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There is definitely no clear cut winner this year like Barry Sanders, Hershel Walker or Ndamakong Suh. Oh yeah, forgot that the most dominant player of the last half decade or so didn't actually win the award.

Regardless, it's a wide open field this year. Andrew Luck is almost a lock to be picked first overall in the NFL draft, but that doesn't help his Heisman resume. He's had a very good year and is definitely one of the best players in the country but he didn.t really come up big when it mattered against Oregon. And since quarterbacks rack up all kinds of numbers I tend to factor in things like big game and crunch time performance more than players at other positions.

For that reason, and many others Robert Griffin III is the highest quarterback on my ballot. He's done everything exceptionally well this year including beating Oklahoma with 8 seconds left in the game. That's Heisman.

The numbers Monte Ball is putting up are huge but please stop talking about him and Barry Sanders in the same breath. Ball has already played more games than Sanders so it will be a hollow record if he does break the touchdown mark. Plus he.s got a great running quarterback that defenses have to respect and game plan for that takes a lot of the defense's focus off of Ball. Plus, I just think Trent Richardson is a better player than him.

This year there are some amazing defensive players. Tyrann Mathieu may have more big plays this year than anyone. Forcing fumbles, returning punts for touchdowns, returning fumbles for touchdowns and leading the best team in the nation in tackles. That is an all around super star player.

There's also the tackling machine out of Boston College, Luke Kuechly. Despite the horrid team he's on Kuechly shines. He leads the nation in tackles and makes plays all over the field. He tackles from sideline to sideline and is great at covering downfield.

Out of this great group of players I ended up going with Trent Richardson. Every time he touches the ball it's just a matter of time before he runs over somebody or leaves somebody grasping at air as he trots into the end zone. The most complete back in the country. He catches the ball. He runs with power. He runs away from people. He dominates short yardage. And he regularly does things to defenders that garners them an unenviable spot on SportsCenter. He's simply the best collegiate football player in the country.

The namsieH race was not nearly as wide open as the Heisman race this year. Tyrann Mathieu, aside from the suspension hickup, was a phenomenal player all year long. He does everything for the LSU defense, one of the best in the country mind you. He's second in the nation in forcing fumbles. He's leading LSU in tackles. He's also a dangerous return man. And he.' scored three touchdowns this year. Great great player.

Whitney Mercilus made a strong case for this award as well. He leads the nation in sacks and forced fumbles and is in the top five in tackles for loss. Illinois fell apart in the second half of the season but it wasn't the fault of Mercilus. He was dominant this year.

Mathieu's running mate, Morris Claiborne, also deserves some recognition for his great season. While I think Mathieu made more big plays and impacted the game more than Claiborne, Claiborne is the better cover man of the two and is one the of the key players in that great LSU defense.

Melvin Ingram also deserves a mention especially after he showed off his unbelievable talent with that fake punt run for a touchdown. The run where the defensive lineman, Ingram, outran and juked Georgia on his way to the end zone. You know the play I'm talking about. It's the one where Georgia.s mascot has his hands one his head with a look of disbelief as Ingram races by him. I know, I was as shocked as any to see a look of disbelief on a mascot costume.

So, there are a lot of great players but I just felt that Mathieu was deserving of this award due to his overall production and the way he can and did change games in a single moment.

1. Tyrann Mathieu (CB, LSU)
2. Whitney Mercilus (DE, Illinois)
3. Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College)
4. Barrett Jones (OL, Alabama)
5. Dont'a Hightower (LB, Alabama)
6. Morris Claiborne (CB, LSU)
7. Melvin Ingram (DE, South Carolina)
8. Devon Still (DT, Penn State)
9. Mark Barron (S, Alabama)
10. David DeCastro (OG, Stanford)
11. Andre Branch (DE, Clemson)
12. Matt Kalil (OT, USC)
13. Lavonte David (LB, Nebraska)
14. David Amerson (CB, North Carolina State)
15. David Molk (C, Michigan)
16. Nate Potter (OT, Boise State)
17. Courtney Upshaw (LB, Alabama)

First things first, LSU is the no-brainer #1 team in the nation. Whether you rank based on resume, how they are playing now, the eyeball test or who would beat who, there is no doubt who is #1 by any of those criteria. They are undefeated. They play in THE toughest division college football may have ever seen. They've beaten three of my top six teams in the nation. They went to West Virginia and won. And, just for the record, if they beat Georgia this weekend and get paired with Alabama in the national title game.........they will be #1 in my final poll regardless of the result of their second game with Alabama. Beating a team in their home is more impressive than beating a team on a neutral field. So, if they happen to split the two games I still give the edge to LSU.

