The top two teams in the country were in survival mode Saturday night, and a significant gap was created between their respective candidates. Cam Newton (Auburn) was phenomenal; LaMichael James (Oregon) was pedestrian. Kellen Moore (Boise State) continued his rise, and Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State) busted into the top five.
1. Cam Newton » Newton responded to a tumultuous week with a dominating game against Georgia, passing for 148 yards, rushing for 151 and accounting for four touchdowns in Auburn’s 49-31 win. Last week » 1
2. Kellen Moore » The Boise State quarterback didn’t need to do much in a 52-14 win over in-state rival Idaho, but he turned in a customary efficient performance, completing 19 of 26 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Last week » 3
3. LaMichael James » Like his fellow Ducks, the speedy running back was contained for most of Oregon’s 15-13 squeaker against Cal. James rushed for a season-low 91 yards and was held without a score for the first time since last season’s Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State. Last week » 2
4. Andy Dalton » Dalton threw for four touchdowns (all in the first half) as TCU built up a big lead and hung on for a 40-35 win over San Diego State. Last week » 4
5. Justin Blackmon » The Oklahoma State wide receiver completed phase four of his Lone Star State destruction tour on Saturday, catching nine passes for 145 yards and a touchdown in a 33-16 win over Texas. In victories against Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor and Texas this season, Blackmon caught 42 passes for 652 yards and four touchdowns. Last week » NR
