Once again, we were blessed with an incredible weekend of college football.
Trevone Boykin fended off an upset from Texas Tech (with a little luck) and kept TCU alive in the playoff hunt.
We also saw a big upset that sent the Ducks out of the AP poll for the first time since 2009. I don’t think anyone expected Utah to beat Oregon in that particular fashion (62-20).
My top three remain unchanged. However, the bye week for Oklahoma and the sub-par performance from Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly opened up spots for some outsiders.
Here’s a look at the Week 4 rankings:
1. RB LEONARD FOURNETTE (LSU)
The LSU running back had an incredible performance versus the Syracuse Orange. Fournette ran for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers 34-24 win.
What is startling is the lack of balance on offense from LSU. If head coach Les Miles can’t find a better balance between the run and the pass, Fournette may start facing more eight or nine-man fronts.
After beginning the season on a blistering pace, it’s quite possible that nothing will stop this guy. So far, Fournette is on pace to rack up 2,524 yards and 32 touchdowns.
I don’t expect his numbers to go down this week as LSU plays Eastern Michigan, who ranks last in the FBS against the run. This Saturday should provide Fournette with another game to pad the stats.
2. RB NICK CHUBB (GEORGIA)
Last week, Chubb ran for 131 yards and two touchdowns in a game against Southern University. The sophomore RB also caught one ball for a touchdown.
That game against was nothing more than a warmup. Chubb will get his first big test of the season in the Bulldogs’ top-25 matchup against No. 13 Alabama this weekend. A strong showing on Saturday would surely vault him to No. 1 in the Heisman race.
If there were ever a time for Chubb to make a national statement, it’s this weekend against Alabama.
This Saturday will be the first time since 2008 that Georgia is ranked above the Crimson Tide when entering a matchup with Nick Saban’s squad.
The Bulldogs are currently ranked No. 8, and a win this weekend would do wonders for their playoff potential, as well as Chubb’s Heisman campaign.
3. QB TREVONE BOYKIN (TCU)
With Boykin’s performance against Texas Tech last weekend, he made a strong case to move up to the No. 2 spot. A better thrown ball on TCU’s final touchdown may have been enough to change my mind, however; the lucky tip keeps him at No. 3 this week.
Even with the fortunate bounce, Boykin was incredibly impressive in Saturday’s game. The senior quarterback threw for 485 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions and ran for 42 yards.
His production helped lead TCU to the dramatic, come-from-behind 55-52 win in Lubbock.
Next up for Gary Patterson’s squad is the Texas Longhorns. I don’t expect UT to put up much of a fight against TCU and Boykin should produce his typical numbers.
I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again – as long as the Frogs can keep winning ball games, Boykin’s Heisman chances are superb.
If they win the Big 12 title, you better believe Boykin will be in New York when December rolls around for the trophy presentation.
4. RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT (OSU)
Elliott made his way back into my top five after a week of not making the list. Part of the reason for his return was his consistent play last weekend.
The other part has to do with Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield not playing and Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly’s poor play.
Elliott’s reliability has been big for the Buckeyes after they have had unexpected struggles at the quarterback position.
The junior running back posted his ninth consecutive game over 100 yards rushing in Ohio State’s win over Western Michigan. Honestly, I’m not sure why Urban Meyer hasn’t given the 6-foot-1, 225-pound back the ball more. Perhaps he’s trying to save him for the more meaningful game against Michigan and Michigan State at the end of the season. Whatever the case may be, Elliott’s going to need more touches if he wants to continue to climb in the Heisman standings.
5. WR COREY COLEMAN (BAYLOR)
I’d like to point out that I try to be as unbiased as I can in making my Heisman ranking list.
After looking at potential candidates and comparing numbers, I find it near impossible not to include Baylor’s junior wide receiver Corey Coleman in my Heisman shortlist.
After the first three games of the season, I believe Coleman is the best wide receiver in college football.
Of course, many would argue the easier schedule has helped play a part in Coleman’s record-breaking numbers.
However, Coleman has shown an uncanny ability to win any jump ball situation and burn any defender that lines up across from him.
The junior wide receiver’s rare combination of speed and physicality has helped him begin the 2015 season with an impressive stat line. Coleman has 17 receptions, 460 yards and leads the nation with eight touchdowns in 2015.
And in case you were wondering, Coleman has done all of that with one fewer game than his counterparts.
Baylor’s Big 12 conference play begins this weekend against Texas Tech. Despite the competition getting tougher, I expect Coleman to raise his level of play even higher. At this point, he’s Baylor’s best shot at a Heisman Trophy.