I have Virginia Tech so low because their schedule is atrocious. The only team they've played that is ranked in the top 25 of the BCS is Clemson.........and they got blown out!! The only other two teams that even register in the BCS rankings are Georgia Tech and Arkansas State. Not exactly running a gauntlet there in Blacksburg. I guess they got sick and tired of getting trounced at the beginning of the year by the SEC so they replaced them with Appalachian State and East Carolina, who they beat by 7. Forgive me if I come away unimpressed.

On the other hand Kansas State, despite it's two losses has a far more impressive resume. Granted that's soley due to the fact that the Big 12 (is it still 12?), is infinitely better than the ACC. But when you have five of the top 25 in the BCS rankings on your schedule and two other at least registering with a BCS rating, you've played a pretty tough schedule. Their out of conference schedule is weak, with the only bright spot being Miami(FL), but their conference schedule makes up for it.

And then you've got teams like Houston and Boise State. Boise State played two teams in the top 25 of the BCS and went 1-1. They handled Georgia and lost on the missed field goal against TCU. The only other team that received a BCS rating was Tulsa. So, the top of their schedule I would say is better than Virginia Tech's but the meat of the ACC opponents is must better than that of the MWC. It's a tough call but I decided to rank Boise State higher than Virginia Tech.

Houston's best wins this year are against UCLA, Tulsa and Louisiana Tech. They are undefeated but I'd argue a dozen teams would be undefeated against that schedule. It says something to go week in and week out and consistently win but you still gotta play somebody. I give them credit for going out and playing a PAC-12 team but that UCLA team doesn't even garner a vote in the AP poll. Bottom line, you gotta play somebody.

Despite a performance not up to his usual lofty expectations, I still consider Luck the most outstanding college quarterback in the nation and I still don.t consider him the most outstanding college football player in the nation.

Besides Luck, there are plenty of other quarterbacks putting up huge numbers this year. The ones that impress me the most have been Robert Griffin III, Brandon Weeden and Russell Wilson. Weeden and Griffin have been doing their thing all year against some of the best competition in the nation and Russell is as efficient as you could ever hope to see. Three very impressive quarterbacks.

Since Ryan Broyles is out for the year the wide receivers I consider to be elite and up for the Heisman are Justin Blackmon and Robert Woods. Michael Floyd of Notre Dame is phenomenol he.s just not having the year these other two guys are having. Blackmon had another 100 yard outing this past weekend and bumped his TD total up to 14 on the year. Not too shabby.

At the Runnig Back position I continue to list four guys, I.m just not real sure how to rank them. LaMichael James missed some time due to injury which is hurting him. But watching him the other night he seemed like the best player on the field to me. Trent Richardson continues to be unstoppable he just doesn.t have that signature Heisman moment I.m looking for to clearly say he.s my guy. Montee Ball has taken up residence in the end zone up in Madison. 27 touchdowns this year. Wow. And then there.s David Wilson of Va Tech. 100 yards rushing in every game but one this year and leading the nation in rushing. Four quality guys at the running back position.

Doing the best dirty work, without much fanfare, in the nation have been guys like Barrett Jones, Matt Kalil and David DeCastro. Those high powered offenses don.t go anywhere without the big guys giving them time to do their thing. Barrett Jones has been doing a fantastic job all year long and he.s been doing it at whatever position the coaches ask him to dominate at. He.s a fantastic football player.

On defense you.ve got the great play maker, Courtney Upshaw and the tackling machine Luke Kuechly at line backer. You.ve got Morris Claiborne, not Tyrann Mathieu, as the best defender on the best team in the nation. And you.ve got Mercilus Whitney continuing to rack up sacks for the Illini. He.s got a sack in all but two games this year.

