Just six weeks into the college football season, it may be too early to talk about the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy.
But, of course, it’s always fun to speculate.
Conference play has just begun in most cases, and a lot can happen over the next two months that will determine who will win college football’s most coveted award.
That being said, let’s take a look at who has set themselves apart from the rest of the field just one-third of the way into the season:
Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
There is no doubt Robinson has been an early surprise for the Wolverines as he leads the nation with 905 rushing yards, while passing for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns.
He has looked like Pat White 2.0, and he has piloted Michigan to a 5-0 start.
All of this is good, but I won’t be sold on Robinson until the Wolverines play the heart of their Big Ten Conference schedule.
Games against Michigan State, Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State will go a long way in either helping or hurting Robinson’s Heisman chances.
Odds: 5:1
Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State
One of the most highly recruited players in college football history, Pryor has never really lived up to the hype that was attached to him coming out of high school.
This season, though, Pryor is putting together one of his best campaigns, all while leading the Buckeyes to a 5-0 start.
Pryor has been involved in 16 of Ohio State’s touchdowns (12 passing, three rushing and one receiving) including six against Eastern Michigan.
Just like Robinson, a solid performance in conference play will dictate where Pryor lands.
Odds: 8:1
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
The Oregon offense is ridiculous this season, scoring 42 points or more in every game and averaged an NCAA-best 56.6 points per game.
James has been one of the key cogs of the offense, as he has run for a total of 712 yards and seven touchdowns while playing in just four of the team’s five games.
If the Ducks keep up the same pace offensively, James is going to have a huge year statiscally.
Odds: 12:1
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
It would be fair to say that until this season, the Broncos were not viewed as a national title contender.
Many saw them as a Cinderella of sorts.
One of the key ingredients to Boise State’s success is Moore, who should have merited a little more attention for the Heisman last season.
Moore is on pace to have a repeat of his 39-touchdown and three-interception 2009 season, as he currently has 11 touchdowns and one interception.
Odds: 18:1
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
If winning the Stanley Cup two years in a row is the toughest achievement in sports, then winning the Heisman in back-to-back years is close behind.
Ingram’s season got off to a bit of a rough start as he had knee surgery and missed his team’s first two games.
Last year’s Heisman winner regained his form in victories over Duke and Arkansas with more than 150 yards rushing in each game, but it may already be too late for Ingram.
Another national championship run in the SEC may make him a sleeper pick.
Odds: 25:1
Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
Heading into the 2010 season, it was no secret the Mountaineers were going to run their talented senior a lot, and if Devine capitalized, he would be in store for a big year.
Through four games this season, Devine has a total of 391 yards rushing and two touchdowns, but he has yet to rip off his trademark long scampers.
WVU may end up being the favorite to win the Big East Conference heading into conference play, and Devine may get a boost if the Mountaineers run the table from here on out.
If Devine is to get back in the Heisman picture again, he must be the key factor in his team’s success.
Odds: 65:1