This week's new face is Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton. The Florida transfer (he was once Tim Tebow's backup) has led Auburn to a 5-0 start, accounting for at least two touchdowns in each game. He enters the Predictor standings after throwing for a career-high 245 yards and three touchdowns against Louisiana-Monroe.
Newton debuts at second place in the standings, but he has a lot of work to do.
Heisman Predictor: Week 5
These are the top 10 in the Heisman Predictor standings as of October 4, 2010. For a full understanding of how points are calculated, please click here.
Player Team Points
Mark Ingram Alabama Crimson Tide 118.5
Cameron Newton Auburn Tigers 108.5
Terrelle Pryor Ohio State Buckeyes 108
Denard Robinson Michigan Wolverines 107.5
LaMichael James Oregon Ducks 102
Taylor Martinez Nebraska Cornhuskers 101
Daniel Thomas Kansas State Wildcats 92
Andrew Luck Stanford Cardinal 89.5
Ryan Mallett Arkansas Razorbacks 88.5
Kellen Moore Boise State Broncos 81.5
Auburn is 5-0 for the second straight year, but the Tigers went just 2-5 to close out the regular season in 2009. In order for Newton to remain a candidate, he'll need to prevent another late-season disappointment, which may be easier said than done. Three of Auburn's final seven games come against teams currently ranked in the top 20: the Arkansas Razorbacks, LSU Tigers and, oh yes, the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide. That's both good and bad news for Newton.
If he goes 0-3 in those games, he has no shot at the Heisman. If he can drop one or two of those teams and be viewed as the cornerstone of the performance, he'd have a legitimate shot for at least a New York invite.
ESPN Heisman Predictor has...