Since we have one week left in the season before the Heisman vote, we’re going to pare down to the top three candidates.

Heisman Rankings

1. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

It’s Marcus Mariota’s trophy to lose and as long as he leads the Ducks to a victory over Arizona in the Pac 12 Championship Game, he’s going to win the Heisman. Mariota accounted for 406 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in Oregon’s 47-19 demolition of Oregon State.

2. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

If Melvin Gordon had the season he’s having last year it would have probably been enough to get him the Heisman. Gordon had another productive game in Wisconsin’s win over Minnesota as he gained 151 and scored two touchdowns en route to a new Big Ten record 2,260 rushing yards on the season with 29 touchdowns. If Gordon has another historic day in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State, he could steal the award if Marcus Mariota struggles.

3. Amari Cooper, Alabama

Someone on the nation’s best team has to be represented in New York and Amari Cooper is Alabama’s best player. Cooper had a monster game against Auburn with 13 catches for 224 yards and three touchdowns. With subpar quarterback play, Amari Cooper has caught 103 balls for 1,573 yards and 14 touchdowns. Cooper needs to have another huge game against Missouri combined with losses from Oregon and Wisconsin to win the award.

The Breakdown:

If Mariota wins next week against Arizona the award is his.

Gordon needs Mariota to lose and he should win the award with another 100-yard game against Ohio State.

Cooper needs both Mariota and Gordon to lose and Gordon to struggle against Ohio State.