This year there seems to be plenty of quality guys that could deservedly win the Heisman but no one really stands out.

1. Barrett Jones (OL, Alabama)
Jones not playing this past week with a bum ankle actually made me appreciate him more. Mississippi State.s defense is very respectable but they should not have been that good against Alabama. Without Jones in there that O-line looked mortal. More and more I am believing Jones is the best collegiate football player this year. He does need to get back on the field though.
2. Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State)
Another 100 yard game. Two more touchdowns. It.s so expected now it.s going unnoticed.
3. Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama)
Another 100 yard day.......as expected. Ridiculous moves in the open field........as expected. He jukes guys and they don.t even lay a finger on him. I almost feel bad for them.

Montee Ball (RB, Wisconsin)
Scored multiple TDs in every game this year and 27 overall. That.s impressive.
Dont'a Hightower (LB, Alabama)
Arguably the best defender on arguably the best defense in the nation. Huge playmaker at the linebacker position. Not sure who's better this year, him or Kuechly. Going with Hightower.........for now.
LaMichael James (RB, Oregon)
He looked like the best player on that field in the win over Stanford, including the guy the call Luck. He missed some time due to that injury but it may be even more impressive how quickly he came back from it. Three straight 200 yard games earlier in the year is also pretty impressive.
Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford)
Against the best opponent he played his worst game. That is not Heisman.
Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College)
13.5 tackles and a tackle for loss against NC State is an off day for this guy.
Morris Claiborne (CB, LSU)
Best defender on best team in nation and one of the best defenses in the nation.
Robert Woods (WR, USC)
Haven.t seen this weeks game yet but my guess is he got injured. 2 receptions for 5 yards are far from the output I expect to see out of this guy.
Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
Extremely dangerous playmaker.
Russell Wilson (QB, Wisconsin)
I really don't know what to think about him. I lean towards such a great supporting cast that he's only had to throw over 21 times in a game three times this year. I need to watch Wisconsin play more.
David DeCastro (OL, Stanford)
David Wilson (RB, Virginia Tech)
Over 100 yards in every game this year. Not a receiving threat out of the backfield and doesn't get into the end zone enough. It's the Heisman, I.m going to nit pick!!

Barrett Jones (OL, Alabama)
Dont.a Hightower (LB, Alabama)
Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College)
Morris Claiborne (CB, LSU)
Whitney Mercilus (DE, Illinois)
Melvin Ingram (DE, South Carolina)
Tyrann Mathieu (CB, LSU)
Devon Still (DT, Penn State)
Mark Barron (S, Alabama)
David DeCastro (OG, Stanford)
Andre Branch (DE, Clemson)
Matt Kalil (OT, USC)
Manti Te.o (LB, Notre Dame)
Vontaze Burfict (LB, Arizona State)
Lavonte David (LB, Nebraska)
David Amerson (CB, North Carolina State)
Nate Potter (OT, Boise State)
Peter Konz (OL, Wisconsin)
Courtney Upshaw (LB, Alabama)

Disclaimer: This is mostly stat driven. Individual offensive lineman are probably not going to get in here. An entire O-line might ocassional warrant a spot. This is in no particular order yet. Just putting together candidates.

Seth Doege (QB, Texas Tech) vs New Mexico (116,109,116) (September 17,2011)
40-44 (90.9%), 401 yards, 5 Touchdowns

Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor) vs Rice (September 24,2011)
29-33 (87.9%), 338 yards, 5 Touchdowns, 6 carries, 51 yards, 1 Touchdown

Marcus Lattimore (RB, South Carolina) vs Navy (56,7,107) (September 17, 2011)
37 carries, 245 yards, 6.6ypc, 3 touchdowns, 4 receptions, 25 yards

LaMichael James (RB, Oregon) vs Arizona (115,110,111) (September 24,2011)
23 carries, 284 yards,12.3ypc, 2 touchdowns, 2 receptions, 15 yards

