New York, New York - Just when you think the college football season can't get any more unpredictable, Hendon Hooker and Blake Corum, two of the leading Heisman Trophy candidates, suffered injuries ahead of the most important week of the regular season.

No question, Hendon Hooker has been Tennessee’s main leader and difference-maker this season.

The passer has had a fabulous 2022 campaign so far and has consistently been a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy in this record-breaking year for the Volunteers offense.

However, in the fourth quarter of Saturday's shocking 63-38 loss to South Carolina, Hooker went down fumbling the ball with a non-contact injury.

The redshirt senior was assisted by trainers to limp off the field and didn't return. In 11 games so far, Hooker has thrown for 2,888 yards and 24 touchdown, as well as two or more touchdowns in 10 of the 11 games.

Meanwhile, the only running back to enter the Heisman conversation, Blake Corum, also went down for the count in Michigan's thrilling 19-16 victory over Illinois.

The stadium of more than 100,000 fans fell silent when Corum fell to the ground and remained motionless, clutching his left knee.

The Wolverine posted 1,457 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season as one of the nation's best tailbacks.

The injuries for both athletes come at a crucial time just ahead of the last regular-season game, which will be a possible conference decider for Corum, and a chance for a playoff berth for both players.

In the race for the Heisman Trophy, although both players have already posted outstanding stats to compete with, it still won't be enough to guarantee either of them the title if they don't feature again this season.