Heisman Trophy update v2.0

While Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett was on the sideline being examined by medical staff, Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton was willing the Tigers to a 65-43 win, and climbing the Heisman Trophy ladder.

Newton tallied 328 yards of offense and four touchdowns in the primetime win, and has led Auburn to a 7-0 record and a No. 5 ranking. The 6-foot-6, 247-pound quarterback has been phenomenal, completing 66% of his passes for 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.

But he's been even deadlier on the ground, where he's averaged 123 yards rushing per game, and added 12 rushing touchdowns.

Defending Heisman Trophy winner Alabama running back Mark Ingram has slowly fallen off the radar, despite having a pretty solid season so far. Ingram has 456 rushing yards and six touchdowns, but missed the first two games of the season, which may have crippled his hopes.

Ingram certainly doesn't deserve the nod over Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray, who has 150 carries for 663 yards and 11 touchdowns, as the Sooners debuted at No. 1 in the BCS rankings. And as I wrote a few weeks ago, Murray at +6000 to win the award was a terrific value.

Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, a sexy sleeper pick as of a week ago, has also damaged his Heisman stock. Martinez finished 4-for-12 for 63 yards and 13 carries for 21 yards in a home loss to Texas. It knocked Nebraska out of the top 10 and probably cost Martinez a shot at the trophy.

Others receiving consideration? Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, Oregon running back LaMichael James, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Wisconsin running back John Clay and Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson.