Heisman Power Rankings: Ezekiel Elliott makes a statement
Winning the Heisman Trophy isn't all about stats. Putting up impressive performances against elite competition is going to stand out a lot more than racking up video-game numbers against mediocre opponents.
Take Bowling Green's Matt Johnson for example. The signal caller has already thrown for more than 2,000 yards, but the Falcons are in the MAC Conference and boast a lackluster 3-2 record. That's not to say his accomplishments are without merit, but it's simply going to take near record-breaking totals for him to be invited to New York in December.
Here are the five players that topped our list this week:
1. Leonard Fournette, RB - LSU
Fournette is making 200-yard games look easy.
The LSU running back posted his third straight in Saturday's win over Eastern Michigan, tallying 233 yards and three scores on the night. He also added a season-long 75-yard burst, further proving his big-play capabilities. Fournette is more than just holding serve at the top of the rankings, he continues to make emphatic statements on a weekly basis.
The Tigers will take on No. 11 Florida two weeks from now, which will allow Fournette an even greater spotlight to display his talents.
2. Trevone Boykin, QB - TCU
Boykin is making Fournette work for his front-runner Heisman spot.
With a five-score performance against Texas on Saturday, Boykin now has 19 touchdown passes to just three picks in 2015. The signal caller has also led the Horned Frog offense to three straight outings where they scored at least 50 points and has now totaled more than 240 yards on the ground.
The danger for Boykin's Heisman hopes down the stretch will be getting pulled in blowouts, like he was versus the Longhorns. TCU's schedule isn't as difficult as LSU's the rest of the way, meaning Fournette may get more opportunities to pad his stats as the season progresses.
3. Ezekiel Elliott, RB - Ohio State
Elliott finally had the breakout performance everybody was waiting for last weekend.
In a seven-point win over Indiana, Elliott had touchdown runs of 55, 65, and 75 yards, en route to a 274-yard day. That total more than doubled his previous season-high of 124 yards. The Buckeyes continue to sit atop the AP Poll and if they remain there the rest of the way, it's going to be hard to ignore Elliott when all is said and done if he has a few more games like he did against the Hoosiers.
Elliott's Heisman fate could depend on how he performs against the solid defenses of Michigan State and Michigan in the final two games on the year.
4. Nick Chubb, RB - Georgia
Chubb extended his streak of consecutive 100-yard rushing games to 13, but he dropped a spot in our rankings this week.
Partly because Elliott had such a huge day, but also because Chubb was less than impressive against Georgia's first big test of the season. Sure, Chubb notched 148 yards and a score, but 83 of those came in garbage time with the Crimson Tide already leading 38-3.
Saturday's game was a huge opportunity for Chubb to inch closer to Fournette and separate himself from the other backs in the country, and he failed to stand out.
5. Derrick Henry, RB - Alabama
Henry returns to the list after a week's absence, edging out Seth Russell thanks to a season-high 148 yards against the Bulldogs.
The challenge for Henry this season has been consistency, as his two less than stellar games have been sandwiched by three strong ones. The plus side for the Alabama back, though, is that those good outings have come against quality competition. Henry has topped the century mark in games against Wisconsin, Ole Miss, and now Georgia this season.
With Alabama back in the top 10, Henry will have a shot to lead the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff and earn some Heisman consideration while doing so.