Top Heisman contender Leonard Fournette was off this past week, as he rests up for a huge SEC clash with Alabama. However, one of his top Heisman rivals, Baylor quarterback Seth Russell, was lost for the season as he suffered a scary neck injury. Were the other top Heisman hopefuls able to gain some ground on the runaway favorite?
Let’s check out how the rest of the Heisman contenders fared and see how those performances altered their odds for the coveted trophy. Meanwhile, check out our previews of the big Week 9 college football matchups, namely Florida State vs. Clemson and LSU vs. Alabama.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Top Five Heisman Trophy Hopefuls
Leonard Fournette, Running Back (LSU)
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Heisman front-runner Leonard Fournette has been hard at work building an unimpeachable body of work for the past couple of months and got a much-deserved rest last week. He’s the breakaway leader in rushing yards per game (193.1) and has 15 touchdowns in just seven games.
The extra week off should do Fournette a lot of good as he faces his toughest test to date with Alabama and its nearly impenetrable run defense. A game-winning performance against the Crimson Tide at Tuscaloosa would essentially seal the Heisman Trophy for the current favorite Fournette, who’s priced at -280.
Trevone Boykin, Quarterback (TCU)
Another game, another four touchdowns for Trevone Boykin. Boykin, who is now the lowest-priced quarterback to win the Heisman at +450, has now accounted for 34 touchdowns this season (28 passing, six rushing), the second-most in the nation behind now-injured Baylor quarterback Seth Russell.
Boykin’s TCU now has the inside track on the Big 12 title with Russell’s injury, but the Horned Frogs must first pass a very tricky road test against still undefeated Oklahoma State at Stillwater.
Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back (Ohio State)
The drama never ends with the Ohio State quarterback situation. After J.T. Barrett was finally awarded the starting job, he goes out and gets suspended for a driving infraction.
The lone constant in the Buckeyes team this season has been the steady excellence of Ezekiel Elliott. The inaugural College Football Playoff Offensive MVP has averaged nearly 200 yards from scrimmage in conference play, with eight rushing touchdowns.
Elliott isn’t the most exciting pick, but his terrific consistency and production makes him a dangerous threat at +600 if the top two contenders somehow falter.
Deshaun Watson, Quarterback (Clemson)
Deshaun Watson is finally coming good on all the hype that was lavished upon him during the offseason. The sophomore quarterback threw for 383 yards with a season-high five touchdown passes for a 238.9 passer rating at North Carolina State.
Clemson has a huge matchup with Florida State this week, which, if the Tigers win, would send them one big step closer to the College Football Playoff. Watson’s current Heisman odds of +800 could still go much lower if he can come up with another stellar performance against the Seminoles.
Derrick Henry, Running Back (Alabama)
Where would Alabama be without Derrick Henry? The ever-reliable junior running back is averaging 130 rushing yards per game with 14 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide, who still have a shot at returning to the College Football Playoff.
Henry is a +1,000 underdog for the Heisman and will need more contenders to fall off to get an invitation to New York. However, if he can outduel Heisman front-runner Fournette in their much-hyped matchup this weekend, there may be hope for Henry yet.
Create a betting account now and cash in on some college football action with the help of these Heisman hopefuls.
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