Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Buzz: Another week, another round of allegations. But despite all the drama, Newton stepped up again, leading the Tigers to a 49-31 victory over Georgia. The win earned Auburn the SEC West title and a trip to the conference title game against South Carolina. The junior had four touchdowns — two through the air, two on the ground — and accounted for 299 total yards. Up next:
At Alabama, Nov. 26.
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
Buzz: In a game of season lows for not only himself but his team, James managed only 91 yards and failed to find the end zone for the first time this season. Despite the off night, the Ducks beat a pesky Cal team 15-13 to remain undefeated. In only nine games, the sophomore has 1,422 yards and
17 touchdowns.
Up next: Arizona, Nov. 26.
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Buzz: Like his Pac-10 counterpart James, Luck also struggled in a 17-13 win over Arizona State. Despite completing nearly 81 percent of his passes for 292 yards, the junior did not throw a touchdown pass for the first time this season. The Texas native has thrown for 2,505 yards and 22 TDs to lead Stanford to its best start since 1951.
Up next: at Cal, Saturday.
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Buzz: Friday's 52-14 victory over Idaho was a ho-hum performance for Moore. The junior completed 73 percent of his 26 attempts for 216 yards and three touchdowns before sitting for most of the second half. On the season, Moore has thrown for 2,588 yards and 24 touchdowns and leads the nation in passing efficiency (191.15).
Up next: Fresno State, Friday.
Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
Buzz: Playing in his final home game of the season, Dalton threw for 240 yards and four touchdowns to help rally the Horned Frogs from a two-touchdown deficit and beat San Diego State 40-35. With only one regular-season game remaining, he will have a tough time making up ground on the rest of the candidates.
Up next: at New Mexico, Nov. 27.
Heisman poll
In a survey of Heisman Trophy voters within Tribune Newspapers, five* out of six still had Auburn's Cam Newton as their favorite despite accusations about his recruiting and academic record. The voting:
1. Cam Newton
2. LaMichael James
3. Kellen Moore
*-Two voters requested an asterisk pending new information on Newton.