Mariota, Cooper, Gordon are Heisman finalists

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota (mar-ee-OH'-tah), Alabama receiver Amari Cooper and Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon have earned a trip to New York this week. They'll also find out Saturday night if they have won the Heisman Trophy.

Mariota is one of the three finalists and is considered the clear front-runner after leading the Ducks to a berth in the semifinals. He is the nation's top-rated passer and has thrown for 3,783 yards and 38 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He also ran for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Pac-12 champions.

Cooper helped Alabama earn the top seed in the playoff. He set a Southeastern Conference record with 115 catches for 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns for the top-ranked Crimson Tide.

Gordon led the nation with 2,336 yards rushing and 26 rushing touchdowns.