This past weekend was a crucial one for college football teams, as the rankings saw a whole bunch of changes. Whether it was Oklahoma State beating TCU, or Alabama beating LSU, the college football world saw some big changes. While many of those changes came in the rankings, they also had a major affect on college football's most coveted award- the Heisman. Leonard Fournette was the clear frontrunner for the award going into Saturday's matchup against Alabama, but after a poor performance, many are questioning if he is still the best pick for the award. Here are the top five Heisman candidates in order prior to week 12.
1. LSU Running Back Leonard Fournette - The Tigers running back took a big step backwards in the Heisman race Saturday night, but the gap was so big that he is still a favorite for the Heisman. Fournette averaged just 1.6 yards per carry against the Crimson Tide but managed to score a touchdown. While the sophomore running back had a tough night running the ball, it's key to remember that he was going against Alabama's defense in Tuscaloosa. Many think Fournette lost the top spot in the Heisman race, but it's key to remember what he has done throughout this whole season. Fournette has rushed for 1,383 yards, averaging 7.1 yards a carry, and has scored 16 touchdowns this season. Fournette has played a game less then most teams, as their first game of the season against McNeese State was canceled. Fournette has definitely lost ground as the Heisman frontrunner, and another game like last week will see him fall out of the top spot. The Tigers still have Arkansas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M on their schedule, and if Fournette returns to form this weekend, he should be the top candidate for the Heisman Trophy
2. Alabama Running Back Derrick Henry - The junior running back has closed the gap on Fournette and can be argued as the top Heisman candidate after a huge performance against LSU. Henry had his second 200 plus yard rushing game of the season and averaged 5.5 yards against the Tigers defense. In nine games this season, Henry has rushed for 1,254 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. With his huge performance Saturday, and Fournette's worst game of his season, the Heisman race has become very interesting. Alabama has Miss. St, Charleston Southern and Auburn left on their schedule giving Henry a chance to add to his numbers. Henry looks to have an easier schedule down the stretch, and three huge games could leap him into first place. The Crimson Tide have pulled into the second spot in the College Football Playoff poll, largely due to Henry's play on the field. If Henry continues to dominate, and Alabama is able to win the SEC, Henry could jump Fournette as the leading candidate. Henry has made the Heisman race interesting, and these last three games could have a huge impact on who finishes on top.
3. Baylor Wide Receiver Corey Coleman - The Bears wide receiver is having a huge season and is putting up big numbers even when the team has changed quarterbacks. The undefeated Bears lost their starting quarterback in Seth Russell to a neck injury, and they started freshman quarterback Jarrett Stidham last week against Kansas State. Changing to a freshman quarterback would hurt most receivers' numbers, but not Coleman, as he caught 11 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns. The junior wide receiver has 20 touchdowns this season, along with 1,178 receiving yards. Coleman has six more touchdowns than any other receiver in FBS (Division 1-A). Coleman has a very legitimate chance at winning the Heisman, especially if Baylor can finish undefeated and Coleman can continue to put up big numbers. A wide receiver hasn't won the Heisman Trophy since 1991 with Desmond Howard, but Coleman has clearly put himself at the top of the list this season. If the Baylor star receiver continues to put up big numbers with a freshman quarterback, he may have a strong argument as to why he should win the Heisman.
4. Stanford Running Back Christian McCaffrey - The Cardinals sophomore running back leads the country in all-purpose yards and is averaging 241.56 yards per game. McCaffery is keeping himself at the top of the Heisman race as he continues to churn out 100 plus yard rushing games. McCaffrey hasn't rushed under a 100 yards since Stanford's second game of the season. The Cardinals running back is one of the most versatile backs in the country, as he has 1,207 rushing yards and 325 receiving yards this season. While McCaffrey has only scored eight touchdowns this season, he currently has led his team to the top of the North Division in the Pac 12. The Cardinals are undefeated in conference play, but they still have Oregon, California and Notre Dame on their schedule. Although Notre Dame is not a conference opponent, a big game against a nationally ranked Fighting Irish team could move him up this list.
5. Ohio State Running Back Ezekiel Elliott- Ohio State remained undefeated this weekend, and their top running back added another 100-yard game to his season. That is 14 consecutive games that Elliott has rushed for a 100 yards or more, and the Buckeye running back doesn't look to be slowing down. With Fournette's poor game this past Saturday, some think that Elliott has moved to the top of the Heisman discussion, and they may have a valid argument. The junior running back is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, and it does not seem to make a difference which quarterback is in front of him. Elliott has 14 touchdowns this season, and Ohio State currently sits third in the College Football Playoff standings. The Buckeyes still have Michigan State and Michigan on their schedule, and if Elliott produces big numbers in those two games, he will likely be a finalist for the Heisman award. Ohio State will need to win the Big Ten, and Elliott will need to continue to produce on the field for him to be a legitimate Heisman contender at the end of this season.
