Game Time Nation (206)

Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State

Pryor is coming off one of his more spectacular days as he went 20 of 26 passing for 224 yards and four touchdowns while running for 104 yards and a score on seven carries against Eastern Michigan. Oh, and he also caught a touchdown pass. His trump card over the rest of the field remains his team’s tradition and lofty ranking. As long as he keeps playing like he has been lately and the Buckeyes keep winning, he’ll stay the favorite. Looking ahead, he is likely to be challenged just once over the next five games -– a road trip to Wisconsin in mid-October. Get through that, and he’ll head into November with a chance to seal the deal.

Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

I’m convinced that the only thing standing between Robinson and the Heisman is the health issue. Can he survive a full season? If so, I think he’s going to put up numbers that will be impossible for the Heisman electorate to ignore –- regardless of Michigan’s record. Before getting dinged up against Bowling Green last Saturday, he still managed 129 rushing yards and two scores on just five carries while completing all four of his passes for another 60 yards. Despite the limited play, he still leads the nation in rushing and is second in total offense. If he stays healthy, the combination of Michigan’s traditional-power status and his overwhelming stats should carry him through.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Moore looked fantastic against Oregon State and once again reminded voters why he’s such a special player. He was 19 of 27 for 288 yards and three touchdowns against the Beavers and it seemed like he put every throw on the money. Unfortunately for his Heisman aspirations, he’ll go into the equivalent of hibernation for a while as Boise State heads into conference play against a slate of lesser foes. However, Moore has a chance to get a boost later in the year when the Broncos play three late November games on Friday night, which means he’ll have the spotlight to himself.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Luck acquitted himself well against Notre Dame, going 19 of 32 for 238 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions and rushing for 23 yards. Beating the Irish in a nationally televised game never hurts when it comes to the Heisman race (just ask Denard Robinson). But Luck has an great opportunity to add another feather to his cap this Saturday when Stanford takes on No. 5 Oregon in Eugene. If he plays well and beats the Ducks, then he’ll start to eat into a significant chunk of Moore’s West Coast vote and become a major Heisman contender.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

James has wasted no time getting back up to speed after missing the first game due to suspension, averaging 151 yards per game in his three outings. However, he had just 114 yards and a score on 28 carries against Arizona State, so he needs to pick up the pace a bit. He’s got just the arena to do it, too, as the Ducks host Stanford on Saturday in a game everyone will be watching. If James explodes for big yardage and Oregon wins, he’ll solidify his status as the running back with the best chance of taking home the Heisman