Robert Woods (WR, USC) vs Arizona (115,110,111) (October 1, 2011)
14 catches, 255 yards, 18.2ypc, 2 touchdowns, 77 kickoff return yards

Jarius Wright (WR, Arkansas) vs Texas A&M (82,120,5) (October 1, 2011)
13 catches, 281 yards, ypc, 2 touchdowns

Tyler Wilson (QB, Arkansas) vs Texas A&M (82,120,5) (October 1, 2011)
30-51 (58.5%), 510 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

Brady Amack (LB, Air Force) vs Navy (56,7,107) (October 1, 2011)
23 tackles (11 solo, 12 assist), 2 tackles for loss

Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College) vs Duke (83,105,42) (September 17,2011)
23 tackles (17 solo, 6 assist)

Melvin Ingram (DE, South Carolina) vs Auburn (106,74,109) (October 1, 2011)
11 tackles (8 solo, 3 assist), 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception

Melvin Ingram (DE, South Carolina) vs Georgia (7,4,32) (September 10, 2011)
1 tackle, 1 fumble recovery for TD, 1 rush on fake punt for 68 yard TD

Tyrann Mathieu (CB, LSU) vs Kentucky (53,11,100) (October 1, 2011)
2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery for TD, 5 tackles, 1 sack, 30 punt return yards

Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama) vs Florida (7,12,18) (October 1, 2011)
29 carries, 181 yards, 6.24ypc, 2 TDs, 2 catches, 27 yards

A.J. Jenkins (WR, Illinois) vs Northwestern () (October 1, 2011)
23 catches, 268 yards, 22.3 ypc, 3 touchdowns

Robert Woods (WR, USC) vs Minnesota
17 catches, 177 yards, 3 touchdowns

Patrick Edwards (WR, Houston) vs Rice
7 catches, 318 yards, 45.43 ypc, 5 touchdowns

Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) vs Maryland
345 total yards, 2 receiving TDs, 1 kickoff return TD.

Andre Branch (DL, Clemson) vs Virginia Tech
4 sacks, 6 total TFL.s, 9.5 tackles, forced fumble

Tony Jefferson (CB, Oklahoma) vs Ball State
3 interceptions, 4 tackles

Seriously?!?!?!

Just because college football has gone pass happy and quarterbacks are throwing the ball all over the place doesn't make them great. More opportunity does not mean great. I watched Robert Griffin III this weekend. I don't mean to pick on him, he's a great player, but his receivers made a couple of excellent catches on poorly thrown balls. But for all the stat sheet watchers out there, it was just another catch and a bunch of yards.

To me these rankings indicate a lot of laziness out there. Quarterbacks fill up the stat sheets and all these guys are doing is looking at all the pretty numbers they are putting up and filling in their names. They probably couldn't tell you who leads the nation in sacks. Or tackles. Or a single member of the absolutely dominant Alabama offensive line. Shouldn't those guys be considered for "best collegiate football player"?

Apparently not.

Unless your on the first page of the passing efficiency page, or total passing yards page......you're out!!

But not here!!

I have my own little invented award, The namsieH, which recognizes all those players that would kick your foo foo quarterback's asses. But I also include them in my Heisman Ballot, which of course is only a figment of my imagination. I don't think they give ballot's to people who's website has no visitors besides themselves.

Here goes!!

Well, there's some exodus going on here this week. Marcus Lattimore, due to an unfortunate injury is no longer with us. In all likelihood he will be the leader among us when the 2012 campaign kicks off. LaMichael James is holding on after sitting out last week but he's going to have to get on the field this week to stay in the chase for the Heisman. Denard Robinson is off the list this week. His running abilities, which are impressive, does not make up for his inept passing. He is a quarterback after all.

I've added Ryan Broyles onto the list because he's simply been performing too well for too long to leave him off. Whitney Mercilus of Illinois (the answer to my sack leader question) also joins the list. Leading the nation in sacks and number four in tackles for loss sounds like a pretty good ball player to me. And I'll put him in a steel cage with any of your precious quarterbacks anytime. Luke Kuechly of Boston College (leading the nation in tackles) also joins the list as well as South Carolina's phenomenol defender Melvin Ingram. Rounding out the newcomers is Barrett Jones. The do anything and everything astoundingly well offensive lineman for the Tide. The best player on the best offensive line in football should be on every list that seeks to find the "most outstanding college football player".

