2008 NCAA Heisman Trophy

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida (+300): Tebow will put up comparable numbers to last year in Urban Meyer’s system, but joining Archie Griffin as the only person to win the Heisman twice is going to be tough. The odds should be much higher then the 3 to 1 odds that Tebow is at right now.

Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri (+650): Daniel has a lot of offensive weapons coming back at his disposal this season. He finished fourth in Heisman voting last year. So, +650 is a very good bet to take considering the expectation on Daniel and the Tigers. Daniel may be the best value play of all the Heisman candidates.

Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State (+650): Wells posted big numbers with 1,609 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last year, and he did all that with an injury. If he’s healthy all season, he could be the one sure thing at +650. Either way, he should be one of the most exciting candidates to watch in 2008.

Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech (+1000): Harrell certainly will have some great numbers in Tech’s high-powered offense making it tempting to put some money on him at 10 to 1. But, this is also a trap considering the Red Raiders’ conference and his competition in the Heisman race.

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech (+1000): Crabtree is the product of a great offensive system and a stellar quarterback. With 22 touchdowns last year, he’ll be a big target once again and will be one of the most entertaining players to watch in 2008. The drawback on him is his position, but at 10 to 1, he’s worth some hard consideration.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia (+1000): Moreno is going to surprise a lot of people, especially if Georgia competes for a national title. Mark Richt says he’ll get 15-25 carries a game and be the premier back. Moreno is great play here at 10 to 1.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh (+1000): Playing in the Big East hurts McCoy due to the limited exposure, but at least he’s playing for the right team in the conference. The Panthers will lean on him, but 10 to 1 is way to generous.

Pat White, QB, West Virginia (+1200): With Steve Slaton gone to the NFL, White will shoulder most of the offensive load. He’s talented enough to win the Heisman, but at 12 to 1 odds, it might not be worth the play. Considering the conference, his numbers and the Moutaineers record are going to have to be pretty amazing to beat out the other top Heisman contenders.

PJ Hill, RB, Wisconsin (+1500): Hill suffered an injury that kept him out of a couple of games last season, but his carries still declined dramatically from 2006. Less opportunity means less of a chance to win the Heisman, so stay away from him at +1500.

Colt McCoy, QB, Texas (+1500): If McCoy can’t correct the problems stemming from 18 interceptions last year, he won’t get many Heisman looks as the season wears on.

DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma (+1500): Murray had a standout freshman season before dislocating a knee cap late in the year. Despite being listed at semi-decent 15 to 1 odds, he’s unproven going into his sophomore season and questions abound about the health of his knee.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia (+1500): The Bulldogs are going to be a running team this year and there are still question marks at the wide receiver position. Stay away from Stafford, especially at only 15 to 1, unless the bet is small.

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (+1600): The attention on Murray will probably take away from Bradford, but if Murray tanks, Bradford will be the beneficiary. Choose carefully with Bradford at 16 to 1.

Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia (+1800): Devine didn’t have stunning freshman numbers, but his ability is through the roof. 18 to 1 may be a steal that the betting public may not notice.

Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern Ca (+2000): Sanchez barely won the starting spot in front of Mitch Mustain, and he had an up-and-down 2007. Forget that he plays at USC, because these 20 to 1 odds are a trap.

Todd Reesing, QB, Kansas: Reesing had phenomenal numbers last year, passing for 3,400 yards and 33 touchdowns. But, Big 12 defenses will be keying in on him a little more in 2008. Even if things do go his way, voters will likely look at his opponents and decide he’s not not deserving.

Cullen Harper, QB, Clemson (+2000): Harper is on the O’Brien Quarterback Award watch list, and if he can duplicate his 27 touchdowns from last season, he could be in the mix. He’s a good bet because of the large payout, but he’s a poor bet because he’ll have to outperform Tebow and Daniel.

Joe McKnight, RB, Southern Cal (+2000): McKnight looks like another good bet because of where he plays, but he is still unproven and is a huge risk. His carries will go up this year, but it’s not known what he can do with them or if he'll get enough to win the Heisman Trophy.

Juice Williams, QB, Illinois (+2200): Juice may have a great nickname, but the Illini aren’t exactly trying to squeeze every attempt out of him. The most attempts he had in one game last year was 28 whcih is not enough to have any legitimate shot..

Jake Locker, QB, Washington (+2500): The Pac-10 freshman of the year last season, Locker is generously listed at +2500. He may not even be the best quarterback in the Pac-10, let alone the entire nation. Look for him to have a legitimate shot in 2009 and 2010.

Rudy Carpenter, QB, Arizona State (+3000): Expectations are high at Arizona State, and Carpenter is a big reason why. This middle-of-the-pack candidate can put up some eye-widening numbers. At 30 to 1, he may be worth the long shot play.

Kellen Lewis, QB, Indiana (+3300): Lewis had fantastic numbers last year with 3,043 yards and 28 touchdowns, but he lost one of his top receivers, James Hardy, to the NFL. He could also be an interesting long shot to watch.

Todd Boeckman, QB, Ohio State (+3300): Boeckman played admirably in his first year as a starter, but the attention is going to be on the running game this year. He is on the board for sucker bettors and Ohio State fans. Pass on Boeckman completely.

John Parker Wilson, QB, Alabama (+4000): Parker is another quarterback with interception problems. He had 18 last year and 17 in 2006. 40 to 1 odds with the Tide’s high expectations, the temptation is there, but don’t fall for this one.

Eric Berry, CB, Tennessee (+5000): With five interceptions last year as a freshman, Berry could become one of college football’s elite. His position, however, doesn't lend itself to Heisman Trophy victories easily. Listed at 50 to 1 odds, Berry might be a good long shot small bet.

Jeremy Maclin, RB, Missouri (+5000): Maclin was a monster last year with 2,776 all-purpose yards, and at +5000, he could be a huge pay off if he repeats those numbers. Missouri will get the attention this year; Maclin just needs to perform and he’ll be a finalist.

Matt Grothe, QB, South Florida (+5000): Grothe is obviously riding the wave of success the Bulls had last season. Most likely, he has no real shot of winning the Heisman. 50 to 1 is also tempting. Don't fall into this trap either.