Stanford's Gerhart Leads Heisman Watch

ESPN does it, so why can't Knox Animal? Here is this week's Heisman Watch:

1. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
Gerhart destroyed the Notre Dame defense by rushing for 205 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 45-38 win over the Irish. Gerhart has rushed for 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns on the year. Nobody deserves the Heisman more than Gerhart statistically this season, but Stanford's 8-4 record on the year will hurt. Nonetheless Gerhart deserves some serious Heisman consideration. The award goes to the best overall player in the nation and just think about what Gerhart means to Stanford. Without Gerhart Stanford would not be anywhere near 8-4.

2. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Ingram's Heisman stock took a hit this week as he left the game with an injured hip after only rushing for 30 yards on 16 carries. Ingram has rushed for 1,429 yards and 12 touchdowns on the year. Ingram has been solid for No. 2 Alabama and the Crimson Tide's success could carry him to win the award. However, he will need a big game against Florida in the SEC Championship.

3. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
A big Thanksgiving game against Texas A&M upped McCoy's Heisman stock. The senior quarterback threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 175 yards and a touchdown in a 49-39 win. There is no question that McCoy has been No. 3 Texas' leader this season as he has thrown for 3,328 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, while rushing for 368 yards and two touchdowns.

4. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Moore has continued to light up the stat sheet all season long and against Nevada this week, it was more of the same. The senior threw for 262 yards and five touchdowns as No. 6 Boise State kept its BCS hopes alive with a 44-33 win. Moore has thrown for 3,053 yards and 38 touchdowns on the season.


5. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
The only reason Tebow isn't higher on the list is for the simple reason that he had statistically better seasons both last year and the year before. There is no question that Tebow is arguably the best player to every play college football. What he means to the University of Florida is unparalleled. That was evident this week as he threw for 221 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns as the No. 1 Gators beat rival Florida State 37-10. Tebow has thrown for 2,166 yards and 17 touchdowns, and rushed for 796 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.

6. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Tate will not win this awards based on the simple fact that Notre Dame is 6-6 on the season. Nonetheless that does not mean that Tate does not deserve to be in New York when the award is announced. It will be hard to argue what Tate means to his team as the junior has 93 receptions for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Tate did his best this week to try to lead the Irish to a comeback as he caught 10 passes for 201 yards and three scores.

The outside looking in:
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson; Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame; Case Keenum, QB, Houston

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America)