A look at the leading Heisman Trophy candidates after Week 2:
Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon: Must be considered the front-runner in the race after a rout of Virginia in which he passed for 199 yards and rushed for 122 while accounting for three touchdowns. Oregon is ranked No. 2, and being the star quarterback of a national title contender is an easy way to earn a trip to New York.
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia: After the Clemson loss, Murray needed a bounce-back game and he got it with a win over South Carolina, completing 17 of 23 passes for 309 yards and four TDs. A home game against LSU in two weeks is key.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville: Since Louisville doesn't have a tough game on its schedule, Bridgewater needs to keep producing eye-popping numbers to stay in contention. After torching Eastern Kentucky for 397 yards and four touchdowns, the Miami native is doing just that.
Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: Last year's Heisman winner passed for 403 yards and three touchdowns in three quarters against Sam Houston State. There's a little-known opponent named Alabama coming to town this week. Seems like an opportunity for Manziel to play the whole game.
Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson: Threw for 169 yards and a touchdown and ran in a score against South Carolina State of the FCS. Not an outstanding performance against a weakling opponent. Needs a big game this week against N.C. State to get back in the race.
Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia: Has to be considered the No. 1 candidate among running backs. The sophomore had 134 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries against South Carolina.
De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon: Will split votes with Mariota, but back-to-back 100-yard games on limited carries means he's in the conversation. The Ducks are second in the nation in rushing yards.
Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor: Played the first half against Buffalo and put up 150 yards and three TDs. Has time to rack up major numbers in the Bears' high-powered offense.
Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State: One of the leading candidates coming into the season, Miller left the Buckeyes' win over San Diego State with an injury. If he's out long term, kiss his chances goodbye. OSU has Cal next week.
Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State: It's one game, but what a game. The freshman's 25-for-27, 356-yard, four-TD night against Pitt was a debut to remember. With games against Nevada and Bethune-Cookman in the next two weeks, Winston needs to take a page out of Bridgewater's playbook. Oct. 19 against Clemson will make or break his candidacy.
