My (Unofficial) Heisman Ballot

Although I don't have an actual vote for the Heisman (though it would be pretty cool), I'm giving ya'all my top five Heisman candidates.

5. QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

Statistics:
Passing - 261-373 (70.0% completions), 3,170 yards, 35 TD, 9 INT
Rushing - 43 rushes, 153 yards, 2 TD
Resume: Luck entered this season with all the hype, and deservedly so. Despite having a target on his back as "The Golden Boy", he performed exceedingly well. His hiccup of a game against Oregon (their only loss) is the main reason he's not number one on my list. Stanford finished the season 11-1, and will likely be playing in the Fiesta Bowl as an at-large BCS participant. The Heisman doesn't necessarily go to the player that will be the best pro.

4. QB Matt Barkley, Southern California

Statistics:
Passing - 308-446 (69.1% completions), 3,528 yards, 39 TD, 7 INT
Resume: It may be hard to believe that a USC quarterback could be underappreciated, but Matt Barkley may fit that description. With all the hype surrounding Andrew Luck, Barkley had arguably a better season than Luck. Barkley was simply magnificent in their upset over then #4 Oregon, going 26-34 for 323 yards and four touchdowns against only one interception. The win halted Oregon's 19 game conference winning streak, and thrust Barkley into serious Heisman consideration.

3. RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Statistics:
Rushing - 275 rushes, 1,759 yards, 32 TD
Receiving - 20 catches, 255 yards, 6 TD
Resume: Ball has quietly put up ridiculous numbers for Wisconsin, and is will likely break the FBS total touchdowns record held by former Oklahoma State running back Thurman Thomas who had 39 (37 rushing). Should he return for his senior season in Madison, Ball will have a chance to break Travis Prentice's FBS career rushing touchdown mark of 73, as he has 54. Wisconsin won the Big Ten, finishing the season 11-2, and will play Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
2. RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

Statistics:
Rushing - 263 rushes, 1,583 yards, 20 TD
Receiving - 27 receptions, 327 yards, 3 TD
Resume: Richardson is a more complete tailback, and if Alabama could have converted one of three missed field goals in regulation against LSU, could have been undefeated on the season. Even in that loss against a great defense, Richardson still tallied 89 yards on 23 carries, as well as 5 catches for 80 yards. I give Richadson the slight edge over Montee Ball on team success, as well as the difficulty of having to play against SEC defenses the entire season.

1. QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor


Statistics:
Passing -  267-369 (72.4% completions), 3,998 yards, 36 TD, 6 INT
Rushing - 161 rushes, 644 yards, 9 TD
Resume: RG3 has led Baylor from the duldrums of the Big 12 into legitimate contender. Despite not having the name recognition of others (Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson), Griffin has been the best dual threat quarterback in the nation. With a quick release, strong arm and outstanding mobility, Griffin also has the look of a future NFL quarterback. Baylor is 9-3 on the season, and will likely be heading to the Alamo Bowl, which is their second consecutive bowl appearance. Before last season's bowl appearance, it'd been 16 seasons since Baylor played in the postseason.

Here's the rest of my Top Ten for the Heisman

6. QB Case Keenum, Houston
7. RB LaMichael James, Oregon
8. QB Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
9. WR Robert Woods, Southern California
10. QB Kellen Moore, Boise State