Heisman Survey: Peppers, Barrett vie for second with huge matchup on tap

It's no secret that it would take a miracle to catch Lamar Jackson in the Heisman Trophy race, even after a mediocre performance in Louisville's setback loss against Houston last week. Jackson is still way out front with 78 total points in this week's survey of writers and editors with Heisman votes who work for properties owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY.

In the race for second place, though, it's much more interesting. Heading into a season-defining Big Ten showdown between Ohio State and Michigan — in a game that will likely serve as a Playoff eliminator — those teams' top stars are neck and neck in the runner-up battle. Michigan's Jabrill Peppers took over second place in this week's survey, while Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett is just one point behind Peppers.

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Oklahoma signal caller Baker Mayfield vaulted into fifth place after the Sooners' convincing victory against West Virginia last weekend. Mayfield's ascension coincides with OU's eight-game winning streak since starting the season 1-2.

The 2016 Heisman will be awarded Dec. 10 in New York.

Players who received votes in this week's USA TODAY Network Heisman Trophy survey: 

► 3 points for first-place vote, 2 for second, 1 for third.