QB, Boston College

Last week: 285 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs

Season: 2,433 passing yards, 19 TDs, 8 INTs

Ryan’s play throughout most of last Thursday’s game against Virginia Tech was terrible, and he was playing himself out of the Heisman race and his team out of the national championship picture. Then the last two minutes happened, and Ryan turned from goat to Heisman favorite as he led the Eagles to a come-from-behind victory.

Dennis Dixon

QB, Oregon

Last week: 157 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD

Season: Passing — 1,885 yards, 16 TDs, 3 INTs; Rushing — 492 yards, 8 TDs

Consider this spot 1-A, because even though Ryan is listed first, this is a two-horse race. Dixon has led the Ducks to a 4-1 record in a surprisingly tough Pac-10.

Tim Tebow

QB, Florida

Last week: 236 passing yards, 3 total TDs

Season: Passing — 1,947 yards, 18 TDs, 3 INTs; Rushing — 563 yards, 12 TDs

The quarterback of a 5-3 team ranked third in the Heisman watch? It’s true. Not only is Tebow the biggest difference maker in college football, he’s also the most exciting player in the land, and that makes him a legitimate candidate for the Heisman.

Mike Hart

RB, Michigan

Last week: Did not play

Season: 1,078 yards, 12 TDs

I’m getting really sick of typing “Did not play” for Mike Hart. I understand that Hart is a key reason that U-M is on a seven-game winning streak after its 0-2 start. I understand that he’s one of the best running backs in the nation. He hasn’t played in the last 10 quarters due to injury, but you know what? It’s football — everyone gets injured.

Give an honorable mention to Arkansas back Darren McFadden.

Compiled by Cash Kruth