Who is the Odds-On Favorite to Win College Football’s Heisman Trophy in 2014?
The 2014-2015 college football is drawing ever closer, and with it a whole new slate of questions and storylines. Who will emerge as the next major football talent in this country? Which major program will falter unexpectedly? And of course, who will win the Heisman Trophy?
A quick look at the college football futures odds will remind you just how important the impact players that compete for the Heisman are to their respective teams. Of the top three teams in college football, each features a Heisman favorite.
Let’s look at the candidates.
Jameis Winston, Florida State
Any list of Heisman contenders has to begin with the incumbent, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston’s primary challenge this season will be to manage the off-field distractions he’s creating for himself, from alleged rape charges to being caught stealing.
If he can, this is Winston’s award to lose, because on the field he’s lights out. As a redshirted rookie he threw for 4,057 yards while racking up 40 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions while leading the Seminoles to the BCS Championship.
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
The Oregon Ducks’ Marcus Mariota is an elite passer, there is no doubt about that: the young man has chucked at least 31 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, while mixing in a total of 10 INTs over the same period. That’s responsible passing.
The question for Mariota will be if the Ducks’ receiving core can give their quarterback the quality targets and catches he’ll need to keep pace with the other Heisman contenders. Josh Huff and Daryle Hawkins are gone, leaving rookies Devon Allen and Darren Carrington to step up and fill the void.
Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Braxton Miller, just like Mariota and Winston, will get his stats if he can stay on the field. The problem is, having seen an exodus at offensive line in the offseason, the Buckeyes may be hard-pressed to protect Miller effectively this year. Jack Mewhort, Andrew Norwell, Marcus Hall, and Corey Linsley are all gone, meaning the sole big man standing, Taylor Decker, will be Miller’s MVP in 2014.
If Decker, who has switched from right tackle to the all-important left tackle spot, can make the transition effectively and provide leadership to an inexperienced offensive line, Miller will be in good shape to challenge for college football’s top honours.
