Halfway There

We’re now at the halfway point of the college football season even though it seems like just yesterday we were watching Utah upset the then Number 16 ranked Pittsburgh Panthers in overtime to kick things off to start the year. I remember it like it was indeed yesterday. Time flies when you’re having fun and the first half of this college year has given us a plenty of fun moments to be witnessed. The number one team in the nation, Alabama and then Ohio State, have both lost when they were number one they were in consecutive weeks. Guys like Cam Newton, Taylor Martinez, Darren Thomas, and Denard Robinson are doing their best to make college football the year of the running quarterback. The Big Ten is actually competing with the SEC for the rights to best conference, or that was until Cinderella story Michigan State is the only undefeated team left out of there. With the coveted Heisman Trophy still up for grabs, lets take a look at some halfway hopefuls who are leading the race.

1. Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn Tigers
Why He’s Here: He’s leading this list because he has led his Tigers to an undefeated record so far and a number 4 ranking in the nation. Along the way the 6’6”, 250 pound QB has compiled 25 touchdowns and over 2,000 total yards. With big games against LSU and Alabama, Newton will prove if he and his Tigers are for real or not.

2. LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon Ducks
Why He’s Here: I put James ahead of Robinson, despite the stats only because the Heisman Trophy depends partly on your team’s success.LaMichael James is a big reason in why the Oregon Ducks currently hold the number 2 ranking the BCS Polls. With nine touchdowns and 848 rushing yards, James has his Ducks in prime position to go to the National Championship Game.

3. Denard Robinson, Quarterback, Michigan Wolverines
Why He’s Here: .“Shoelace” leads the nation in rushing yards-and he’s a quarterback! He’s compiled 18 touchdowns and over 2,300 total yards along the way. He’s the focal point of Michigan’s offense. A recent shoulder injury versus Iowa likely won’t cost him any time and that can only be good for Michigan. He’s going to need to pick the pace up if he wants to catch Cam Newton in the race though.

4. Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State Cowboys
Why He’s Here: Blackmon has really burst onto the college football scene and have made Oklahoma State fans forget about Dez Bryant and the trouble he was in last year. The 6‘1" sophomore currently leads the nation with 955 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, and he's a major reason why Oklahoma State is undefeated. If OK State can keep their winning ways, look for Blackmon’s stock to rise. The Bedlam Football Game could be the deciding factor in which school goes to the Big 12 Championship-Oklahoma State or Oklahoma.

5. Kellen Moore, Quarterback, Boise State Broncos
Why He’s Here: Sure, Boise State doesn’t play anyone. Well for Moore, the proud owner of a 32-1 career record, has the top quarterback rating in the country. Along with the accolades, Moor has calmly guided his Broncos past BCS foes Virginia Tech and Oregon State this season. As long as Boise State doesn’t slip up versus Nevada, then Moore should have his Broncos in the BCS National Championship game, along with the Heisman Trophy stock producer that comes with it.