2013 College Football Power Rankings: Top 5 Heisman Trophy Candidates and Favorites

2013 College Football Power Rankings: Top 5 Heisman Trophy Candidates and Favorites: The 2013 college football season is heading into its home stretch, and while the national title race is starting to take shape, the Heisman Trophy battle is also becoming a bit clearer. On the heels of Oregon’s loss to Stanford, former frontrunner Marcus Mariota’s Heisman chances are basically gone. Meanwhile, the remaining favorites have distanced themselves from the pack. With that in mind, here is a closer look at how the top Heisman Trophy candidates stack up heading into Week 12 of the 2013 college football season.

1. Jameis Winston, Quarterback, Florida State Seminoles

While he is definitely blessed with an excellent supporting cast, Winston has been outstanding as a freshman and has the Seminoles on track to play in the BCS title game. His 192.2 QB rating is the second best in the country, and he has accounted for 29 total touchdowns. Winston has also amassed a combined 769 passing yards in a pair of victories against top-10 opponents this year, throwing for a career-high 444 yards in a rout of the then third-ranked Clemson Tigers on the road. If he doesn’t have a bad game, Florida State is likely going to play for a national title and Winston is likely to land himself the Heisman Trophy.

2. A.J. McCarron, Quarterback, Alabama Crimson Tide

Although he is certainly biased, Alabama coach Nick Saban is correct when he says that McCarron’s numbers are limited by the Crimson Tide’s offensive system. Plus, it’s not like the numbers he has been putting up are terrible. McCarron has 19 touchdowns and only three interceptions this year, and he ranks in the top 10 in the country in QB rating. There is also his 34-2 career record as a starter to consider. Not to mention the fact that he is guiding the Crimson Tide to a possible third straight appearance in the BCS title game. McCarron has always delivered in big performances in big spots, and the Crimson Tide do nothing but win games when he is under center. His career resume will have in the hunt, and if Alabama wins out, McCarron will have chances to win over voters with statement performances against Auburn in the Iron Bowl and again in the SEC title game.

3. Bryce Petty, Quarterback, Baylor Bears

A win against Oklahoma at least validates Baylor’s record and Petty’s numbers enough to put the Bears’ QB in the mix for the Heisman at this point. For the year, he has thrown 21 touchdowns and just one interception, and his 210.6 QB rating is the best in the country. Petty is also sneaky mobile in the red zone, and he has rushed for at least one score in seven straight games. One bad performance during Baylor’s somewhat difficult schedule the rest of the way will destroy his chances, but on the flip side, Petty could propel himself to the front of the pack if he lights it up and the Bears run the table.

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

In terms of his numbers, Manziel is still the one-man wrecking crew on offense that he was last season. He has accounted for 39 total touchdowns and almost 4,000 yards of offense. He also ranks third in the country in QB rating and passing yards and second in completion percentage. On the flip side, he has already thrown more interceptions this season than last, and the Aggies failed to pull off another upset of Alabama. Yes, those are somewhat minor criticisms, but when you are the defending Heisman Trophy winner, you are under a thicker microscope.

5. Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno State Bulldogs

Carr has carried the offensive load for a Fresno State team that has quietly climbed to 14th in the BCS standings and has yet to lose a game. Meanwhile, Carr ranks second in the country with more than 3,400 passing yards, and his 32 touchdown passes are the most in the country. If the Bulldogs continue to win, a BCS bowl is likely in their future. If Carr leads the country in multiple QB statistics for an undefeated, BCS-bound team, he should at least earn himself a seat at the table. If the other frontrunners stumble along the way, Carr could end all the way up into the top spot.

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