We are entering the midway point of the college football season. It pains me to type this and probably does not give much solace to the reader who wants more college football like the rest of us, but here we are.
It has been an odd season thus far with many of us college football fans wondering just how many teams currently fall under the good category when describing their play.
Of course, when you look at the top of the AP Top 25, you see the familiar names and brands as normal — Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Clemson. But the question remains, which teams are the elite of the elite?
Well, we will soon find that out as conference play continues with the opportunity for those in the mix to make a jump in the national headlines and get one step closer to the Heisman Trophy.
5.
UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (+2000)
Mark me down as surprised about this one. It took some convincing of myself to put Dorian Thompson-Robinson in this category, but through six games, he deserves it.
It only took five years, but Thompson-Robinson is looking like the weapon UCLA and Chip Kelly always believed he would turn into. Through six games in 2022, Thompson-Robinson has thrown for 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions and is averaging over 300 yards per game through the air.
Thompson-Robinson has also added four touchdowns of his own on the ground to go along with 231 yards.
The biggest concern with Thompson-Robinson is just how much higher the Bruins will climb in the AP Top 25. They are currently ranked 11th following their win over Utah. Can the winning continue or will UCLA fall back to earth?
But, if you are a believer in Thompson-Robinson and Chip Kelly this season, this price at BetRivers is too good to pass up.
4.
Michigan RB Blake Corum (+2000)
For the second consecutive week, Corum makes the list as our only running back mentioned in the Heisman Power Rankings, but for good reason.
Corum ranks third in the country in rushing yards with 735 and second in rushing touchdowns, having found the end zone 11 times already this season. He is the best and most consistent weapon on a Michigan team that is circling the College Football Playoff once again this season.
For those who have watched Michigan this season, you will notice this offense is at its best when it runs through Corum. He has 84 carries over his last three games, a trend I suspect will continue deeper into the season.
One hesitation with Corum will be this weekend against Penn State. The Nittany Lions are a superb defensive team against the rush, and a poor statistical showing — or an outright loss — will all but eliminate Corum from the running.
3.
USC QB Caleb Williams (+1200)
USC just keeps on rolling!
The Trojans have been faced with a couple of trap games recently, but it hasn't mattered. As long as USC continues winning, and Lincoln Riley continues to call plays, Williams will find a way on this list. He is just simply too talented.
A stat line that reads 14 touchdowns to just one interception is one of the finest any quarterback in the country can boast.
USC has its biggest test of the season coming this weekend. This is a tremendous opportunity for Williams to cut into the lead that CJ Stroud has built up so far this season.
Going on the road to Utah will be one of the final chances for Williams to really show he deserves a spot in New York for the Heisman ceremony on a big stage.
2.
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker (+1400)
I was close to putting Hendon Hooker at the top spot this weekend, but common sense prevailed after much internal debate. Tennessee went into Death Valley and walloped LSU 40–13 this weekend.
In what Vegas believed was going to be a close ballgame, the end result was anything but.
And now, with the Vols ranked seventh in the country, Tennessee likely gets to face a banged-up Alabama squad that could not move the ball offensively with Bryce Young out due to injury.
With a win against Alabama and a strong showing by Hooker, we just might begin talking about it feeling like 1998 once again. If that were to be the case, and the Vols take down the Tide, Hooker's odds won't see four digits again this season.
1.
Ohio State QB CJ Stroud (-130)
This is a no-brainer. Stroud is running away with the Heisman as we talk about it.
Here is all you need to know about why the clear choice is the quarterback in Columbus right now.
Stroud ranks first in the country in touchdown passes with 24 and 12th in the country in passing yards with 1,737. But, where this gets interesting is Stroud currently has the 64th-most passing attempts of any quarterback in the country at 160. He is dominating, he is accurate, and he is scoring points.
And most importantly, his team is winning ballgames. Ohio State's two biggest games of the season remain with Michigan and Penn State still on the schedule. However, should the Buckeyes win both, this race will be over.
Even if they drop a game, the statistical difference and likely Playoff appearance for the Buckeyes will be difficult for anyone to overcome.
This is the best bet, even at minus odds.
