It’s the biggest individual prize in college football and might be the most recognizable trophy in all of sports: The Heisman.
Last year, Alabama running back Mark Ingram captured the honour, becoming the first Crimson Tide player to ever win the award. That historic win was a heavy source of action in the Bodog Sportsbook as we saw a major increase in NCAA college football futures action. The increased handle on Heisman betting last year has us very excited for the 2010 campaign.
Currently, we have a rather lengthy list of candidates on who will win the 2010 Heisman Trophy. And if the early betting action from the public is any indication, this appears to be a three-horse race.
First, we open with a surprise – Ingram, the reigning Heisman winner, isn’t the favourite. That honour goes to Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, currently listed at 4/1 in the Bodog online sportsbook. To understand why it’s Pryor instead of Ingram, look no further than the Xbox-like numbers Pryor put up as a sophomore last season: 2094 yards and 18 touchdowns through the air; 779 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Add ‘em up, and you get absolutely staggering offensive production, a combination air-and-ground numbers that is unparalleled at the collegiate level. For all intents and purposes, Pryor is the Ohio State offense, a claim he confirmed by picking up Rose Bowl MVP honours last season.
Right behind Pryor is the aforementioned Ingram, currently listed at 5/1. We’re still seeing some action come in on Ingram based on the fact he’s got one Heisman already, but the betting public has been sharp. See, only one player in the history of college football has won two Heismans – Ohio State running back Archie Griffin, who turned the trick in 1974 and ’75 respectively. Because the two-time Heisman winner is such a rarity, the odds against Ingram get a little more stacked. Still, it’s hard to argue that a guy coming off nearly 2000 all-purpose yards and 20 TDs.
The final member of this three-horse race is University of Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett. Last season was a gigantic coming out party for the 6-6, 238 pound gunslinger – Mallett threw for 3,628 yards and 30 TDs, engineering an explosive Razorback offense. Compared to Pryor and Ingram, Mallett is the longshot (currently listed at 9/1 to win the Heisman), but he does one thing going for him: Exposure. Arkansas’ loaded SEC schedule will see them take on No. 23 Georgia, No. 1 Alabama (in a Heisman candidate battle with Ingram), No. 22 Auburn and No. 21 LSU, all of which will be great tests to see how talented Mallett is. If he can win the majority of these battles or at least put on a great performance, the Heisman voters could be swayed his way.
Be sure to keep tabs on all three as the college football season progresses. Regardless of how the games play out, this Heisman battle will be a fun one to watch. You can bet on the Heisman Trophy at Bodog.
For picks on the weekly slate of college football games, check out our college football predictions page at Maddux Sports.
