The Heisman Trophy candidate picture has completely changed after K-State and Oregon’s loss. Here are my updated top 5 candidates:

Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M Aggies QB)

Manziel has changed the whole picture about freshman QBs. He threw for 184 yards, and rushed for 92 yards off 18 carries in the 29-24 upset win over Alabama. If he does something like this again, he will be a huge candidate for the Heisman. He had 5 TDs total (3 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs) in the Aggies 59-29 win over their SEC rivals Mizzou (aka Missouri) Tigers.

Manti Te’o (Notre Dame Fighting Irish MLB)

Te’o is a linebacker who can change the game with one ferocious hit. He tackled Stefan Taylor an inch short of a game-winning OT TD on a 4th and goal in their win. He is also a big part of why the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are undefeated and at number 1 in the BCS Standings. His 4th and Goal tackle helped seal the deal in a 22-13 win over the USC Trojans. He also added a INT early in the first half.

Marquis Lee (USC Trojans WR)

Lee is a NFL-caliber receiver who has been a valuable target for the struggling Matt Barkley and Co. He is a big impact, as he set a USC receiving record with 349 in 1 game in their 39-38 loss to the unranked Arizona Wildcats.

AJ McCarron (Alabama Crimson Tide QB)

McCarron has led the Tide to some huge 4th quarter comebacks. He could lead them to a BCS title game appearance for the 2nd straight year. He had 3 TDs (all passing) in their Iron Bowl win over long-time rivals Auburn Tigers

Stepfan Taylor (Stanford Cardinal RB)

Stepfan Taylor has really made Stanford fans smile during the Cardinal’s post-Andrew Luck era. He was a huge factor in Stanford’s 2 upset wins over Oregon and USC. He rushed for 142 yards and 2 TDs in their 35-17 win over UCLA Bruins.

My call: The Heisman Memorial Trophy is presented to Stanford Cardinal Running Back Stepfan Taylor. The post-Andrew Luck era hasn’t been as bad as Stanford fans thought it would be thanks to Stepfan Taylor’s big performance throughout this season. Stanford has a appearance in the Pac-12 inaugural bowl game vs. UCLA Bruins, and if they win, they will play in the Vizio Rose Bowl at Pasadena, California.

Related Posts:

• Top 3 Heisman candidates – as of Nov. 17th
• 2013-14 NFL Draft picks – after week 9