Just about every school in the country is beginning their conference schedule right now, which means it's the last time we can really get a bargain on Heisman futures. This is the part of the schedule where the real contenders will separate and the pretenders fall off the track.
Regardless, I believe there are a handful of legitimate contenders in this year’s Heisman race through Week 4. Let’s dive into it.
5.
Texas RB Bijan Robinson (+4000)
Coming into the season, the +2000 odds on Robinson were a value that had caught my eye as a true bargain. Now, he's at +4000.
As a freshman last year, Robinson averaged 8.2 yards per carry and has since become the second-fastest Longhorn to reach 1,000 rushing yards in his career, needing just 138 rushing attempts.
Steve Sarkisian is getting Robinson involved in all sorts of ways early on. Coming off of a rushing performance of 137 yards on 18 carries, Robinson is set to face TCU this upcoming week — a team that just let cross-town rival SMU run for 350 yards in Fort Worth.
Robinson averages 145.3 total yards per game and has found the end zone seven times. This is a great value on Robinson right now before he explodes again this weekend against a weak TCU defense.
4.
Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III
A slow week has dropped Walker a spot in the power rankings, but he still boasts the best statistical season of any running back in the country.
Walker put up only 69 yards on the ground against a Nebraska defensive front that has surprisingly turned it around this season. Luckily for him, he will have the opportunity to build on his nation-leading 554 rushing yards the next three weeks against Western Kentucky, Rutgers and Indiana.
I expect Walker’s Heisman odds to be significantly lower three weeks from now, so this is the time to buy in if you believe in him.
3.
Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder (+2000)
I have yet to include Ridder in the Heisman Power Rankings so far this season, but he currently has great value at +2000. With the way Cincinnati’s schedule is shaping up, the Bearcats have a shot to become the first Group of Five team to make the College Football Playoff.
If that were to be the case and you believe Cincy will win out, then Ridder would be the guy to buy stock in now.
Ridder and the Bearcats have only played three games but have won easily in each game, including an impressive 14-point victory over Indiana and Michael Penix Jr.
All I am going to say is the value at WynnBET is worth a flier.
2.
Alabama QB Bryce Young (+175)
A lot of Heisman implications this weekend fall on the Alabama defense.
Young is still in the plus-money range on WynnBET, and his price is rising following the surge of Corral. However, that can easily change this weekend when the two face each other.
Should the Tide slow down the high-powered Rebel offense, force Corral into a few mistakes and win handily, this Heisman race will see a new leader come next Monday.
Young coming in at No. 2 on this week’s power rankings is indicative of a 15:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. But the real value this week comes in if you believe in the Alabama defense.
If you do, take the +175 odds now before the Tide shut down Ole Miss. If you don’t, then you should check out No. 1.
1.
Ole Miss QB Matt Corral (+175)
I am sticking with the Rebels quarterbacks as my No. 1 play in the power rankings this week.
A few things for Corral in the top spot: First, Ole Miss is set to face off with Alabama this weekend in what is shaping up to be a very high-scoring game, considering the track record of each team this year.
Should Ole Miss keep this game close — and close is subjectively used here as it's a 14-point dog — this will probably be the last week a bettor can grab Corral’s Heisman odds at plus-money.
Ole Miss is coming off of a bye week and will have had two weeks to prepare for the Tide. I am expecting Corral to come out slinging once again and add to his tally of nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions.
Win or loss, I'm expecting a big game, and this will be the last opportunity to get in at a bargain price before you have to begin paying a premium.
