Week 9 Heisman Watch

Now that the first CFP rankings are out, it means the college season is really heating up. We are a mere matter of weeks until the playoffs are finalized and the Heisman is handed out. Speaking of the Heisman, it's time for our latest Heisman watch. The only player who dropped off from last week is C.J. Prosise of Notre Dame, who struggled against Temple's run defense. We also have a few players on the watch-list: DeShone Kizer of Notre Dame, Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma, and Greg Ward Jr. of Houston (all three are quarterbacks). Let's get started.

10. Josh Doctson, TCU (Last Week: NR)- After weeks of being on the watch-list, Doctson finally cracks the top 10. He does so after hauling in 11 receptions for 183 yards and two scores against West Virginia.

9. Dalvin Cook, Florida State (Last Week: 6)- Cook missed FSU's game against Syracuse with an ankle injury, but it looks like he will be able to play on Saturday when the 'Noles take on the #1 team in the CFP rankings, Clemson. A great performance there will do wonders for Cook's Heisman campaign.

8. Paxton Lynch, Memphis (Last Week: 10)- Memphis beat Tulane 41-13 to remain undefeated. Lynch threw for 343 yards and one score while also adding 43 yards on the ground. Memphis is ranked 13th in the CFP poll.

7. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford (Last Week: 9)- Stanford got a nasty scare from Washington State, but the Cardinals survived, keeping their playoff dreams alive. McCaffrey got 107 yards on the ground while also picking up a team-high 26 receiving yards.

6. Corey Coleman, Baylor (Last Week: 8)- Coleman was off this week, but he moves up thanks to Prosise and Cook trending downwards. It also helps that Coleman leads the nation in receiving touchdowns (18).

5. Derrick Henry, Alabama (Last Week: 4)- Henry did not take the field this week, but he needs all the rest as he can get, as Alabama takes on undefeated LSU next week. A win there will really help Henry's Heisman chances.

4. Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State (Last Week: 3)- Like a lot of other Heisman contenders, Elliot had Week 9 off. He is still very much in the Heisman race however, and will likely have a big game next week against Minnesota.

3. Deshaun Watson, Clemson (Last Week: 5)- Stats-wise, Watson had an incredible game against NC State. He threw for 383 yards and five scores (while running for 54 yards and a touchdown) to keep Clemson undefeated. Add on the fact that Clemson reigns atop the CFP and you have the perfect formula for a Heisman candidate.

2. Trevone Boykin, TCU (Last Week: 2)- Two days before Watson's fantastic performance, Boykin went out and had himself a game against West Virginia. Boykin threw for 388 yards, rushed for a team-high 84 yards, and had four total touchdowns.

1. Leonard Fournette, LSU (Last Week: 1)- Despite some stiff competition, Fournette is still the Heisman front-runner. He does however, face a very daunting task next week: Alabama's notoriously tough run-defense.

Thanks for reading everyone.