 Heisman Trophy.

1.      Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Oregon Ducks

With Chip Kelly now coaching in the NFL, Mariota has kept the Ducks’ offense firing on all cylinders. Oregon is averaging more than 61 points per game, and Mariota has thrown for seven touchdowns and run for four more scores. More impressively, he hasn’t thrown an interception, and he is averaging a ridiculous 17.5 yards per carry. Like most of the top teams, Oregon’s schedule hasn’t been brutal. However, dominating wins over Tennessee and Virginia actually stack up well with some of the cupcake schedules that have been played.

2.      Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A&M Aggies

The defending Heisman Trophy winner may be a spoiled brat and would have likely been suspended for the year if he didn’t play in the SEC, but his numbers are ridiculous again. He hasn’t even played all year, but he has amassed more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 16 total scores. Manziel is also completing 70.0 percent of his passes, and although he couldn’t get the Aggies past Alabama, he did pile up 562 total yards in the loss. He is still a one-man wrecking crew on offense, and if he continues to run through the toughest conference in the country, Manziel could be entering Archie Griffin territory.

3.      Teddy Bridgewater, Quarterback, Louisville Cardinals

A soft schedule is going to force Bridgewater to be brilliant in order to win the Heisman Trophy, but he has been just that thus far. He is averaging more than 300 passing yards per game and has 14 touchdowns compared to just a single interception. Bridgewater is also completing 71.8 percent of his passes and has compiled a 204.7 quarterback rating. His schedule doesn’t really get tougher so he has every chance to keep up his torrid pace and keep the Cardinals undefeated.

4.      Melvin Gordon, Running Back, Wisconsin Badgers

Forget about Montee Ball. Gordon has more than filled the void, and he is currently leading the country in rushing at 156.0 yards per game. He has also scored seven times and is averaging an unbelievable 11.8 yards per game. The Badgers have a road game against Ohio State on tap, and if he has another monster game against the Buckeyes, his Heisman Trophy campaign will gain some serious steam.

5.      Jameis Winston, Quarterback, Florida State Seminoles

The freshman has hit the ground running. Winston is completing 78.1 percent of his passes and has a 210.5 quarterback rating. Meanwhile, he has thrown eight touchdowns and only one interception. Heck, Winston only has 14 incompletions thus far. He was the lone question mark for an otherwise stacked FSU team heading into the year, and while his toughest challenges are still to come, he has exceeded any and all expectations thus far.

NSAwins.com is America’s premier sports betting website for 2013 College Football Expert Picks and College Football Betting Odds and Lines.