Posts Tagged ‘Colt McCoy’

2009 Week 11 Heisman Update & Current Heisman Trophy Odds

November 10th, 2009 by Jay (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football  

Exclusive Sportsbook Bonus Offer Available From Bankroll Sports Only!
Click Here For An Exclusive 100% Bonus (Credit Cards Accepted) @ JustBet!
JustBet 4681 2009 Week 11 Heisman Update & Current Heisman Trophy Odds

heisman 2009 Week 11 Heisman Update & Current Heisman Trophy OddsIt has been a few weeks since we have broken down the best college football players in the nation to provide the candidates with the best chances of winning the 2009 Heisman Trophy watch. However, even with about 75 percent of the season over the Heisman Trophy race is still up for grabs. One thing for certain is there are plenty of quarterbacks in the mix as expected for the 2009 season. However, there are some unfamiliar faces shakings things up. The only man that could steal the hardware from the quarterbacks this season appears to be Alabama running back Mark Ingram who has exploded onto the scene in the SEC this season. However, there is still a lot of football to be played and this year’s race could likely come down to the wire. Take a look as we break down the top 5 Heisman Trophy candidates after week 10 of the college football season.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
Get a 50% Cash Signup Bonus + $25 Free Bet When You Click Here!

  • Colt McCoy 5/4
  • Mark Ingram  2/7
  • Ndamukong Suh 5/1
  • Tim Tebow  15/1
  • Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
Get 100% Signup Bonus at JustBet When Using This Link!

  • Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

#5. QB Colt McCoy (Texas Longhorns)
Colt McCoy Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +200

I’m sure there are many fans in the state of Texas mad about ranking McCoy number 5 on the list. However, McCoy is not having the huge season that Longhorn fans might have anticipated. There is no doubt that Texas is National Championship contenders and they will likely play the winner of the SEC Championship Game for the chance at the title which will help McCoy’s chances. However, McCoy has not been that impressive this season. Sure, the completion percentage is outstanding at 72% on the season, but the Texas senior quarterback has also thrown 9 picks this season with his 17 touchdowns. McCoy has actually thrown at least 1 pick in every game outside of the Longhorns blowout victory over Oklahoma State. In Texas two closest games this season against Oklahoma and Texas Tech, McCoy has thrown for just under 200 yards per game with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Considering how bad the Big 12 is down this season after all the expectations, those numbers are much less impressive. However, the Longhorns chance at a National Championship still may land him another Heisman Trophy Finalist recognition.

#4. QB Case Keenum (Houston Cougars)
Case Keenum Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +700

Most people will not give Case Keenum much respect since he resides out of the defenseless Conference USA. However, Keenum’s numbers can not be ignored and there is not many quarterbacks out there who have ever had the chance to post back to back 5,000 yard campaigns. Even more impressive is that Keenum leads the nation with 3,815 passing yards and that is nearly a 1,000 yards more than the next closest contender Tyler Sheehan. On the season, Keenum has thrown for 3,815 yards while completing 71% for 25 touchdowns and only 5 picks. In fact, the Cougars star has thrown for more than 500 passing yards in two straight contests and leads the nation’s top ranked scoring offense at 42 points per game. If only the Cougars were BCS type contenders, Keenum would be getting much more respect.

#3. QB Tim Tebow (Florida Gators)
Tim Tebow Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +300

Another one of the leading preseason candidates to win the Heisman Trophy is the Gators famed QB Tim Tebow who won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore season. However, Tebow has not had the huge numbers the Gators offense may have expected as well. In fact, the Gators offense is not near as explosive all together this season. Tebow has just 11 passing touchdowns on the season with 4 interceptions for 1,531 yards. Tebow has not thrown for the type of yards a Heisman Trophy candidate would normally post. However, his legs have kept him in the race. Tebow has posted 9 additional touchdowns on the ground for just less than 600 yards. The Gators quarterback just recently broke all-time great Herschel Walker’s SEC touchdown record and that accomplishment in itself should rank right up there with his Heisman Trophy. The Gators appear to be the team to beat as they attempt to defend their National Championship and 3rd in the last 4 years. While Tebow is completely everything to the team, he may not have the numbers to grab his 2nd trophy. However, there is still a few opportunities that could change those perceptions.

