The Heisman Trophy is awarded in early December, but its outcome can be wagered on now.
The Greek was the first online sportsbook to release lines on the Heisman. Schools have already started to promote their pre-season candidates and hope that ESPN will feature that player in its nightly highlight packages. The Heisman has now become a combination of politics, promotion and playing ability. We'll try to identify some players who can probably separate themselves from the hype.
The last five winners have all played on teams that played in the BCS Championship game for that year. So looking to the pre-season forecasters a serious look at the Heisman would begin with Oklahoma, Ohio State and Notre Dame.
Senior quarterback Brady Quinn of Notre Dame is the current favorite at +250. Quinn who considered entering the NFL draft in the off-season, should make a good case for the award and has the added benefit of a very manageable schedule. The Heisman candidates need exposure and no player will probably be given more than Quinn. The Fighting Irish find themselves on television every week. And their NBC package means their highly promoted on primetime television, with Brady Quinn featured tossing touchdowns in their ads. Very few schools can get that kind of publicity for their stars.
Some voters found themselves voting for Adrian Peterson (+400) in the 2004 Heisman. Peterson, then a freshman, had one of the premier years for a running back. When he got over 200 yards against arch-rival Texas he vaulted into the picture. Peterson's sophomore season was marred by missing games and various injuries. The 2006 season for Peterson should be a breakout one; he is healthy and has talented players alongside. The Oklahoma Sooners look like the team to beat in the Big 12 and they should merit BCS consideration and so Peterson is a logical choice.
Ohio State's "do everything" offensive weapon Ted Ginn, is a generous +1500. The Buckeye's are one of the favorites to appear in the Fiesta Bowl and Ginn has to figure heavily in their offensive plans. Ginn's quickness and ability to return punts for touchdowns should afford him plenty of "highlight reel" footage for voters before casting their ballots. Another Ohio State Buckeye who will merit serious consideration is Troy Smith +800. The senior quarterback will figure prominently if Ohio State has a big year as expected.
A long shot for the BCS is Florida, but their Heisman candidate Chris Leak at +1500 has been one of the top quarterbacks the past three seasons. Leak got unlucky last year as he struggled with new coach Urban Meyer's complicated offensive scheme. His second year in the new Gator offensive and improved talent around him makes Leak a very serious threat this year.
A former Heisman winner in 1966 currently coaches South Carolina. Spurrier has won the award, coached several winners, and is generally considered a genius when it comes to coaching college quarterbacks. The recipient of his knowledge is Blake Mitchell +5000. Spurrier's offensive attack will mean Mitchell should have a big year; those prospects are also enhanced with wide receiver Sydney Rice catching his passes. The Gamecocks would appear to be outside of the BCS Championship game talk, but they should have a solid year. ESPN loves showing Spurrier's games on television, at +5000 he may be worth a risk for a big price.
Another dark horse is sophomore quarterback Steve Slaton +1800. Slaton will be an integral part of the West Virginia Mountaineer attack this season, and if his freshman campaign is a preview of things to come, this could be a special year for him. In his Bowl game where he led the Mountaineers to a win over a big time Georgia team, he was unstoppable. West Virginia will also be featured on several week night football games against high powered Big East conference opponents. Big performances by Slaton could mean his name being called by Chris Fowler.
Television network coverage of the Heisman begins in earnest with the first game. These broadcasts can be critical in figuring out which way the voters are leaning. Hopefully this will give the knowledgeable player a little heads up in trying to make some money on the Heisman Trophy future bets.
