Oklahoma State and Oregon both lost and fell back in the national championship race in Week 12. That might be fatal to the Heisman Trophy chances of Brandon Weeden and LaMichael James.
Heisman Trophy 2011 Watch: Brandon Weeden, LaMichael James Take Tumbles
Brandon Weeden’s three interceptions against Oklahoma State may have knocked the quarterback out of the Heisman Trophy race.
Of the two, Weeden is the contender who may have done more to play himself out of the race. He wasn’t as sharp as he typically is in Oklahoma State’s loss to Iowa State on Friday night, and while he threw for 478 yards and three touchdowns, he also threw three interceptions, including one in double overtime that allowed Iowa State to win the game. Weeden’s numbers for the season are still staggering, but with his Cowboys staggered, it’s unlikely that he will be the first choice for most Heisman voters.
James, on the other hand, had a decent game in Oregon’s 38-35 loss to USC. He ran for 78 yards and a touchdown in the loss, and helped Oregon rally back late. But Kenjon Barner outpaced James with 123 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, and James coughed up a fumble that likely cost the Ducks points. James was always a fringe Heisman candidate to begin with, considering his position and team; with that team fully out of the national championship race, his hopes of hoisting the Heisman Trophy are probably fully dashed.
For more on the 2011 Heisman Trophy race, read Bill Connelly’s Heisman Trophy watch and check out SB Nation’s Heisman Watch section.
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