Yes, I'm going on a little rampage here with non quarterbacks, it just seems absurd to me that people consider one position out of 22 to have all the best players in the nation.

That being said, my list is not without quarterbacks. I'm not a retard...........at least I don't think I am.

1. Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama)
Nobody stops this guy. Nobody!!

2. Tyrann Mathieu (CB, LSU)
Quiet day against Tennessee. Still having a great season.

3. Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford)
Still lighting up chumps. Still waiting for him to play a real opponent. This opinion has not changed in a while. He's at least going against a better team this week albeit another terrible defense. Hopefully he's challenged a little bit.

5. Whitney Mercilus (DL, Illinois)
Leading the nation in sacks and top five in tackles for loss gets you a spot on the Heisman list.........as well as The namsieH.

6. LaMichael James (RB, Oregon)
Still holding out hope he plays this week. He's a superstar and obvious Heisman contender if he can get back on the field.

7. Ryan Broyles (WR, Oklahoma)
217 yards and 2 touchdowns last week against Kansas. Florida State is the only team to keep him out of the end zone and under 100 yards. Just became the all-time leader in receptions in NCAA history. Sounds like a guy that needs to be on this list.

8. Russell Wilson (QB, Wisconsin)
Another great day against an inferior opponent. I just don't think he's going to play enough competition to make me a believer that he's worth the Heisman. Stunning to say since he plays in the Big Ten. I'll have to check out the game this week against Michigan State. If he hammers them then I may have to bump Wilson up.

9. Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State)
A second straight week under 100 yards but he scored again and he's just an elite play making receiver.

10. Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor)
Put up great stats in a loss to Texas A&M. His receivers definitely helped those stats out by making some great catches. Starting to think one of his receivers needs to be on this list. Will have to look into that.

11. Melvin Ingram (DL, South Carolina)
The great play-making defensive lineman from South Carolina. Him and Clowney are proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Expect true freshman Clowney to make this list before his time is up at South Carolina.

12. Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College)
Nothing special. He just leads the nation in tackles. That's kind of an important stat.

Bacon

Tyrran Mathieu (CB, So, Louisiana State)
Vontaze Burfict (LB, Jr, Arizona State)
Luke Kuechly (LB, Jr, Boston College)
Melvin Ingram (DE, , South Carolina)
Dont'a Hightower (LB, Jr, Alabama)
Barrett Jones (OG, , Alabama)
Morris Claiborne (CB, , Louisiana State)
Matt Kalil (OT, , USC)
Jonathan Martin (OT, , Stanford)
Nordly Capi (DL, Colorado State)
Sean Porter (LB, Texas A&M)
Mark Barron (S, Sr, Alabama)
Braondon Jenkins (DE, Jr, Florida State)
Manti Te'o (LB, Jr, Notre Dame)
Billy Winn (DT, Sr, Boise State)
Luke Kuechly (LB, Jr, Boston College)
Jared Crick (DT, Sr, Nebraska)
Dont'a Hightower (LB, Jr, Alabama)
Cliff Harris (CB, Jr, Oregon)
Jayron Hosley (CB, Jr, Virginia Tech)
Barrett Jones (OG, , Alabama)
Morris Claiborne (CB, , Louisiana State)
Courtney Upshaw (LB, Sr, Alabama)
Chase Minnifield (CB, Sr, Virginia)
Dre Kirkpatrick (CB, Jr, Alabama)
Nate Potter (OT, Sr, Boise State)
Mike Brewster (C, Sr, Ohio State)
David DeCastro (OG, , Stanford)
Peter Konz (C, , Wisconsin)
Tony Jefferson (CB, , Oklahoma)

1. Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama)
Richardson pummelled the Gators into submission on Saturday with over 200 total yards and 2 touchdowns. A quality defensive front for the Gators was no match for Richardson and the .Bama offensive line.

2. Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford)
Another inferior opponent, yes UCLA is inferior these day, another dominant performance. I.d love to see him have to come up with a meaningful drive in the fourth quarter.

