Heisman Watch: Penn State's Saquon Barkley still tops list before make-or-break run

Saquon Barkley got the break he may have needed for his showcase run down the stretch.

No better time for some extra rest in the middle of the season — and before Penn State's revealing run against Top 25 Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State.

Barkley already owns a handful of defining moments, but to truly own college football's biggest award, you should dominate against the toughest competition.

These next three weeks are crucial, starting Saturday against Michigan. Especially with Stanford tailback Bryce Love continuing to narrow the gap and this race suddenly enjoying a Big Ten flavor all the way through.

Here's how I see the Heisman Trophy race after Week 7 ...  

1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State, running back: (last week, 1) The rest from a bye week should energize the nation's all-purpose yards leader and its most complete offensive player. Now come three of the nation's top defenses. Barkley won't be able to match Love's rushing numbers, but the nation will be watching his complete game Saturday night. That matters more.

2. Bryce Love, Stanford, running back: (last week, 2) Another strong performance in what amounted to just one half of football: 17 rushes, 147 yards, 2 touchdowns. He did get banged up in the blowout win over Oregon, which bears watching. Love is still averaging a stunning 10 yards per carry but may still have to increase his overall production to win the trophy.

3. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma, quarterback: (last week, 3) He hangs onto the third spot after leading the Sooners back late against underwhelming Texas. Another 300-yard passing day, but he did throw his first interception of the season. The top four spots are as close as ever. 

4. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State, quarterback: (last week, 5) We like the bounce-back effort after the bye week. Rudolph tore up a suspect Baylor defense with 19-of-31 passing for 459 yards and three scores without an interception. He did exactly what he needed. Like Barkley, his toughest tests are coming in Texas, West Virginia and Oklahoma.

5. J.T. Barrett, Ohio State, quarterback: (last week, 6) He is surging like no one on the list, no matter that it's come against mediocre and worse competition. He just drilled Nebraska for 325 passing yards and five touchdowns and scored twice more on the ground. His biggest tests await, starting with Penn State after a bye.

6. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin, running back: (last week, unranked) The freshman has come out of nowhere to pile up 200-yard rushing days. He's already nearly hit the 1,000-yard mark and is sixth nationally in rushing with no reason to slow. Not running behind this stellar line and against weak Big Ten West competition.

7. Lamar Jackson, Louisville, quarterback: (last week, 7) His numbers continue to amaze and are required with this struggling supporting cast. Yet another Cardinal loss probably crumbles whatever slim chances he had at winning the Heisman again. Still, he threw for 332 yards and two scores against Boston College and ran for 180 yards. Startling that he's nearly reached 700 rushing yards at the mid-point.

8. Trace McSorley, Penn State, quarterback: (last week, 8) Despite some clunky offensive moments, he's improved many of his numbers from last year and is one of the nation's top-rated quarterbacks. The Lions will have to pass the ball well to beat their next three opponents, so here comes McSorley's big chance to rise. 

9. Jalen Hurts, Alabama, quarterback: (last week, unranked) His passing numbers are not typical of a Heisman winner (only eight touchdowns and 1,025 yards), but he leads the nation's No. 1 team and is an unquestioned winner. And a standout runner. He's 21-1 as a Crimson Tide starter and has rushed for 558 yards and six touchdowns this season.

10. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State, running back: (last week, 9) Bigger and better days are to come for the Aztecs' leader, so he gets a final chance to prove he belongs in the running. Of course, 53-yard rushing days and upset losses to teams like Boise State cannot continue. He must regain the all-purpose yards lead from Barkley this coming week.

Dropped out: Luke Falk, Washington State, quarterback; Jake Browning, Washington, quarterback