The leading candidates for college football’s top individual award:
Geno Smith
West Virginia QB
This week: 45 of 51, 656 yards, 8 TDs, 0 INTs vs. Baylor.
Season: 96 of 118, 1,072 yards, 12 TDs, 0 INTs.
Comment: Smith, who also rushed for 31 yards, helped the Mountaineers amass a school-record 807 yards.
EJ Manuel
Florida State QB
This week: 19 of 26, 242 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs vs. South Florida.
Season: 88 of 120, 1,147 yards, 9 TDs, 1 INT; 34 carries, 197 yards.
Comment: Manuel submitted modest numbers, but the Seminoles remained unbeaten.
Collin Klein
Kansas State QB
This week: Did not play.
Season: 56 of 80, 758 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs; 63 carries, 289 yards, 5 TDs.
Comment: The Wildcats’ win over then-No. 6 Oklahoma last week pushed them to No. 7, their highest ranking since 2003.
De’Anthony Thomas
Oregon RB
This week: Played Washington State (late).
Season: 25 carries, 276 yards, 4 TDs; 13 catches, 165 yards, 3 TDs.
Comment: Thomas also entered the game with eight punt returns for 131 yards.
