Posts Tagged ‘Penn State Nittany Lions’

2009-10 Heisman Trophy Odds – Heisman Picks & Preview

August 25th, 2009 by Jay (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football   No Comments »

Current List of Odds to Win the Heisman Trophy For All Candidates Can Be Found Below

Heisman Trophy PicksThe 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 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.

2009 Heisman Trophy Odds From BetUS Sportsbook:
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:

  • Arrelious Benn      80/1 
  • CJ Spiller      20/1 
  • Colt McCoy      11/4 
  • Daryll Clark      20/1 
  • Evan Royster      12/1 
  • Jacquizz Rodgers      30/1 
  • Jahvid Best      10/1 
  • Jevan Snead      15/1 
  • Joe McKnight      25/1 
  • Jonathan Dwyer      15/1 
  • Juice Williams      60/1 
  • Julio Jones      70/1 
  • Kendall Hunter      20/1 
  • LeGarrette Blount      35/1 
  • Noel Devine      40/1 
  • Riley Skinner      100/1 
  • Robert Griffen      30/1 
  • Russell Wilson      40/1 
  • Sam Bradford      5/2 
  • Terrelle Pryor      8/1 
  • Tim Tebow      2/1 
  • Toby Gerhart      100/1 
  • Todd Reesing      20/1 
  • Zac Robinson      60/1 
  • Jeremiah Masoli      40/1

2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings

July 15th, 2009 by Jay (Bankroll Sports Contributor) | Posted in College Football   39 Comments »

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Tradition, pageantry, and all out excitement will fill the air when the 2009 college football season kicks off in just a few short weeks. The anticipation has been building all summer for college football enthusiast around the nation. After such an exciting and competitive year in 2008, the 2009 season expects to be even better considering the circumstances. All 3 Heisman Trophy Finalist are back including previous winners Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford not to mention the Florida Gators will be seeking their 3rd National Title in the last 4 years. Also, the South Eastern Conference will seek their 4 straight National Championship and look to continue their dominance among the nation’s most elite football conferences. Like many others you probably can not wait to see how your favorite team and players will fair in the upcoming season. We go a step further by trying to bring you predictions of the top teams in America heading in to 2009. We bring you an in-depth preview by predicting this year’s Top 10 teams before the rankings are released.

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gators 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#1 Florida Gators -

How can you not bet on the Florida Gators? Two National Titles in 3 years and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow is back for his senior campaign. The offense was nearly untouchable in the SEC last season averaging a lucrative 43 points per game ranking 4th in the nation. The Gators may not have the explosive talent of Percy Harvin back, but Tebow will have plenty of talented targets in his sights. Expect wide receiver Riley Cooper to have a breakout year on the outside. The Gators have so many talented players just ready to explode on offense. However, the strength of this team will definitely be on the defensive side of the ball. Whether you are tired of hearing about it or simply not accepted it, the SEC is the premier defensive conference in America. The Gators defense nearly has everyone back from the unit that held the so called “unstoppable” Oklahoma offense to just 14 points in the National Championship Game a year ago. Linebacker Brandon Spikes may very well be the best defensive player in the country and he will be on of the key figures in what appears to be an even better defense in 2009.

longhorns 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#2 Texas Longhorns -

The Longhorns should still be bitter about last season’s outcome considering they likely should have been playing for a national championship. However, Texas will be a force to be dealt with again in 2009 and they may be out for some payback. QB Colt McCoy posted great numbers with 3,849 yards and 34 scores. McCoy will also get the pleasure of taking aim towards his favorite target Jordan Shipley. Shipley who is the Longhorns most prominent receiver was granted an NCAA medical hardship waiver at the end of last season giving him an extra year of eligibility. The extra year of eligibility is huge in a year where the Longhorns would have lost all of their big time receivers. However, Texas now will not only have Shipley but a number of talented receivers ready to get in on the action. Defensively, you can not replace defensive end Brian Orakpo. The Longhorns defense will not be bad, but we do question the front four and how effective they will be getting to the quarterback. Also, it would be nice to see someone step up in the back field on offense considering McCoy led the team in rushing with only 561 yards last season.

ou 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#3 Oklahoma Sooners -

The Sooners return another outstanding group of players heading into 2009. The Oklahoma offense was one of the best in recent memory last year averaging an insane 51 points per game. Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford is back along with some other very big names. Bradford who is coming off a ridiculous 4,720 yard and 50 touchdowns junior campaign will also get tight end Jermaine Gresham back in the mix. Gresham caught a team high 14 touchdown passes last season and appears to have a very bright future with Bradford back under center. However, surprisingly the running game is just as important as their dangerous air assault. Running backs Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark in 2008 and will have a chance to do the same again this season. Both tailbacks provide Oklahoma with as much danger on the ground as Bradford does with his arm equaling a lethal combination. However, the offense may lack a down the field threat with the young receivers who will step in and must overcome losing a ton of talent on the offensive line.

usc 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#4 USC Trojans –

If the Trojans could slightly mirror last year’s defensive unit, then they would have nothing to worry about. However, the defense that ranked #1 in the nation will only return 3 starters on that side of the ball. Usually that would throw up all types of red flag, but there is perhaps no team in the nation that can reload talent like USC. The big hurt that the Trojans will feel is losing quarterback Mark Sanchez. The reason is not necessarily because Sanchez was irreplaceable, but rather of the lack of experience that USC is left with. The offense will return an impressive 9 starters giving opposing defenses a lot to worry about. However, to be a great football team you got to have reliability behind center and the Trojans will be searching for either Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain to step up big in 2009.

