The Top 10 Heisman Candidates for 2011.

With the college football season set to begin in about a month, let’s see which 10 players have the best shot at winning this year’s Heisman Trophy.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This is Luck’s Heisman to lose. He’s the best quarterback in the country, and a near certain number 1 pick in next year’s NFL draft. Stanford would have to lose 3 or 4 games for Luck not to remain the odds on favorite. 

2. La Michael James, RB, Oregon

James had over 1700 rushing last year, and the Duck’s offense is as explosive as any in the country. If the NCAA comes down on Oregon for recruiting violations will that hurt James’s chances?

3. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

If the Gamecocks can make another appearance in the SEC Title Game and win 10 games, Lattimore has a shot. South Carolina is a different team when he plays. He might be next year’s favorite to win the trophy.

4A. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

4B. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma St.

You really can’t separate Landry Jones and Brandon Weeden as candidates. They are both going to put up huge numbers, and I’m talking huge like over 4,000 yards passing and over 30 touchdowns. 

Their chances to win the Heisman Trophy will only go as far as their respective teams National Title Runs. In that regard Jones has a slight edge because Oklahoma will enter the season in the top 5, and Oklahoma State will likely be a handful of spots lower.   

6. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

I think Kellen Moore is great quarterback, and if he played in the SEC he’d be just behind Andrew Luck as a Heisman candidate. The problem is that Broncos will have to go undefeated for Moore to even have a prayer of a chance. He gets a major showcase game against the Georgia Bulldogs to open the season.

7. Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan

Denard Robinson is the country’s most electrifying player. Too bad Michigan’s defense gives up nearly as many points as they score. The Wolverines open with 5 straight home games, and if Michigan starts 5-0, Robinson will be on the Heisman radar.

8. Case Keenum, QB, Houston

Houston got good news when Case Keenum was granted a 6th year of eligibility. He’ll put up ridiculous stats at Houston, but he plays in Conference USA.

9. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.

Here is the nation’s best Wide Receiver. The problem for Blackmon is that every time he catches a touchdown, his quarterback another Heisman candidate, Brandon Weeden probably threw it.

10. Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor

Do you want to know how good Robert Griffen is? He made Baylor football relevant. He threw for 3,501 yards and 22 touchdowns last season. If by some chance the Bears went 8-4 or 9-3, Griffen could make it to New York for the Heisman presentation.