QB, Oregon

Last week: 89 passing yards, four TDs, 57 rushing yards

Season: Passing – 2,074 yards, 20 TDs, three INTs; Rushing – 549 yards, eight TDs

By leading the Ducks past then-No. 6 Arizona State last week, Dixon jumps to the top of this week’s Heisman watch. The last two leaders have fallen after just one week atop the list, but with Oregon off this weekend Dixon should hold onto the top spot – barring any historic performances from the other candidates.

Tim Tebow

QB, Florida

Last week: 281 passing yards, three TDs, one INT, 35 rushing yards, two rushing TDs

Season: Passing – 2,228 yards, 21 TDs, four INTs; Rushing – 598 yards, 11 TDs

It seems like I’ve said it every week in this space, but the Hammer is the most exciting player in college football. The dual threat has thrown only four interceptions all year long, and although the Gators are 6-3, the losses weren’t due to Tebow’s choking.

Darren McFadden

RB, Arkansas

Last week: 321 yards, one TD, 23-yard passing TD

Season: 1,316 yards, 12 TDs, two passing TDs

While nobody has questioned McFadden’s talent during the Razorbacks’ 6-3 season, his stats haven’t measured up to the other running backs’. Then his 321-yard performance last week bumped him up over the 1,000-yard mark, and now he has the numbers to go with the skills. The preseason favorite for the award is back among the leaders and with solid games against Tennessee and Louisiana State looming, McFadden could hoist the trophy after all.

Mike Hart

RB, Michigan

Last week: 110 yards

Season: 1,188 yards, 12 TDs

While Hart has little-to-no class in the pressroom, laughingly calling the Spartans his “little brother,” his talent on the field can’t be denied. He finally returned against MSU last weekend after 10 quarters on the sideline, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t see a lot of action Saturday against Wisconsin. Though he carried the Wolverines after their 0-2 start, like I said last week, I’m still a little concerned about his durability and toughness.

Matt Ryan

QB, Boston College

Last week: 415 yards, two TDs, three INTs

Season: 2,848 yards, 21 TDs, 11 INTs

Many people overlooked Ryan’s high interception total because he was the quarterback of the undefeated Eagles, but now that they have a loss in the column it’s time to start nit-picking. He’s had the Heisman moment of year in the fourth-quarter comeback against Virginia Tech, but after Boston College’s game against 4-5 Maryland, the Eagles face Clemson and Miami, which could put even more of a damper on Boston College’s record.

On the outside looking in: Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel

— Compiled by Cash Kruth