#2. QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Jimmy Clausen Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +400

Perhaps this year we finally learned why Jimmy Clausen was at one time considered the most sought after recruit in college football history. Clausen has finally delivered in big ways for the Fighting Irish offense throwing for 2,770 yards this season. Clausen actually has an outside chance to reach the 4,000 yard plateau if he can string together a couple of 400 yard performances as he has already done this season. Clausen has completed 68% passing with 20 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. The big thing that impresses many about Clausen is his ability to play big in the big games. If you take the Fighting Irish’s two biggest games of the season which both resulted in close disappointing losses to Michigan and USC, Clausen threw for just less than 300 yards per game with 5 touchdowns and 0 picks. The Fighting Irish junior quarterback even put up a career high 452 yards in their most recent loss last week to Army simply proving yet again a player who is Heisman worthy, but just not on the team that will help him win the hardware.

#1. RB Mark Ingram (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Mark Ingram Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: +100

Ask anyone in Tuscaloosa, Alabama who their pick for the Heisman Trophy is and they will tell you running back Mark Ingram. Even outside the state of Alabama, Ingram may be the most widely accepted front runner for the Heisman. He has completely dominated on the ground for the Crimson Tide this year and is a huge reason Alabama has a chance at their 2nd straight perfect regular season. Ingram has really emerged in the latter part of the season racking up 801 yards in the last 5 games and all of those yards have been against SEC defenses. Having a player put up those kind of numbers against not only good, but some very good defenses is more than impressive. Ingram may only have 8 scores on the year, but he is carrying a stout 6.6 yards per carry ratio and has produced the most in the biggest games. In some of the Crimson Tide’s most important games featuring teams like: Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU (all defenses ranking in top 25) Ingram has averaged 160 yards per game which is simply ridiculous. There is no player in college football more worthy of this year’s Heisman Trophy than sophomore running back out of Alabama in Mark Ingram. Not only should he be the Heisman Trophy Winner, but he may be the force that brings the National Championship back to Tuscaloosa.

2009 Heisman Update & Latest Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy

September 14th, 2009 by Jay (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football  

Exclusive 100% Sportsbook Bonus @ BetUS Courtesy of Bankroll Sports!
New BetUS Players Only: Must Mention Bankroll Sports at BetUS & Use This Link!
(Must Use Above Links – $100 Min. / $500 Max. – 50% Additional Bonus For Deposits Over $500)

heisman 2009 Heisman Update & Latest Odds To Win The Heisman TrophyWe have had the luxury of watching college football’s biggest stars for 2 straight weeks now and we can get a slight grasp of what to expect during the 2009 season. The big 3 quarterbacks of Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, and Colt McCoy were overwhelming favorites entering the season to win the Heisman Trophy after all three players where finalist in last year’s race. While the odds are still favorable for one of those quarterbacks to take home the hardware, the is an emerging ground threat making his way up the Heisman ladder out of the Pac-10. Last year’s Heisman winner Sam Bradford has already suffered a shoulder injury which has put a huge damper in his chances to repeat. Check out our weekly Heisman Trophy watch as we continue to keep an eye on the best players in college football.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
Get a 50% Cash Signup Bonus + $25 Free Bet When You Click Here!

  • Colt McCoy 5/4
  • Mark Ingram  2/7
  • Ndamukong Suh 5/1
  • Tim Tebow  15/1
  • Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
Get 100% Signup Bonus at JustBet When Using This Link!

  • Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

#1. Quarterback, Tim Tebow (Florida Gators)
Tim Tebow Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 5/2

Tim Tebow totaled 5 touchdowns in the Gators 50 point blowout over Troy last weekend. Tebow threw 4 touchdowns through the air while posting 237 yards. It is the 2nd straight week that the Gators have blown the game wide open in the first half. Tebow has actually had limited playing time with their first two games being out of reach so early in the contest. Still, the Gators look like a team that is going to be extremely difficult to stop this year. Tebow not only gets things done through the passing game, but his ability to make plays with his legs adds as a stat builder. On the year, Tebow has completed 25 of 39 passing for 425 yards totaling 5 touchdowns passing. The Gators former Heisman winner has also pounded two more touchdowns on the ground. Considering how great Florida has looked early on, it appears Tebow could have one hand on his 2nd Heisman Trophy.

