Friday, July 1, 2011

Taking a Look at The Heisman Odds

A few weeks back bodog released its list of Heisman candidates and their odds. Let's take a closer look at some of the contenders.

Sure Bet: Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford, 9-2): He has the best odds to win, because he is the surefire favorite. Expect him to comfortably win if he continues to progress as a quarterback, or equals last year's performance.
2010 Stats: 3,338 Yards, 32 TD, 8 INT

Second Sure Bet: Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama, 10-1): He finally gets the opportunity to show everyone why he was the number one RB recruit a few years back. He has been very solid in a secondary roll, and has shown what he can do as the man when Mark Ingram was injured. Expect him to get a lot of carries with a new QB in town.
2010 Stats: 700 Yards, 6.3 YPC, 10 Total TD

Bad Bet: Ryan Broyles (WR,Oklahoma, 15-1): You're throwing money away if you bet on Broyles. If he has a Hesiman-like year then his QB, Landry Jones is going to win. The only way for a wideout to win is if their QB is completely incompetent (Rod Rutherford? Reggie Ball?) which Jones is not.
2010 Stats: 131 REC, 1,622 Yards, 14 TD

Longshot Bet: Geno Smith (QB, WVU, 50-1): These are some good betting odds for someone coming off a solid year. The big question is, will he learn Dana Holgorsen's offense quickly? If he does, watch out...could put up monster numbers. He will also face many substandard defenses.
2010 Stats: 2,763 Yards, 24 TD, 7 INT

Long Shot Because of Where He Plays Bet: Kellen Moore (QB, BSU, 18-1): He has the numbers to win. He just doesn't have the attractiveness. The school and television schedule (only two games on ESPN) will hinder his chances.
2010 Stats: 3,845 Yards, 35 TD, 6 INT

Might Win Because His QB is a Drunk Bet: Marcus Lattimore (RB, SC, 7-1): The dude is an absolute tank. He ended up scoring 19 total touchdowns in his Freshman campaign. He also has a disaster of a QB in Stephen Garcia, so Marcus will be relied upon heavily. Durability may be an issue though.
2010 Stats: 1,197 Yards, 19 Total TD, 4.8 YPC

Here are a Few Others to Quickly Rule Out:

Michael Floyd (WR, ND, 40-1): QB issues...alcohol issues
Dayne Crist (QB, ND, 75-1): See above...minus the alcohol
EJ Manuel (QB, FSU, 50-1): First-Year starter...won't have two-in-a-row win
Darron Thomas (Oregon, 35-1): Overshadowed by his RB
Case Keenum (QB, Houston, 35-1): Coming off a severe injury
Matt Barkley (QB, USC, 45-1): Will lose votes due to his team's violations
Nick Foles (QB, Arizona, 45-1): Dude can barely throw.
Dan Persa (QB, Northwestern, 95-1): Come one, its Northwestern.
Russell Shepard (WR, LSU, 50-1): Matt Flynn isn't walking through that door.