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We 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):
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• 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):
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• 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.

Current Odds To Win The Heisman Are From Sportsbook.com (as of 12/7/2009):
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• 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):
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• Odds Currently Off The Board – Will Update When Available

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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.

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College football today is composed of countless teams using spread offenses and relying on passing games to rack up a load of points against opponents. Far from the old roots of football that was led by ground and pound rushing attacks. Today’s game is based mostly around teams that spread the field with 4 and 5 wide receivers and try to stretch out defenses before picking them apart. However, look at any championship caliber team and you can bet they have a strong running game. The rushing game will always be the best offense when used effectively because it allows a team to take control of the clock along with taking control of field position in tight games. Even though the hard core rushing offenses seem to have vanished in today’s game, there are still a load of players who have the ability to rack up big chunks of yards on every play. These players give their teams an edge that most do not possess; the ability to not only break big plays, but keep opposing offenses off the field. Keep your eyes on these guys for the upcoming football season as we break down the best running backs in the nation.

#1 Jahvid Best (California)

Jahvid Best is not only the best running back in college football, but he also has the best chance to be a big name at the next level. Best has a raw combination of quickness and immeasurable strength giving him the ability to run through defenses. Best was extremely impressive in his first full season as starter for the Golden Bears rushing for 1,580 yards to go along with 15 touchdowns as a sophomore. Best averaged a lucrative 8.1 yards per carry and broke California’s single game rushing record against Washington bulldozing his way to 311 yards. If it was not for Heisman winners Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford returning, Best would be right in the middle of the talk for winning the Heisman Trophy this season. Expect nothing less than a huge year from the Golden Bears running back as California makes a run at a Pac-10 title.

#2 Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State)

Kendall Hunter had a big season in 2008 rushing for 1,555 yards and 16 scores making numerous big plays. Hunter who resides in the pass happy region of the college football world, led the Big 12 in rushing yards. Add to the fact, Hunter will be a part of one of the most explosive offenses in the nation this season and things are looking very promising. Hunter probably has the quickest cutback of any tailback on our board and can bust plays open quickly. Expect Hunter to be a big reason, the Cowboys have a lot of success in 2009 and just maybe come up with a big upset or two.

# 3 Jonathon Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

The option style offense the Yellow Jackets turned to last season may have been a nightmare if they did not have the talented Jonathon Dwyer in the backfield. Dwyer took over 200 carries cashing in for 1,395 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets entire offense was based around the running game and defenses knew it making Dwyer’s numbers a bit more impressive. During the time that defenses keyed in on the running game, Dwyer’s numbers actually picked up during the latter part of the season giving promising hope to 2009. Dwyer who has a knack for shaking off tacklers led the ACC in rushing in 2008. Anticipating how many carries he is likely to get in 2009, it looks to be another big season for the Yellow Jackets star player.

# 4 Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)

So who here remembers the Beavers upset over the USC Trojans last season? If you do then you probably remember a small freshman sensation by the name of Jacquizz Rodgers slicing through the best defense in the country. Rodgers had a big season in his freshman campaign rushing for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns. Possibly the best sophomore in the country heading into this season, Rodgers averaged 114 yards per game in his first year at Oregon State. Expect the 5’7 little guy to improve on those numbers this season and become one of the best tailbacks in the Pac 10.

# 5 Evan Royster (Penn State)

Evan Royster was a big part to the Nittany Lions success in 2009 that had them in National Title contention for the majority of the year. Royster exploded onto the scene racking up 6.5 yards per carry in route to a plus 1,200 yard season. The Nittany Lions offense was a well balanced machine last year with Royster in the back field and Daryll Clark delivering the air assault. However, Penn State lost big time receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, and Derrick Williams. The big losses at wide out means the Nittany Lions will give Royster a big increase in carries and we expect no less than 1,500 yards from the best back in the Big Ten.

#6 MiQuale Lewis (Ball State)

MiQuale Lewis is probably the least known name on our board, but surprisingly one of the best on the board as well. Lewis ranked 3rd individually last season tallying up 1,736 yards on the season. Lewis put up those impressive numbers as a junior and there will be big expectations for him again in 2009. The Cardinals running back already led the nation last year with 22 touchdowns. Imagine if those numbers were to improve. Some may argue that Lewis is in a weak defensive conference, but it’s hard to match those numbers regardless of who you are playing.

#7 DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma)

DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown make up the best running back duo in the nation for Oklahoma. Murray received less hand offs in 2008 due to missing the last two games of the season with injury, but both backs averaged a strong 5.6 yards per carry. Murray was also able to post a 1,000 yard season despite missing those few games. If not for sharing carries with an equally talented Chris Brown, Murray could easily be one of the top rushers in the nation. However, the Sooners ability to rotate between the two may be more effective from a team’s standpoint. It is just amazing the numbers that the Sooners running backs are able to produce considering they are such an elite passing team.

#8 Noel Devine (West Virginia)

Noel Devine burst onto the scene at the beginning of 2008 as one of the hottest tailbacks in the nation. Devine averaged over 120 yards during the first 8 games of the season before fading a bit down the stretch. However, his numbers were very impressive considering running threat of Pat White accompanied him in the back field. Devine posted a 6.1 yards per carry average in 2008 despite the Mountaineers taking a step back as a team. However, Devine will be the best returning back in the Big East this season and will try to be the main guy in helping restore the explosiveness on the Mountaineers’ offense.

#9 Chris Brown (Oklahoma)

Another very impressive tailback that comes out of the Oklahoma stable, Brown was able to rush for 1,220 yards last season. Brown ranked 4th among running backs in college football producing 20 scores for the year. The senior tailback will enter 2009 with the expectations for another 1,000 yard plus performance. If not for sharing time with Murray, Brown could be one of the single best rushers in America. However, sharing carries in the back field may actually limit his chances of putting up ridiculous numbers.

#10 C.J Spiller (Clemson)

C.J Spiller perhaps is one of the most under rated backs in college football. However, those are not because he has put up any huge numbers. In fact, Spiller has never eclipsed the 1,000 yard barrier in his previous 3 seasons with the Tigers. Spiller has fell victim of an offense that simply has not allowed him to showcase his skills. One of the quickest backs on our board, Spiller has also had to share time with James Davis over the last 3 years. However, Spiller will be the lone back for the Tigers this season and there is no way he should not rack up well over 1,000 yards against the ACC defenses.

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