#2. Running Back, Jahvid Best (California Golden Bears)
Jahvid Best Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 5/1 (opened at 7/4)

If there is going to be any player to steal the spotlight from the quarterbacks this year it will be Golden Bears running back Jahvid Best. Best like Tebow has yet to play an entire 60 minutes due to the fact California has won by a combined 91 points in their first two contests. However, Best has been extremely affective every time he has touched the ball. Best had 17 carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s victory. Also, the star back caught two passes for 19 yards and an additional touchdown. On the season, Best has 281 yards and a ridiculous 10.4 yards per carry average. Best is without much debate the best running back in college football. However, it will still be a difficult task to take the Heisman away from the prominent quarterbacks in this year’s race. Still, the California offense is appearing to be a big force out west. If California continues their pace, Best has all the makings to bring home the hardware.

#3. Quarterback, Colt McCoy (Texas Longhorns)
Colt McCoy Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 25/1 (opened at 9/2)

Colt McCoy kept things rolling for the Longhorns this weekend putting together his 2nd straight 300 plus yard passing performance. McCoy was 21 for 29 and 317 yards in the Longhorns 41-10 victory over Wyoming. McCoy also has put together 5 touchdowns through the air this year with one addition touchdown on the ground. In the midst of two straight solid performances, McCoy has thrown 2 interceptions to dampen the picture. However, McCoy looks to be well on his way to another big year especially if the offense is to continue to develop throughout the year. The offense got off to a slow start in their battle with Wyoming, but was able to pull through in the 2nd half. The Longhorns will meet rival Texas Tech in a showdown next week and eyes will be on McCoy as they try to extract revenge from last year’s upset.

#4. Quarterback, Max Hall (B.Y.U. Cougars)
Max Hall Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: 50/1 (opened at 15/1)

If there is anything we learned from week 1, it was there was an equally talented quarterback lined up on the opposing side of the field from Sam Bradford. Max Hall led the Cougars to the biggest upset of the year so far over Oklahoma 14-13 in the first game of the season. Hall continued to impress this weekend completing 75% passing equaling 309 yards and two touchdowns. If not for a few interceptions, Hall may be getting much more Heisman attention and the fact the Mountain West is not a BCS Conference. However if the Cougars continue to roll with their favorable schedule, Hall will continue to linger around the top of the Heisman talk. Hall threw for just less than 4,000 yards in 2008 so he can put up the numbers to be a legitimate threat. BYU will take on Florida State at home this weekend and continue to make their charge towards a BCS Bowl Game.

#5. Quarterback, Sam Bradford (Oklahoma Sooners)
Sam Bradford Current Odds To Win The Heisman Trophy: OTB

I know Sam Bradford may be out of everyone’s Heisman ballot since the shoulder injury that has the Sooners quarterback sidelined for a least another game. However, Bradford can still put up some big numbers despite missing the time. Oklahoma lost to a solid BYU team before bouncing back to blowout Idaho State 64-0. The Sooners still have a dangerous offense and they will still have plenty of time to make noise in the Big 12. If Bradford returns and can lead the Sooners to another Big 12 title, the possibility is still there depending on how the competition performs. Hopefully for Oklahoma, the shoulder will heal fast and Bradford can get the offense firing on all cylinders. Oklahoma plays a lot of tough competition this year meaning if Bradford shows out he will return to the national spotlight with ease.

2009-10 Heisman Trophy Odds – Heisman Picks & Preview

August 25th, 2009 by Jay (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football  
Current List of Odds to Win the Heisman Trophy (as of 12/7/2009)

Exclusive 100% Sportsbook Bonus Links From Bankroll Sports Only
Exclusive 100% Bonus Links: DiamondBetUSJustBet Oddsmaker

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
Get a 50% Cash Signup Bonus + $25 Free Bet When You Click Here!

  • Colt McCoy 5/4
  • Mark Ingram  2/7
  • Ndamukong Suh 5/1
  • Tim Tebow  15/1
  • Toby Gerhart  3/1

Current Heisman Trophy Odds From JustBet Sportsbook (as of 12/6/2009):
Get 100% Signup Bonus at JustBet When Using This Link!

  • Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

**Click Here For The World’s Greatest Sports Betting System**

heisman 283x300 2009 10 Heisman Trophy Odds   Heisman Picks & Preview The College Football Season is nearing just one week away from kickoff before our favorite teams and players take the field. The element of surprise has always been a special aspect to the college game that is unparallel to other sports. Every year you have breakout teams like the Utah Utes from 2008. Predicting the breakout teams may be a difficult task especially with so many juggernaut squads like the Florida Gators, Oklahoma Sooners, and Texas Longhorns who are on top of the polls heading into the 2009 ncaa football season. The men leading those powerful teams behind center will be none other than all 3 Heisman Finalist from last season including Oklahoma Sooners QB Sam Bradford who won the Heisman Trophy just one year ago. It will be interesting to see if there are any players who will step into the spotlight and challenge for the 2009 Heisman Trophy. There were some young talents who emerged into household names last year, but the big question will be if any of these less known names can be able to overtake all three finalists from last season? We break down the 2009 Heisman Trophy candidates and give some insight on what to expect from these big names for the upcoming season.

Top 10 Heisman Favorites and Their Respetive Odds (@ The Start of the Season) To Win The Heisman Throphy in 2009:

1. QB Tim Tebow +200 – Florida Gators

The Tim Tebow promise after the Gators loss to the Ole Miss last year was one of the captivating moments of the year in college football. The Gators lived up to that promise playing harder than any football team in America crushing opponents in the SEC like no team in history. Tim Tebow already won the Heisman Trophy in his sophomore campaign, but could he add another to the trophy case along side the two National Championship Trophies? Tebow’s ability to pound short yards on the ground in goal line situations make him an even better threat to put up Heisman numbers considering the touchdowns will come in abundance. However, Tebow arm does not get the credit it rightfully deserves. Tebow has completed 65% of his passes throughout his career in Gainesville and also sported the 4th best quarterback rating (172.37) in the NCAA in 2008. Florida will not only be the big favorites in the country this season, but they are catching the SEC East division in a year where they are really down in terms of talent compared to years past. Losing playmaker Percy Harvin may hurt the homerun threat, but there are plenty of talented wide outs ready to step to the plate. If the Gators offense can start from where they left in 2008, then Tebow could put up some freakishly strong numbers against the best defenses in America.

2. QB Sam Bradford +250 – Oklahoma Sooners

Sam Bradford led the Oklahoma Sooners to one of the strongest offensive showings by a team in recent memory last year. Bradford and the rest of the offense set an NCAA record by recording 5 straight games of 60 or more points. Those ridiculous numbers led to Bradford compiling 4,720 yards and even more impressively 50 touchdowns on the season. While many will try to downplay the Sooners offense in reference to the weak defenses of the Big 12, it still amazing anytime you put those types of numbers playing in one of biggest conferences in America. Bradford also led the nation with a 180.84 quarterback rating and capped off the huge year by winning the Heisman Trophy. Can Bradford become the 1st player since Archie Griffin (Ohio State 1974&1975) to win the Heisman Trophy back to back? The Sooners lost primary target Juaquin Iglesias, but they get the likely the best tight end in the country back in Jermaine Gresham. However, the wide outs will rely on unproven talent to step up to aid Bradford in the air attack. Big numbers should not be a problem for Bradford in 2009, but topping last year’s stats could be difficult.

3. QB Colt McCoy +275 – Texas Longhorns

Colt McCoy is the first player on our list not to be a previous Heisman Trophy Winner. However, McCoy’s numbers from 2008 were very deserving of that honor. McCoy led the Longhorns to a brilliant season and many feel if not for the “flawless” BCS standings the Longhorns would have been playing for the National Title. On the season, McCoy led the Texas offense racking up 3,859 yards through the air with 34 touchdowns. McCoy also rushed for another 541 yards which led the Texas rushing attack adding another 11 touchdowns on the season. The senior quarterback could be a good pick this year considering the Longhorns are slight favorites to come out on top in the Big 12 this season. However, McCoy lost some talented receivers a lot like their nemesis in Oklahoma. Texas did catch a big break when WR Jordan Shipley was granted another year of eligibility and he will definitely be the primary target for their dangerous offense. Having Shipley return to the offense, gives promising hope to the Longhorns air attack behind McCoy and should allow the Texas quarterback to put up some big numbers once again.

4. QB Terrelle Pryor +800 – Ohio State Buckeyes

Terrelle Pryor if you can recall was the enormous recruit sought after by so many of the nations top schools that actually needed more time after National Signing Day to decide his college destination. Well, usually those players fail to impress after so much hype. However, Pryor really could be among the very best in the nation just in his sophomore season. Last year as a freshman, Pryor could pick a part defenses at will with his feet. Pryor actually at times seemed to favor tucking the ball and running instead of throwing to pick up yard. The freshman carried the ball 139 times picking up 4.5 yards a carry to total 631 yards on the season behind center. Pryor threw for just 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns despite using his legs more times than not. However, if the star studded sophomore can make his arm a bigger weapon this season it could be deadly for the Buckeyes offense. Defenses already had trouble stopping Pryor from escaping out of the backfield. If he can add a considerable threat with his arm, then the Ohio State quarterback could be unstoppable.

