Just when it seemed as though the dust was beginning to settle at the very top of the college football pyramid, Week 11 provided the shakeup that nobody saw coming. Alabama remained at No. 1, but the top three teams behind them each suffered losses that completely changed the complexion of the College Football Playoff heading in to the final stretch. That shakeup also solidified Lamar Jackson’s stand atop the list of Heisman favorites, even though he had one of his worst games of the year so far. Here is a look at the updated Heisman trophy favorites according to the sports betting odds heading in to Week 12 of the college football season.
QB: Lamar Jackson, Louisville
Heisman Trophy Odds: -3300
Jackson had one of his worst games of the season in a 44-12 win over Wake Forest as he was forced to receive IV fluids in the second half after feeling less than 100-percent. However, the fact that Louisville picked up the victory and remained in the playoff hunt while a number of other teams faltered actually boosted Jackson’s chances to win the award. Jackson completed just 53.8-percent of his passes for 145 yards and a touchdown but he did have 153 rushing yards while Clemson’s loss to Pittsburgh opened the door wide open for the Cardinals to make a push in the ACC. Jackson’s numbers still dwarf those of his competition as he has thrown for 2,898 yards and 27 touchdowns with 1,334 rushing yards and another 19 scores.
S: Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Heisman Trophy Odds: +1600
Peppers took a turn at the right guard position when he lined up as a decoy this week and while he didn’t have to block anybody as a member of the line it was another example of how creative Jim Harbaugh has been with his best player. The junior safety has played all over the field for the Wolverines this season and he had four carries on offense while making five tackles on defense in a 14-13 loss to Iowa this past week. The versatility and talent is there but while he is a great story and a lot of fun to watch it’s hard to imagine Peppers being a serious Heisman contender even though he was bumped up to second on this list according to the Heisman trophy sports betting odds.
RB: D’Onta Foreman, Texas
Heisman Trophy Odds: +2000
For the first time in a long time there is a running back listed among the top betting favorites to win the Heisman trophy award this season. The biggest surprise might be the fact that it comes following a Texas loss. Foreman averaged 4.8 yards per carry for 167 yards in the Longhorns’ 24-20 loss to West Virginia. While he is a substantial long shot to win the award, his numbers speak for themselves. Foreman has averaged 6.7 yards per carry while rushing for 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns this season and at this point it might be enough of an accomplishment that he is even on the radar considering Jackson is clearly the runaway favorite to win.
QB: Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Heisman Trophy Odds: +3300
Watson completed 74.3-percent of his passes for 580 yards and three touchdowns versus Pittsburgh and yet Clemson lost for the first time this season suffering a 43-42 defeat. The fact that Watson really opened things up in this game makes the loss hurt that much more for Tigers’ fans that probably felt he had more to give throughout this season. Watson stumbled with three interceptions though and Clemson couldn’t hang on in the dying minutes. The loss will really shake the playoff picture up heading in to the final stretch and it will be interesting to see how the Tigers respond.
QB: Jalen Hurts, Alabama
Heisman Trophy Odds: +4000
Alabama’s freshman quarterback enters the top five in terms of the sports betting odds to win the Heisman for the first time this season following arguably his best performance of the season in a 51-3 win over Mississippi State. Hurts completed 75.7-percent of his passes for 347 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another 100 yards and a score on the ground. The Crimson Tide improved to 10-0 with another lopsided victory in big part thanks to their star freshman quarterback so it’s about time that Hurts received some recognition on this list.
