Jimmy Clausen

Notre Dame quarterback

Last week: Once again, Clausen calmly led the Irish to a late rally in a 20-16 victory against Boston College, going 26-for-39 for 246 yards and two TDs.

This week: vs. Washington State in San Antonio

Season stats: 150-for-230 for 2,050 yards with 16 TDs, 2 INT. Ranked No. 2 in passing efficiency (161.3)

Outlook: Clausen's late-game heroics are impressive, but Notre Dame has yet to beat a ranked team. The Irish are No. 25 this week and need to continue to climb for Clausen's chances to improve.

Jerry Hughes

TCU defensive end

Last week: In the 38-7 victory at Brigham Young, Hughes had a sack and a forced fumble among his four tackles.

This week: vs. UNLV

Season stats: Nine sacks, 35 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble. Fourth in nation in sacks a game (1.29).

Outlook: Hughes is a Heisman long shot for the same reason Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is. They play defense. The only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman was Charles Woodson in 1997, who also got plenty of attention for catching passes and returning kicks.

Mark Ingram

Alabama running back

Last week: Ran for 99 yards on 18 carries, modest by his standards, and fumbled late in the fourth quarter, allowing Tennessee back in the game. The Tide prevailed 12-10, thanks to Terrence Cody's blocked field goal as time expired.

This week: Off, vs. No. 9 LSU on Nov. 7

Season stats: 153 carries for 1,004 yards, 8 TDs. His 125.5 yards a game is fifth in nation.

Outlook: Last week, Ingram was everyone's trendy pick. His Heisman chances will likely be decided in the Southeastern Conference title game if Alabama and Florida enter undefeated.

Case Keenum

Houston quarterback

Last week: Keenum was 25-of-36 for 233 yards with a TD in 38-15 victory vs. Southern Methodist.

This week: vs. Southern Miss

Season stats: Has thrown for a nation-best 2,734 yards; 241-for-344 for 20 TDs and 4 INT.

Outlook: The one-loss Cougars needed to stay undefeated and to challenge for a BCS bid for Keenum to have a serious chance. But his play is certainly deserving.

Colt McCoy

Texas quarterback

Last week: Completed his first 11 passes and went 26-for-31 for 269 yards with three 3 TDs and one interception as Longhorns thumped Missouri, 41-7.

This week: at No. 13 Oklahoma State

Season stats: 182-for-254 for 1,806 yards, 14 TDs, 8 INT

Outlook: Moved firmly back into the top of the Heisman race. His stock will continue to rise if he performs well against the Cowboys, UT's toughest remaining test. One concern: McCoy's eight interceptions this season match the number he had in all of 2008.

Kellen Moore

Boise State quarterback

Last week: Had a career-best five touchdown passes and was 18-for-30 for 223 yards in 54-9 blowout at Hawaii.

This week: vs. San Jose State

Season stats: 132-for-194 for 1,627 yards, 21 TDs, 2 INT

Outlook: Moore leads the nation in passing efficiency (172.1), but like his team, has much to overcome to be considered an equal among the big boys.

Tony Pike

Cincinnati quarterback

Last week: Did not play after surgery on non-throwing forearm as Bearcats beat Louisville, 41-10.

This week: at Syracuse

Season stats: 128-for-199 for 1,633 yards with 15 TDs, 3 INT.

Outlook: The Bearcats hope to have Pike back against Syracuse, but they probably won't need him given backup Zach Collaros had a terrific game in his absence. However, Pike's Heisman stock will drop with every game he misses.

Tim Tebow

Florida quarterback

Last week: Two interceptions returned for TDs in lackluster 29-19 win at Mississippi State. Tebow left the stadium without speaking to reporters.

This week: vs. Georgia in Jacksonville. Tebow's final game in his hometown.

Season stats: 84-for-132 for 1,159 yards, 8 TDs, 4 INT; 466 yards rushing (team's leading rusher), 6 rushing TDs.

Outlook: It's the 2007 Heisman winner's trophy if Tebow doesn't continue to try to do too much and make costly mistakes as a result.

Bradford done:

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, last year's Heisman winner will have season-ending surgery and expects to enter the NFL draft in April. The Oklahoma quarterback injured his right, throwing shoulder twice this season, most recently against Texas on Oct. 10. The school announced Sunday Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala.

Enlarge By Marvin Gentry, US Presswire Mark Ingram is one of many Heisman hopefuls trying to improve his chances for the prestigious trophy during the stretch run of the season.