5. RB Jahvid Best +1000 – California Golden Bears

Jahvid Best burst onto the college football scene last season by becoming a Saturday night special on the highlight film. As the first non-quarterback on board, Best will have to really out do himself to overcome the big name quarterbacks. However, he is just the player to do so. Best rushed for 1,580 and 15 touchdowns on the ground for the Golden Bears in 2008 and is likely in for another big season. Best also shattered a single game school record last year rumbling his way for 311 yards in the season finale against Washington. The junior tailback could be in for more big accomplishments as quite possibly the best running back in the nation. The unknown star heading into 2008 took the Pac-10 by surprise averaging a lucrative 8.1 yards per carry on the ground ranking 2nd best in the country. This year the Golden Bears should be on the verge of contending in the Pac-10, if that happens and Best puts up more strong numbers it would really help make the case for Heisman consideration.

6. RB Evan Royster +1200 – Penn State Nittany Lions

Evan Royster will be another big name coming out of the Big Ten in pre-season Heisman consideration. Royster became a big threat for the Nittany Lions ground game last year racking up over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Royster was part of a strong rushing game and resulted in 6.5 yards per carry. Rest assured the Nittany Lions main running back will get plenty of chances to bust open some big plays this year and perhaps the opportunity to get more touches than 2008. However, Royster would have to increase his numbers by a wide margin to be considered a legitimate contender in the Heisman race. Sharing time with Stephfon Green in the backfield could hurt those chances, but many have Royster on their radar for a breakout season. Royster got off to a great start in 2008, but faded down the stretch. If the junior tailback can keep it together for the entire season, then you can definitely expect his overall numbers to see a big increase.

7. QB Jevan Snead +1500 – Mississippi Rebels

We had Jevan Snead in our off-season Heisman watch and it looked like we were not the only ones. Snead has received a lot of publicity for the way he threw the ball and took over the Rebels offense at the end of 2008. Snead has possibility the most pure arm in college football. That’s right perhaps better than all our Heisman Finalist from last year. The question heading into this season is how will the Rebels offense perform? Snead struggled at times last year throwing 13 picks, but also had an SEC 2nd best 26 touchdowns to make up those mistakes. The Rebels will have the dangerous all-purpose talent of Dexter McCluster back to aid Snead with the passing game and that could spell trouble for some of the SEC defenses. The Rebels quarterback could be in store for a big year if the offense can come out firing on all cylinders. Don’t expect the interceptions to be a factor in this underdog pick. Heisman consideration or not, Snead may be the best arm at the next level than any of the quarterback on our board.

8. RB Jonathon Dwyer +1500 – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson implemented the pro running style option offense to the Yellow Jackets in his first season as coach. In the midst of the offense, the Yellow Jackets found a crowned jewel in young running back Jonathon Dwyer. Dwyer led the ACC in rushing with 1,395 yards, 12 touchdowns, and an impressive 7.0 yards per carry average. The more impressive aspect to Dwyer’s statistical success was the fact the defenses knew that the Yellow Jackets would be running the football. However, the talented youngster did not disappoint in his sophomore campaign and will be a guy to keep on your breakout list for 2009. Dwyer rushing yards increased as the season progressed hinting at all possibilities of another big season for the Yellow Jackets tailback. Also, Johnson’s new offense should be even better as many would expect in year 2 and Dwyer will be the main player leading the offensive ground game.

9. RB Kendall Hunter +2000 – Oklahoma State Cowboys

Kendall Hunter exploded out of the backfield for the Cowboys in 2008 racking up 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns. Hunter will be in elite company with QB Zac Robinson and WR Dez Bryant on the same side of the field. The Oklahoma State offense will be explosive through the air as well on the ground. The question is will it be enough explosion the ground to get the Heisman attention? Well, Hunter definitely has that possibility as we have labeled him the best cutback player in America. Hunter has an uncanny ability to make great cuts through the holes of the defense maximizing large gains. Add the element of speed to the picture and you can see why Hunter is a favorite amongst fans. Hunter carried for 6.5 yards per carry last year while carrying a big work load with 241 touches. Expect Hunter to get another big dosage of carries this season and if the offense can live up to the hype then the electrifying tailback could really climb the polls in the Heisman race.

