My 2012 Heisman top five: November 3rd

5. QB Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Statistics: 56.9% completions, 1,753 pass yards, 14 TD, 6 INT; 1,166 rush yards, 13 TD
Miller has largely flown under the radar with the Buckeyes serving a two-year postseason ban for infractions under former head coach Jim Tressel. Miller is also suffering due to a somewhat down year for the Big Ten, as usually strong teams like Wisconsin and Michigan State haven't played as well as in recent years. Right now, Miller is my likely front-runner for next year's Heisman.

4. QB A.J. McCarron, Alabama
Statistics: 66.7% completions, 1,849 pass yards, 19 TD, 0 INT
There are other quarterbacks who have bigger numbers in both passing touchdowns and yards, but McCarron takes great care of the football, and his last-minute touchdown drive against LSU in Death Valley will go down in Crimson Tide lore.

3. LB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame
Statistics: 85 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5 interceptions
Te'o has been an absolute monster in the middle for the Fighting Irish, as he leads the team in tackles and interceptions for the #2 ranked scoring defense in the nation. While I still feel as though the Irish are a tad overrated, Te'o is a rare talent, as he combines great physical tools with impeccable instincts as a defender. It's a safe bet that without Te'o, the Irish are not in the hunt for a National Chamionship.

2. RB Kenjon Barner, Oregon
179 attempts, 1,295 rush yards, 19 TD; 15 receptions, 184 yards, 1 TD
Barner saved his biggest game (and the best rushing performance in school history) for the team's biggest game to date, racking up 321 yards on 38 carries with five touchdowns in their road win over USC. Barner has been a victim of his teams' success, as he's totaled more than 20 rushes just once as the Ducks have won seven games by at least 22 points.

1. QB Collin Klein, Kansas State
Statistics: 71.1% completions, 1,875 pass yards, 12 TD, 2 INT; 698 rush yards, 17 TD
Klein is the nation's passing efficiency leader, and is a huge part of everything the Wilcats do on offense. With K-State in contention for the BCS Championship game, it's hard not to imagine Klein having walking away with the hardware.