Watching the Heisman: Week 1

Week 1 is in the bag and here are the top 10 Heisman contenders:

10. (Last Week: 7) Mark Ingram- Ingram has did not play last week and has done nothing this season to warrant being on this list.  However, he is the defending champion and must be considered a contender until he proves otherwise.
9. (Last Week: NR)Patrick Patterson- Patterson is this week's defensive contender for the award.  Unlike Suh or Clayborn, Patterson is a more traditional candidate because he is a dynamic kick returner as well.  Last week, he returned kicks for the first time since high school and had an 87-yard punt return touchdown.
8. (Last Week: NR) Tyrod Taylor- Taylor had the best all-around game of his career against the Broncos on Monday.  The Hokies' huge comeback was largely his doing and his ability to scramble was what finally jump started VaTech's game.  If Taylor can sustain his performance through the ACC season, both his and the Hokies' prospects will be much brighter.
7. (Last Week: HM) Andy Dalton- Dalton looked good but not great against Oregon State and will need better statistics if he wants to compete for the stiff-armed statue.  However, he did lead his team to a signature win which is an important point to Heisman voters.
6. (Last Week: HM) Andrew Luck- Luck looked as strong as expected against Sacramento State.  This week's game at UCLA kicks off a brutal two months that will make or break Stanford and Luck's seasons.
5. (Last Week: HM) Cameron Newton- Newton exceeded all expectations against Arkansas State.  Unfortunately, the Tigers' schedule turns difficult very quickly.  If he can lead them through the next three games (tonight at Mississippi State, vs. Clemson, and vs. South Carolina), Newton could emerge as another serious dual-threat contender.
4. (Last Week: 6) Ryan Mallet- Mallet feasted upon the FCS defense of Tennessee Tech.  He has one more game to pad his stats before a brutal four game stretch (at Georgia, vs. Texas A&M, vs. Alabama, and at Auburn) that will make or break his year. 
3. (Last Week: 4) Christian Ponder- Ponder was his usual accurate self against Samford.  If he can lead the Noles to victory in Norman, his candidacy will receive a huge boost.
2. (Last Week: 2) Kellen Moore-Unlike many of the other candidates, Moore already has his signature win and signature moment wrapped up.  Going forward he needs to keep his stats high and his team perfect to have a shot at being the first non-BCS conference winner in many years.
1. (Last Week: 1) Terrell Pryor- Pryor put up great numbers with his arm against Marshall, which should bode well with more difficult games down the road.  This week's game versus Miami will go a long way towards deciding his Heisman potential.