10. RB C.J Spiller +2000 – Clemson Tigers

So we have 9 previous players who have proved themselves on the field, but Spiller may not fit the same mold. Spiller is undoubtedly a thrilling tailback with quickness and top end speed that can out run anyone. The senior running back can really make big plays with his elite speed and bust open big plays on any given touch. However, with that being said Spiller has yet to have the breakout year that Tigers fans have been anticipating. Spiller shared time with running back James Davis over the past few seasons as fans proclaimed the duo as “thunder and lightning.” Although, “lightning” has failed to produce a single 1,000 yard campaign in his first 3 seasons at Clemson and time is definitely running on empty. In Spiller’s defense, he did not have one game where he received over 16 touches in 2008 and that does not give him the opportunity to post big numbers. However this season, Spiller will be the only threat in the backfield and maybe finally the Tigers will give him that opportunity. Still, Spiller would have to increase his numbers considerably to contend for a Heisman Trophy. Even more importantly, Clemson would have to avoid collapsing as they have done over the past few years when there has been similar around the team.

2009 Heisman Trophy Prediction & Picks:

It would definitely be an upset if any of the top 3 finalists from last season did not end up winning this year’s Heisman Trophy. However, Jahvid Best will have a legitimate shot. Best is the best underdog to take in the Heisman race, but a lot of that consideration will rely on the Golden Bears success. California will have every opportunity to finally knock off USC in the Pac-10 this year and will get the opportunity to single handedly knock off the Trojans at home on October 3rd. Consider Best as a dark horse with profitable odds. However, the big favorite still has to be Tim Tebow and for all the right reasons. Whether you are tired of hearing his name or not, Tebow still has the best chance to win the Heisman. The reason is because the Gators have such a promising outlook for the upcoming season. The team has nearly every starter returning from their National Championship crusade from last year and the opportunity to make another run at a National Championship. It would be a fitting end for the guy that has led the Gators offense over the last 4 years and already has two National Titles along with a Heisman Trophy already on his resume. Those factors simply make it hard to bet against him in the Heisman race. Harvin may be gone, but the offense will reload heavily. Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez should give the air attack plenty of firepower with Tebow delivering the bullets. Expect nothing less than another dynamic offense that will be among the best in the SEC yet again. If Tebow and the offense can avoid early season struggles as they did in 2008, expect another 40 plus total touchdowns for the 3rd season in a row which will result in another Heisman Trophy for college football’s biggest star.

College Football Players; Leaving or Staying?

January 20th, 2009 by Jay (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football, NFL Football  

The College Football season is now officially over and coaches are hard at work on the recruiting trail. However, some of the more talented young players are facing one of the most difficult decisions of their careers. Players face the choice to remain in college or chase the money and the dream of playing in the NFL. Take a look at the players that have decided to stay in college and those who will move on with their careers. Note this will be the first time in history that the top 3 Heisman finalist will all be returning to the college field. We break down the biggest names in college football and their decisions. Tell us what you think and if these were the right choices from these players by commenting on this article.

Returners

QB Tim Tebow (Florida) -

Tebow has probably become the most popular name in college football for his extreme passion for the game and desire to achieve. Tebow post-game press conference after the loss to Ole Miss this season will be a speech for the ages. Despite the popular belief that Tim Tebow is more of a running quarterback, the Heisman winner has completed 426 of 648 passes equaling 66%, for 6,033 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions all through the air in the last two seasons. Tebow’s decision to return next year shocked the vast majority of the public due to his overwhelming list of accomplishments in the college ranks. Tebow has already become the first sophomore to win the Heisman and also owns two National Championship rings. Does the decision to come back mean Tebow is trying to become the greatest college quarterback to ever step on the field with the opportunity to win a second Heisman and the possibility to win a 3rd National Title?

QB Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) -

This year’s Heisman winner completely lighted up the stat sheet throwing for 50 touchdowns and 4,721 yards on the season. Bradford became the 2nd ever sophomore to win the Heisman behind Tim Tebow. However, the National Championship Game may have mildly tarnished the star quarterback’s reputation. Many will make the argument that his stats reflect the high pass offensive attacks and suggested weak defenses of the Big 12. Despite the conference or style of play, Bradford still has the arsenal to make all the throws on the football field and that was something that was demonstrated time and time again this year. Bradford has the look of an NFL style quarterback and he very well has the ability to be a solid QB at the next level as well. Bradford decision to return may not be a big surprise considering he will only be a junior next year and will get an always helpful extra year to develop into an even bigger threat.

