So this is the perfect storm for Newton to go Vince Young on Ole Miss’ defense and hit the Heisman pose on National TV, right? You’re right, it sure is… but one other person has a LOT to gain from having a good game on the other side of the field.

Jeremiah Masoli. Yes, that Masoli.  The same guy that was quarterbacking the Oregon Ducks two years ago before he was dismissed from the team and hustled the NCAA’s graduate rules to get immediate eligibility at Ole Miss.

I saw him on ESPN’s first take.  He seemed like he really regretted how things shook out at Oregon and is really taking his last chance to heart.  He had a very Mike Vick like “I’m sorry” demeanor as he spoke about his past transgressions.

But now that everything is behind him, Masoli can focus on impressing the NFL scouts.  He is going to be in the 2011 NFL Draft, presumably as a quarterback, and if he has a big game don’t be surprised if you hear his name kicked around the mid rounds of the draft.  The quarterback class this year is going to be very thin past the first round with very few prospects that NFL teams would take a look at beyond a developmental role.  Masoli is interesting to NFL scouts because he has a ton of experience and is very mobile, but he also has those “character issues” to be concerned about.

Masoli you can help himself out a lot this weekend. This could be his time to shine.

But I’m sorry Michigan fans, it does not work like that.

So moving forward lets look at how am I ranking the 2011 Heisman candidates. I look at a number of factors:

• Individual talent
• Team record
• Impact on team
• Overall excitement
• Consistency
• Stats

A very simple formula.  The best player on the best team with a highlight reel of outstanding plays and eye popping stats should win.  With that said, lets rank ’em up.

1. Cam Newton QB Auburn

Auburn’s quarterback is playing very consistent football and is the main reason behind Auburn’s rise in the polls.  He should be at Florida, but that is a different story for a different day. His exciting runs, Auburn’s #4 ranking, and the regular 50+ point games his team drops has him a firm #1.

2. LaMichael James RB Oregon

Oregon is the #1 team in the nation in the coaches polls, and James is a big reason why.  His electric 70+ yard runs has many thinking of Reggie Bush who also took a similar route to the Heisman.  Long as Oregon wins out LaMichael will be at the Downtown Athletic Club this winter.

3. Taylor Martinez QB Nebraska

I know, I know, Martinez had a bad game vs. Texas but that doesn’t take away from his incredible yardage totals and the 5-1 record that Nebraska put up.  Zac Lee relieved him in the second half of that Texas game so going forward Martinez has to play outstanding to keep his job and stay in the Heisman race.

4. Denard Robinson QB Michigan

Michigan lost a tough game versus Michgan State and Denard Robinson threw multiple picks for the second week in a row.  I’ve written several articles on how Denard was going to cool off in conference play, and he has, but like Martinez he has many games left to crank his hype machine up again.

5. Kellen Moore QB Boise State

I really wanted to include Terrelle Pryor in these rankings but I cannot justify that after he faltered on the national stage in a loss versus Wisconsin.  A come from behind win in that situation and Pryor would have been number two or three on this list.

Moore is the quarterback of the BCS’ third ranked team, and boasts the longest winning streak in the nation.  I don’t think that he is particularly as exciting or super talented but he reminds me a lot of another lefty to win the Heisman on a top ranked team: Matt Leinart.

Just Missed this list: Demarco Murray RB Oklahoma