TCU at Texas big for Boykin in Heisman chase

It appears as if the Heisman Trophy will be won by one of two candidates, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota or Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon.

Mariota, with 32 touchdown passes and a mere two interceptions, is leading in three credible surveys, while Gordon, who reached 2,000 yards rushing in fewer carries than any other FBS running back in history, is unanimous as the runner-up.

Mariota might have an edge with two games remaining, at Oregon State on Saturday and in the Pacific 12 conference championship game against an opponent to be determined. Gordon has one guaranteed game remaining, against Minnesota on Saturday. But if the Badgers lose, they will not advance to the Big Ten conference championship game.

Mariota and Gordon were the only players receiving first or second place votes in the USA Today survey.

The tightest race is for third place. TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin is third according to ESPN and Sports Illustrated and sixth according to USA Today. His opportunity to finish among the finalists invited to New York for the Dec. 13 ceremony could be enhanced depending on how he performs in the Frogs' game on Thanksgiving night at Texas.

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott is third according to USA Today. He led the Bulldogs to the largest margin of victory in school history last Saturday, 51-0, over Vanderbilt and has another opportunity to impress Saturday against Ole Miss.

Ballots were sent to 929 voters Monday. They must be returned by Dec. 8.

USA Today
1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon QB
2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin RB
3. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State QB
4. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State QB
5. Amari Cooper, Alabama WR
6. Trevone Boykin, TCU QB
7. Tevin Coleman, Indiana RB
8. Jameis Winston, Florida State QB

ESPN
1. Mariota
2. Gordon
3. Boykin
4. Barrett
5. Prescott
6. Cooper
7. Coleman
8. Winston

Sports Illustrated
1. Mariota
2. Gordon
3. Boykin
4. Barrett
5. Cooper