Here’s a look at the top five 2012 Heisman Candidates heading into Week 5:
5. Oregon Ducks RB De’Anthony Thomas
Despite only recording 59 yards from the line of scrimmage, Thomas wasn’t needed as much in Oregon’s offense last weekend during the team’s 49-0 win over the Arizona Wildcats. Expect Thomas to bounce back and find the end zone a few times against Washington State Cougars this weekend.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes QB Braxton Miller
Miller has been working his way up this list over the last few weeks and is coming off an impressive performance against UAB in which he threw for 143 to go along with 64 rushing yards and two touchdowns. However, Miller faces his most difficult challenge yet this weekend against a Michigan State Spartans defense that has only allowed 47 points in four games.
3. Florida State Seminoles QB E.J. Manuel
The Seminoles could not have asked for a better performance from Manuel against the Clemson Tigers last weekend after completing 27 of 35 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns. Florida State finally looks like the dominant team from the good old days and one of the main reasons why is because of Manuel.
Expect him to have another impressive performance against South Florida on Saturday.
2. Kansas State Wildcats QB Collin Klein
He may not put up as much numbers through the air (758 yards and five touchdowns so far this season) as some of the other quarterbacks on this list, but Klein makes up for it on the ground as he’s also rushed for 289 yards and five touchdowns. Klein played a big role in helping Kansas state upset the Oklahoma Sooners last weekend and with a Saturday matchup against the 1-3 Kansas Jayhawks on October 6–expect Klein to put up big numbers once again.
1. West Virginia Mountaineers QB Geno Smith
So far in 2012, Smith has been nearly perfect for West Virginia as he’s thrown for 1,072 yards to go along with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Mountaineers make their Big 12 debut against the Baylor Bears on Saturday and with a favorable matchup–this game could turn into a shootout.
In other words–don’t be surprised if Smith puts up big numbers once again to remain on top of this list next week.
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