Oregon RB James climbs Watch list after Heisman-like showing (cont.)

6. Cameron Newton, Auburn, QB, Jr.

Last Week: 14-of-19 passing for 245 yards, three TDs and one INT; one rush for minus-11 yards in 52-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe

Season: 57-of-87 passing for 928 yards, 12 TDs and four INTs; 76 rushes for 474 yards and five TDs; one reception for 22 yards; one punt for 22 yards

After Newton ran 75 times during the first four games, head coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn opted to give their QB's body a rest. They didn't ask Newton to run once (his lone rushing stat was a sack) in the blowout win over Louisiana-Monroe. Instead, they had Newton to rely on his arm, something he'll certainly be asked to do in SEC play, as he passed for three TDs before sitting out most of the second half.

Next Up: Saturday at Kentucky

7. Andrew Luck, Stanford, QB, Jr.

Last Week: 29-of-46 for 341 yards, two TDs and two INTs; eight rushes for 39 yards and one TD in 52-31 loss to Oregon

Season: 93-of-148 passing for 13 TDs and four INTs; 25 rushes for 202 yards and two TDs; one reception for 11 yards

Though Luck and the Cardinal managed to do fine without Toby Gerhart in the backfield in their first four victories, they ran into problems against the Ducks. Without a real threat in the backfield the play-action wasn't effective and the pressure was on Luck. He passed for a season-high 341 yards but also threw two picks, giving him four on the year to equal his 2009 total.

Next Up: Saturday vs. USC

8. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, QB, Jr.

Last Week: Idle

Season: 95-of-138 passing for 1,438 yards, 10 TDs and five INTs; 14 rushes for minus-10 yards and two TDs; one punt for 43 yards

Mallett got a weekend off, but he still ranks as the SEC leader in passing and total offense and third nationally in the latter. While he failed to capitalize on a showcase game against Alabama his last time out, he'll have another chance in two weeks against Auburn. That is, so long as he doesn't suffer another setback against Texas A&M and its 14th-ranked defense.

Next Up: Saturday vs. Texas A&M at Cowboys Stadium

9. Patrick Peterson, LSU, CB/KR, Jr.

Last Week: Four tackles; three punt returns for 30 yards, three kickoff returns for 64 yards in 16-14 win over Tennessee

Season: 15 tackles, four interceptions, two passes broke up and four passes defended; 12 punt returns for 283 yards and two TDs, nine kickoff returns for 254 yards

The Tigers are the most confounding 5-0 team in the land, but don't hold that against Peterson; he's the most dominant player on their sixth-ranked defense, as well as a dangerous return man. However, he was held back by the Volunteers, who rank 100th in punt-return defense, with 30 yards on three attempts. Les Miles said Peterson has been practicing on offense, but will we finally see it against Florida?

Next Up: Saturday at Florida

10. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada, QB, Sr.

Last Week: 13-of-17 passing for 124 yards, one TD and one INT; 13 rushes for 97 yards and one TD in 44-26 win over UNLV

Season: 86-of-123 passing for 1,048 yards, seven TDs and two INTs; 69 rushes for 548 yards and nine TDs

Moore isn't the only worthy candidate in the WAC. The triggerman of Chris Ault's pistol offense has always been able to run, but what makes him so intriguing is his improved passing game. He's completing a career-best 69.9 percent of his passes and is on pace to join former Missouri QB Brad Smith as the only players with 8,000 yards passing and 4,000 yards rushing.

Next Up: Saturday vs. San Jose State

Be sure to cast your vote for the Halfway Heisman by Oct. 10. Send me your pick via e-mail or on Twitter (@SI_CoryMC).