QB Colt McCoy (Texas) –
Colt McCoy was also another Heisman finalist that decided to come back for his senior year. McCoy reason for staying was noted to make a run at next year’s National Championship. The talented Tuscola, Texas native made big plays this year with his feet and dominated with his arm. McCoy broke two Texas records with 32 touchdowns and 3,445 yards on the year. Texas will have another strong team next year and McCoy will again try to lead Texas towards a National Title just like the previous returners. McCoy decision to return surprised me simply for the fact that Texas lost their top 3 receivers this season considering they were seniors and their time is done. However, the Longhorns do have a lot of young talent. It will just be interesting to see how fast they develop early in the year and really give McCoy the support he needs.

RB C.J. Spiller (Clemson) -
Despite the constant disappointments from Clemson, C.J Spiller gives them hope with his decision to return. Spiller is among one of the most elusive backs that will step on the field in 2009 and the Tigers will have to find a way to utilize him in better than they did this season. Despite the under achievements, Spiller still managed 1,770 all purpose yards that equaled over 9 yards every time he touched the football. Spiller and California running back Jahvid Best should be among the best tailbacks in the nation in 2009.

Other honorable mentions for key players that will return next season.

MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida) – Spikes is the centerpiece to the powerful Gator defense, the side of the ball that really won the National Championship.

S Taylor Mays (USC)
– Mays will again lead the Trojan defense as possibly the best safety in the nation with a combination of size and blazing speed.

TE Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma) – Gresham will be one of the best tight ends in the country and will likely become a bigger threat for the Sooner offense in 2009 after an impressive 950 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.

Early Departures


WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)

Crabtree’s game winning reception over Texas in the final seconds will be remembered for a long time, but the talented wide receiver made those big plays all season. Crabtree was 2nd in the nation with an outstanding 19 touchdowns and also added 1,165 yards for the year. Crabtree decision to part may not come as any big surprise considering he proved time and time again this season he was clearly the best wide receiver in college football and returning may have only hurt that reputation rather than helped.

OL Andre Smith (Alabama)
-
Smith is one of the biggest powers on the Crimson Tide offensive line in a very long time. Smith was the winner of the Outland Trophy Award for being the best lineman in the country. Smith was the Alabama standout that was suspended prior to the Sugar Bowl for breaking team rules and failed to play in the BCS Bowl Game.  The 340lb monster declared his early departure after having a fantastic junior campaign and some draft boards have him projected as the number 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft.

QB Mark Sanchez (USC)
-
If you have not seen by now, Sanchez decision to turn pro was a big disappointment in the Trojans locker room. Head Coach Pete Carroll made it rather clear during Sanchez’s announcement that he did not approve of the decision. Still Sanchez will be a lottery pick in this year’s draft after a solid season throwing for 3,207 yards along with 32 touchdowns and completing over 65% of his passes. Sanchez’s decision to not return for his senior season shocked many. The Trojans lost a ton of key players especially on the defensive side of the ball and will have a lot of areas to fill.

RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
-
Knowshon Moreno was a big part of the highlight films this season with spectacular athletic plays. Moreno decision comes as a big surprise considering many thought he was firmly committed to staying with the Bulldogs. Moreno may be slightly under sized compared to many of the NFL backs, but makes up for it with a natural talent. Moreno sported 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns against the brutal defenses of the SEC this season and will be on the verge of a top 10 pick in this year’s draft.

RB Percy Harvin (Florida)
-
Percy Harvin can arguably be mentioned as the biggest threat on offense this season. The speedster at tailback had 650 yards of rushing and 650 yards of receiving as well equaling 17 touchdowns on the season. Harvin’s ability to make big plays played a vital role on the Florida offense this season and QB Tim Tebow will have to find a new go to guy. Harvin position on the NFL may be in question as to where he will be used, but he has an immeasurable amount of talent that will find a way onto the field.

Let us know how you feel about some of these players decisions and if they were the right decisions for their careers. Note that we could not go over every big name, but we tried to throw in the most notable. Feel free to add a name that we did not discuss as well.