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Pac-12 Heisman Roundtable: Sean Mannion The Conference's Top Performer?

Who's the best individual performer in the Pac-12 through the month of September? Oregon State Beavers quarterback Sean Mannion seems to be leading the way with some great road performances, with Brett Hundley, Johnathan Franklin, and Kenjon Barner close behind.

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Who would be your Pac-12 Heisman today (best overall performer in the conference)?

Avinash Kunnath, California Golden Blogs (Cal) and Pacific Takes: Sean Mannion. Arizona's defense isn't the greatest, but they've flustered Oklahoma State and Oregon, and Mannion showed no fear in leading them down the field and making some killer throws. Tack that onto a great performance against UCLA and an excellent game-managing performance against Wisconsin, and Mannion is sure starting to tag on Matt Barkley's coattails.

Runner-ups aren't easy to find right now. It's hard to pick anyone individually from the multi-pronged Oregon attack, since it seems everyone takes a turn each week, but the Duck defense as a unit deserves major props for their performances to start their season. If Brett Hundley can go on a tear, he'll deserve some props, although beating Colorado should become a common trend.

Scott Allen, Rule of Tree (Stanford): I think it's gotta be Sean Mannion. He's got solid numbers through three games -- especially his 6-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio -- and had a mini-Heisman "moment" in the fourth quarter against Arizona. Marqise Lee has been incredible for USC, but I'll give Mannion the edge because the Beavers are undefeated.

AndyPanda, Building the Dam (Oregon State): It's hard to argue against Sean Mannion after the last 2 weeks, but it has been just 2 weeks. Kenjon Barner's got over 700 yards rushing and receiving, and 10 touchdowns though, and he's probably going to get to play more of the time in the games to come. If Chip Kelly wanted, he'd be at 1,000 total yards already.

I also agree that Brett Hundley is on the watch list, though this season is probably about laying the foundation for a serious run at national honors next year.

David Piper, Addicted to Quack (Oregon): I'm not sure how you can say anyone other than Sean Mannion at this point. He averaging over 300 yards a game on a Beaver team that is wildly exceeding expectations (and has the best resume in the nation). Just watching the kid play, he has the arm and the brain to be an excellent quarterback not only in college, but at the next level. Its obvious now why Riley benched Ryan Katz last year to start this kid.

Trevor Wong, Conquest Chronicles (USC): A tie goes to Johnathan Franklin and Brett Hundley. Franklin had back-to-back 200+ yard games to open the season, has four games of 100 rushing yards or more already and is third in the nation in rushing. Hundley has accounted for 15 touchdowns (11 through the air and four via the ground). I doubt anybody had UCLA at 4-1 after five games, but these two players are a key reason why.

Adam Butler, Pac Hoops and Pacific Takes: Gotta give it to big Sean Mannion. As the surprising lead of the conference darlings, Mannion is playing with onions. You saw him lead his Beavers to a late game winner in Tucson and you saw him throwing early haymakers in Pasadena. It's early - no doubt - but the sophomore is taking care of the football, moving the chains, and - above all else - he's winning. Isn't that all we ever care about?