3. Tyrann Mathieu (CB, LSU)
Two more forced fumbles, a sack, a fumble return for touchdown. Impressive night for the sophomore.

Russell Wilson (QB, Wisconsin)
I.m finally a believer in Wilson. Fantastic performance against a respectable Nebraska team.

Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor)
Costly interception late in the game. Not the mark of a Heisman. His numbers are still off the charts.

Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State)
Still the best wide receiver in college football, although Robert Woods and Ryan Broyles among others might have an argument.

Denard Robinson (QB, Michigan)
Most exciting and dangerous player in college football. Mediocre is a complement about his passing abilities.

LaMichael James (RB, Oregon)
Got off to a slow start this year but still had over a 100 yards of offense and a touchdown in each of the first two games and then exploded for 288 yards against Arizona. Leading the nation in rushing is a good argument for being considered for the Heisman.

Vontaze Burfict (LB, Jr, Arizona State)
Quinton Coples (DE, Sr, North Carolina)
Mark Barron (S, Sr, Alabama)
Braondon Jenkins (DE, Jr, Florida State)
Manti Te'o (LB, Jr, Notre Dame)
Alfonzo Dennard (CB, Sr, Nebraska)
Billy Winn (DT, Sr, Boise State)
Luke Kuechly (LB, Jr, Boston College)
Jared Crick (DT, Sr, Nebraska)
Dont'a Hightower (LB, Jr, Alabama)
Cliff Harris (CB, Jr, Oregon)
Jayron Hosley (CB, Jr, Virginia Tech)
Barrett Jones (OG, , Alabama)
Morris Claiborne (CB, , Louisiana State)
Courtney Upshaw (LB, Sr, Alabama)
Chase Minnifield (CB, Sr, Virginia)
Dre Kirkpatrick (CB, Jr, Alabama)
Nate Potter (OT, Sr, Boise State)
Mike Brewster (C, Sr, Ohio State)
David DeCastro (OG, , Stanford)

2. Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor)
Masterful in beating a very good TCU team and then 20-22 in his second game. 20-22. That's impressive against air. If he can keep this pace up agasint the cream of the Big 12 (yes it still exists......for now) he'll be in the Heisman conversation for a while.

3. Kellen Moore (QB, Boise State)
He's been arguably the most impressive player thus far this season. Put on a clinic against Georgia and Toledo, not pushovers like a lot of teams have played. His problem may be keeping momentum up when he gets in the dough of his cupcake schedule.

Denard Robinson (QB, Michigan)
If the Heisman award was for the most exciting player in the nation Denard would win it by a wide margin. As far as the best player in college football goes, Denard is in the conversation but he's not a good enough passer to lead the pack. His receivers has made him look good on a number of plays.

Robert Woods (WR, Southern California)
Huge first week with 17 catches and three TDs. He's slowed down since then so his time on this list may be short but 17 catches screams Heisman.

Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford)
Everyone knows he comes into the season as the front runner with the NFL salivating over him. So far this year he hasn't dissapointed. Numbers aren't eye popping becuase Stanford runs the ball so well but watch the man play and you see greatness. No Heisman conversation is complete without Mr. Luck

Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama)
Eight touchdowns already. Not a huge amount of yardage yet but I expect he'll only get better as the competition gets better, a true sign of a guy that should be a part of the Heisman conversation.

Michael Floyd (WR, Notre Dame)
One of the elite playmakers in the nation. He is the focus of any defense Notre Dame faces.

Michael Dyer (RB, Auburn)
This guy is a great runner who always finishes his runs and can run away from defenders. For some reason Gene Chizik has him on the bench more than I'd likebut I'm not going to question the current holder of the crystal ball.

Chris Rainey (RB, Florida)
If Denard Robinson is the most exciting player in college football, then Chris Rainey is the runner-up. 100 yards rushing, 100 yards recieving, 83 yard touchdown reception, punt block. What else does he have to do? I'm not sure any other player in the nation can beat you in as many ways as Rainey can. We'll have to see if Rainey and his small frame can survive the whole year.