Heisman Watch: Marcus Mariota continues to lead the way

Rivalry week is over and unfortunately, some key players suffered detrimental injuries that may jeopardize their teams' futures. 

That being said, it was a highly-anticipated slate of games that didn't fail to disappoint and it was the stomping grounds for superstars to thrive.

One of those stars was Marcus Mariota who, unlike many others this year, remained consistently good week in and week out.  Meanwhile, the loss of J.T. Barrett drops him in these ranks, mainly because we won't know what he's like in the most important game of the season. 

To round out the list, Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon stayed pat, TCU pivot Trevone Boykin made a leap, while Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott took a tumble. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston fell out altogether after an abysmal performance against Florida.
 

1. Marcus Mariota, QB - Oregon (1)

The Ducks quarterback knows what it takes to be great and not only that, but he does it in a blue-collar way. 

There's never a scandal with Mariota, never a controversy, never a question mark and never a doubt. As soon as he takes to the field, he's a damn good quarterback, just like he is every week.

He drubbed Oregon State on Saturday to the tune of 367 yards, four passing touchdowns and two rushing scores. So what else do you want in a Heisman winner? 

He's thrown for 3,470 yards this season and 36 touchdowns on only two interceptions. Mariota has also rushed for 636 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, a career high.

2: Melvin Gordon, RB - Wisconsin

Of all the running backs in college football, Melvin Gordon has found a way to shine the light on himself. 

A record-breaker and team leader, the Wisconsin junior has burned the ground beneath him every time he steps on the gridiron. 

Gordon has run away from the pack this year, tacking on 2,260 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns. With one game left, he has a chance to prove his stock when his team needs him most.

3: Trevone Boykin, QB - TCU

TCU's quarterback is one of the players you hate to see behind center if you're the opposing team. 

Why? Because he does it all. A great play-caller, he is the key cog to the nation's third-most potent offense, both with his legs and his arm.

The Horned Frogs have yet to score less than 30 points this season, behind Boykin's 3,254 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and eight rushing scores.

4: J.T. Barrett, QB - Ohio State

There was one game we wanted to see J.T. Barrett play in and it's not going to happen. 

Although his performance merits Heisman Trophy love, the ability to perform in a pivotal bowl game with the potential to crack the championship playoffs is much more riveting. 

But unfortunately, the buck(eye) stops here, as Ohio State's star tallied 2,834 yards, and 34 TD's in what was an otherwise spectacular performance in the absence of perennial Heisman winner Braxton Miller. 

It was a heck of a season for Barrett, but unfortunately, that's all it's going to be.

5: Dak Prescott, QB - Mississippi State

Mississippi State is the best team this season that will be forgotten. 

The Bulldogs, and Dak Prescott, specifically, were so good all season long until it mattered most, dropping two of their last three and dashing all playoff hopes.

Prescott has something to do with that. Don't kid yourself, Prescott has all the tools a quarterback needs to be successful, except the junior lacks maturity in key situations. 

Nevertheless, he'll be in the conversation when all is said and done, thanks to 2,996 yards and 24 touchdowns to go with 13 rushing scores.