osu 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#5 Oklahoma State Cowboys -

Could this be the upset team of the year? Well if you are familiar with the Oklahoma State offense it would not be much of an upset. This may sound crazy, but the Cowboys could have the best offense in the Big 12 this season. Quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendal Hunter, and wide out Dez Bryant provide the most dangerous trio of explosion in the country. Oklahoma State ranked 6th in the nation last year in total offense averaging 469 yards per game and there is no reason to think they can not be better in 2009 with the big 3 returning. The Cowboys offense will give them the opportunity to beat any team in the land. Unfortunately Texas and Oklahoma reside in the same division meaning the idea of winning the Big 12 outright is trimmed. However, the Cowboys could likely decide who does win the Big 12 if in fact they do not win it themselves.

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bama 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#6 – Alabama Crimson Tide -

The Crimson Tide were actually suppose to be a young talented team with their best years ahead in 2008. Instead, they were the only team to go through the SEC regular season undefeated. Alabama may have stumbled at the end of the season losing to Florida in the SEC Championship and Utah in the Sugar Bowl. The early out pouring of wins has left Tuscaloosa with unlimited amount of expectations. Julio Jones remains probably the best young receiver in the country. However, who will be throwing Jones the football? The likely candidate will be Greg McElroy. McElroy has very little experience, but he will inherit one of the best receiving groups in the country. The ability for the offensive line to rebuild and McElroy to establish ball control will determine the amount of success for the Tide. Crimson Tide fans should not worry much about the defensive side of the ball. The SEC’s best defense returns 9 starters and will be primed again for another fantastic season.

ohio state 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#7 – Ohio State Buckeyes -

The Buckeyes lost a good deal of talent at the end of last season that will be hard to replace. However, watching how the team progressed throughout the 2008 season should cause a bit of concern for the rest of the Big Ten. The Buckeyes offense really spread their wings during the latter part of the season behind freshman sensation Terrelle Pryor. Pryor legs add a big threat to the Buckeyes offensive attack and if his passing skills can continue to develop he could be a nightmare for any defense. However, Pryor lost some very talented receivers last year and it will be interesting to see who will step up. The defense lost some key players as well like Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinaitis, but will likely reload confidently. The Buckeyes success will all be in the hands of the offense. Remember this is the team that was 36 seconds away from upsetting Texas in the Fiesta Bowl at the end of last season. If they can get the offense clicking early in the year, then they will be a team to watch out for.

ole miss 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#8 – Ole Miss Rebels -

We picked the Rebels to be a surprise story in the SEC last season and we forebode similar types of warning again this year. Ole Miss strived under new coach Houston Nutt turning the program from a 3-9 into a 9-4 season that was capped off by a thrashing over Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. The offense that the Rebels displayed at the end of last year may be an eerie tale of what is to come in 2009. Ole Miss averaged 45 points per game in their final 4 games of the season. Quarterback Jevan Snead is on the verge of a breakout year and he may just be the best pure passer in the conference. Dexter McCluster will be used in all types of situations and is a guy you must contain. The defense looks to be very strong as well especially up front. The Rebels rush defense ranked 4th in the nation last year holding opponents to just 85 yards per game and that does not look to change in 2009.

penn state 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#9 – Penn State Nittany Lions -

The Nittany Lions were one single game away from playing for last year’s National Championship. In fact, they were a single point away from their devastating defeat from Iowa late in the season. Penn State could have one of the better offenses in the Big Ten with the return of QB Daryll Clark and tailback Evan Royster. Royster rushed for over 1,200 yards last season while Clark threw for over 2,500 through the air. Look for Stephfon Green to be a bigger help with the offense as well. The Nittany Lions will have the most complete offense in the Big Ten, but they must be able to execute accordingly. The defensive front lost a load of talent that will be hard to replace. The losses of Aaron Maybin, Josh Gaines, and Maurice Evans cause a lot of concern on the defensive side of the ball. The rush defense which was the Nittany Lions biggest strength a season ago may be their biggest weakness in 2009.

lsu 2009 College Football Preseason Top 10 Power Rankings#10 – LSU Tigers -

The Tigers downfall toward the end of last year was very surprising to college football fans. LSU lost 3 of the last 4 games of the regular season which included a heroic comeback to salvage a win over Troy. The problem was obviously the play behind center which kept the Tigers offense in neutral for the majority of the season. Freshman quarterback Jarrett Lee recorded 16 interceptions on the year before losing his job to another freshman by the name of Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson was not overly impressive, but did manage to hold on to the ball and will likely be the best back by the team the season starts. The return of Brandon Lafell at wide out gives the offense many reasons for excitement. Also, running back Charles Scott had a big junior season and will prime for another big year as a senior this season. The defense will have to replace a lot of guys up front including Tyson Jackson who was selected as the number 3 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. However the Tigers look to be back on the right path, but the question is will they get back to the top of the SEC West this season?

What is the most powerful college football conference in 2009?

  • SEC (49.0%, 906 Votes)
  • Big Twelve (24.0%, 444 Votes)
  • Big Ten (9.0%, 177 Votes)
  • Pac 10 (8.0%, 154 Votes)
  • ACC (7.0%, 131 Votes)
  • Big East (3.0%, 52 Votes)

Total Voters: 1,864

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