Heisman Survey: With ballots out, looks like two-player race

Heisman Trophy candidates are now on the clock.

The Heisman Trust said Monday that ballots have been distributed to the 929 voters who will decide the top player in college football. According to the latest USA TODAY Sports Heisman survey, that choice will come down to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon.

They earned all the first- and second-place votes from Heisman selectors who work for properties owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY.

The online voting concludes on Dec. 8, the day after the four teams for the first College Football Playoff will be announced. The Heisman winner will be announced Dec. 13 in New York. The voting panel includes 58 former Heisman winners, 870 media members and one overall fan choice from selections compiled at www.NissanHeismanHouse.com.

PREVIOUS SURVEYS: Nov. 17 | Nov. 10 | Nov. 3 | Oct. 27 | Oct. 20 | Oct. 13 | Oct. 6 I Sept. 29 I Sept. 22

Mariota, with Oregon State (5-6) and the Pac-12 title game remaining, holds a commanding lead. He is the nation's leader in passing efficiency.

The Ducks are third in the Amway Coaches Poll and second in the College Football Playoff rankings. A new set of CFP rankings will be announced today (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Gordon, who leads the nation in rushing with an average of 191.7 yards a game, on Saturday has Minnesota, which is tied for 52nd in FBS rushing defense at 154.6 yards a game. If Wisconsin beats the Gophers, they will play No. 7 Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game the following week. The Buckeyes are 41st in rushing defense.

Breaking down the ballots (three points are awarded for a first-place vote, two for second and one for third):

1. Marcus Mariota, Junior, QB, Oregon: 23-7-0 = 83

2. Melvin Gordon, Junior, RB, Wisconsin: 7-23-0= 67

3. Dak Prescott, Junior, QB, Mississippi State: 0-0-11 = 11

4. J.T. Barrett, Freshman, QB, Ohio State: 0-0-8 = 8

5. Amari Cooper, Junior, WR, Alabama: 0-0-6 = 6

6. Trevone Boykin, Junior, QB, TCU: 0-0-2 = 2

7. Tevin Coleman, Junior, RB, Indiana: 0-0-2 = 2

8. Jameis Winston, Sophomore, QB, Florida State = 0-0-1 = 1