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Heisman Watch: Dark-horse candidates enter the fray

Jockeying for position in the race for the Heisman Trophy is a fluid process.

While sometimes a player emerges early and captures the bronze statue (Jameis Winston), others need a Heisman moment late in the season to seal the deal (Johnny Manziel).

Mississippi State's Dak Prescott remains at the forefront of the Heisman conversation. (AP)
Mississippi State's Dak Prescott remains at the forefront of the Heisman conversation. (AP)

This year, players have floated on and off our list, but only one has been a constant. Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott, who didn't have a game last week, remains our favorite, but the chase pack, which is full of talented players, isn't far behind.

Here's a look at Dr. Saturday's Heisman Watch:

Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State: Prescott has had a week to breathe following three consecutive wins against top-10 teams. The challenge this week will be staying at a high level against an opponent without a ranking in front of its name. Kentucky is coming off a lopsided loss against LSU last week, so it might be easy to overlook the Wildcats. But if Prescott wants to win this thing, he needs to play at the same level he played in the past three games.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin: Gordon added 175 yards and four touchdowns to his totals on Oct. 11 against Illinois (off last week) and should be able to continue to pad those stats this week against a Maryland team that is allowing nearly 200 rushing yards per game. Gordon has rushed for at least 140 yards in all but one game this season.

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon: Mariota is steady, that's probably the best compliment for him. With the exception of the Arizona loss, Mariota has been stellar all season. Against Washington, he threw for a season-high 336 yards and two scores and kept his streak of no interceptions alive. He should be able to have similar success this weekend against a Cal secondary that allows nearly 400 passing yards and 38.4 points per game.

Kevin White, WR, West Virginia: White has at least 100 yards in each of West Virginia's seven games this season, which is a school record. He had an eight-catch, 132-yard performance in the upset of Baylor and hasn't found a secondary that can contain him. It's tough for receivers to win this award, but White could make a case if he continues to put up gaudy stats. That shouldn't be a problem this week against Oklahoma State, a team that allows nearly 300 yards in the air.

Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana: Coleman might be the best running back no one is talking about simply because of the team for which he plays. Coleman has rushed for more than 100 yards in every game this season and has had two 200-yard games. One of those 100-yard games came against Michigan State last week (15 carries for 132 yards). Coleman is the workhorse for the Hoosiers and he'll probably manage 100 yards in every game this season. Unfortunately, since his team is 0-3 in the Big Ten, he's not going to get a lot of love from voters. Still, he deserves an early Heisman mention.

BY THE NUMBERS

 

Comp. %

Pass Yds.

Pass TDs

INTs

Rush Yds.

Rush TDs

Dak Prescott

61.5

1,478

14

4

576

8

Marcus Mariota

70.2

1,957

19

0

289

5

 

Yds./carry

Yds./game

Rush yards

Rush TDs

Rec. Yds.

Rec TDs

Melvin Gordon

7.9

174.3

1,046

13

27

1

Tevin Coleman

8.8

170.3

1,192

11

140

0

 

Catches

Rec. yards

Yds./catch

Rec. TDs

Kevin White

69

1,020

14.8

7

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