2012 NCAA Football Heisman Trophy Odds and Predictions – Favorites, Sleepers and Players to Avoid Betting On: With spring practices in full swing, college football season is on the horizon. Last year, Robert Griffin III came out of nowhere to become the first-ever Heisman Trophy winner for the Baylor Bears. He also continued a recent trend of quarterbacks dominating the award. Griffin was the 10th QB to win the award in the last 12 year and the second in a row.
Whether or not the trend continues remains to be seen, but several QBS are among the preseason contenders. Of course, there are a few running backs, receivers and even defensive players that will have something to say about it. The college football season is just a couple of months away, here is a first look at some of the early contenders for the sport’s greatest individual award.
The Frontrunner – 2012 Heisman Trophy Odds, Free Picks and Predictions
Much like Andrew Luck last season, USC quarterback Matt Barkley enters this season as the top NFL prospect and the Heisman Trophy favorite. He is coming off a season when he threw 39 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, and with two potential All-Americans at receiver, his numbers should impress once again. More importantly, the Trojans are finally off probation and will instantly become a national title contender once again. Barkley grabbed the attention of the media when he decided to return to school this season, and the spotlight that came with the announcement will help him overcome to dreaded East Coast bias. Barkley already has NFL scouts drooling, and it shouldn’t take him long to do the same with Heisman voters.
The Other Favorites – 2012 Heisman Trophy Odds, Free Picks and Predictions
The most exciting player in the country is Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. He is a versatile, dual-threat weapon, and last season, he threw for 20 touchdowns and ran for 16 more. His playmaking ability helped the Wolverines reach and win a BCS bowl last season, and Robinson and company have a national title in mind this season. Robinson is going to put up incredible all-around numbers and stuff the stat sheet, and his highlight reel plays could swing plenty of votes his way.
After tying Barry Sanders’ record for touchdowns in a year with 39, Wisconsin’s Montee Ball is going to have a tough time improving his numbers. However, he should still pile up some impressive statistics behind a Badgers’ offensive line that always seems to churn out NFL talent. Wisconsin has had a stranglehold on the Big Ten the last couple of years, and if Ball powers the Badgers to another conference title, his career achievements will garner him a lot of respect from Heisman voters.
The Dark Horses – 2012 Heisman Trophy Odds, Free Picks and Predictions
When a knee injury destroyed his season, South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore was averaging almost 150 yards per game and had already found the end zone 11 times. He is a true workhorse running back, and the most athletically-gifted runner in the country. Lattimore will be the center of the Gamecocks’ offense this year, and as long as he has no ill effects from his knee injury, his numbers will be there. The tough part will be keeping South Carolina in the mix in the always-loaded SEC.
Last year, Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray led the SEC with 35 touchdown passes as a sophomore. After helping the Bulldogs to an SEC East title last year, Murray and company have their eyes set on even bigger things this year. Murray will certainly have his chances to steal the spotlight in some big games against top competition, and how Georgia fares in those games will likely determine whether or not Murray is legitimate threat to win the Heisman Trophy or just a top notch NFL prospect on a mediocre team.
Sleeper Specials – 2012 Heisman Trophy Odds, Free Picks and Predictions
The high-powered Oregon offense puts up eye-popping numbers, and do-it-all weapon DeAnthony Thomas is going to thrive. He piled up 18 total touchdowns last year, scoring multiple times on the ground, in the passing game, and in the return game. The Ducks have established themselves as a perennial national power, and if they contend for a championship again this year, Thomas stands to benefit. He could take the Desmond Howard path to winning the Heisman if he can make some game-changing, explosive plays in the big games.
He may not be the most polished passer in the country, but Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein is an absolute bulldozer in the red zone. Klein ran for 27 touchdowns last season, tying the NCAA record for rushing scores by a QB in a season. He added 13 passing scores, as he led the Wildcats to a 10-win season. Klein may never be a 3,000-yard passer, but his leadership ability and red zone prowess are second to none. If Kansas State can exceed expectations for a second consecutive season, Klein will have to get some respect from the Heisman voters.
Players to Avoid – 2012 Heisman Trophy Odds, Free Picks and Predictions
Coming off a season when he set a Pac-12 record with 111 catches, USC receiver Robert Woods is already one of the top receivers in the country. The fact that he also returns punts only increases his chances to impress Heisman voters. The problem Woods is facing is that he will be catching passes from the frontrunner for the same award he himself hopes to win. It is hard to envision a scenario where Woods has a big enough year to win the Heisman that doesn’t involve teammate Matt Barkley having an even bigger year. History says a QB has a massive edge over a receiver in the Heisman race, and if a Trojan is going to win the award, it will likely be Barkley.
Last year, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu did it all. From timely kick returns for scores to fumble recoveries scooped up for touchdowns, he made every big play and helped the Tigers reach the BCS Championship Game. Despite all the clutch plays for a national title contender, he finished fifth in the Heisman voting. The chances of him making as many memorable plays while playing defense and special teams are slim to none. If the “Honey Badger” didn’t snatch up the Heisman last year, he probably never will.
Odds to win the 2012 Heisman Trophy
4001 Aaron Murray +1200
4002 A J McCarron +2000
4003 Collin Klein +5000
4005 Dayne Crist +2000
4006 De’Anthony Thomas +2000
4007 Denard Robinson +650
4008 EJ Manuel +3000
4009 Geno Smith +800
4010 James Vandenberg +5000
4011 Keith Price +2800
4012 Landry Jones +650
4013 Marcus Lattimore +1500
4014 Matt Barkley +385
4015 Montee Ball +500
4016 Rex Burkhead +2000
4017 Robert Woods +4000
4018 Sammy Watkins +2000
4019 Tajh Boyd +3000
4020 Taylor Martinez +3000
4021 Tyler Wilson +2000
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