We're 13 weeks into what has been a phenomenally entertaining college football season. The inaugural playoff picture is starting to take shape, and the Heisman Trophy race is in full force. With that in mind, now is a perfect time to look at the NCAA landscape and dole out some season superlatives.
Analyzing the 2014 Heisman Race
Biggest Surprise: The State of Mississippi. Coming into the season, everyone knew the SEC West would be the preeminent division in the game. Not many, however, predicted the two Mississippi teams would fare so favorably in it. The Bulldogs are undefeated and sitting atop every poll, and Ole Miss is 4-2 with an impressive upset victory vs. Alabama.
Biggest Disappointment: South Carolina. The Gamecocks opened the season ranked No. 9 and harboring major championship aspirations. An opening night blowout at the hands of Texas A&M quickly squashed that narrative. Nine games into their season, they sit at a ghastly 4-5. Forget the playoff -- SC might not even make the Independence Bowl.
Biggest Pretender: Florida State. Have you ever seen a less impressive undefeated team than this year's Seminoles? Whether it's just a championship hangover or the pile-up of a neverending list of off-field Jameis Winston distractions, FSU has played down to their competition far too often. One of these days the Noles' consistently slow starts will bite them.
Biggest Contender: Alabama. There's simply no way I can bet against Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide in November. Sure, the Running Rebels stole a game off them early in the season, but their comeback win in Death Valley against a formidable LSU squad showcases their resilence and skill. This team is stacked at every position. I expect Bama to take care of business at home vs. Mississippi State, and reclaim their status as national title favorites.
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