Heisman Power Rankings 2011, Week Five: Luck Ascendant
By Ty Duffy
Andrew Luck (Stanford) Yes, okay, he’s convinced me. Throwing 23/27 for 227 yards and three touchdowns, calling your own plays and making this ridiculous catch against any team, even UCLA, is incredibly impressive. Eleven touchdowns to one pick on the year. The worst case scenario for Stanford looks like 11-1 and a BCS bid. With more than a little bit of Luck …
Robert Griffin III (Baylor) RG3 had his worst game of the season in a losing effort against Kansas State (23/31 for 346 yards and five touchdowns). He threw his first interception of the season. His incompletion total (20) has leapt in front of his touchdown total (18). Unfortunately, his team’s defense is terrible. A spot on the podium is a victory for him.
Russell Wilson (Wisconsin) Certainly the free agent signing of the offseason. Frighteningly efficient (14/20 for 255 yards, 3 total TD) performance against what was purportedly the best Big Ten defense he’ll face. He has 13 touchdowns to one pick and is averaging 12.53 yards per pass attempt. He’s far more popular with the ladies than Scott Tolzien ever was.
Trent Richardson (Alabama) Richardson was imperious last week against Florida with 181 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. He runs by people. He runs through them. He runs around the tackles and between them. It is amazing watching him absorb someone’s best shot and just keep churning forward. An NFL team will lose the Andrew Luck derby, yet be very pleased with him as a consolation prize.
Kellen Moore (Boise State) Moore has to be flawless to win the Heisman. Whether it was injury, or merely humanity, he was very average against Nevada last weekend. He completed only 57 percent of his passes for 142 yards and threw two picks. He’s still a big name, but from the top spot last week, he falls significantly.
[Photo via Getty]
Previously: Week Four Heisman Trophy Power Rankings