2008 Heisman Predictions
Written August 19, 2008 by Jason Lowry
With the 2008 NCAA football season just a little over a week away Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 Heisman predictions. Last year sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow put on a show in route to taking home the Heisman trophy, as he became the first player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns. With Florida looking like it will be a force again in 2008, we could be looking at the second player to ever win two Heismans. With so much talent spread out over so many teams, there are plenty of other candidates that have a legit shot at winning the trophy. Here is a look at our 5 favorites to walk away with the trophy this season.
1) QB Chase Daniel, Missouri
Daniel was spectacular last season in nearly leading Missouri to the National Championship game, and many think if he would of got past Oklahoma he might have been able to edge out Tebow. With Missouri expected to win the Big 12 North once again, we think that Daniel might just get what he deserved a year ago. Daniel does get some help with his leading receiver Jeremy Maclin back. Look for Daniel to put up huge numbers this season, as he needs just a little over 600 yards to become Missouri’s all time leading passer.
Daniel +500 odds to win Heisman at Sportsbook.com
2) RB Chris “Beanie” Wells, Ohio State
Many people are going to think there is no way that someone from Ohio State deserves to win the Heisman, after the teams lackluster performances in the last two National Championship games, but we think this year the Buckeyes are for real. Wells rushed for over 1,609 yards and looked like he was getting better and better as the season went on. With the Buckeyes huge favorites to win the Big Ten this season, Wells just might need a big performance over USC to take home the trophy.
Wells +500 odds to win Heisman at Sportsbook.com
3) QB Tim Tebow, Florida
We would be crazy if we didn’t have this guy in the top 3 after having arguably one of the most impressive seasons in NCAA history at the quarterback position. Tebow is likely to run less this season which means his 20-20 performance might be a one time deal. Florida is going to be a force this year, and playing in the SEC only makes what Tebow does that much more impressive. If Florida is able to run the table and get past Georgia, then it will be hard to keep this guy from being the first two-time champion since Ohio State’s Archie Griffin.
Tebow +250 odds to win Heisman at Sportsbook.com
4) QB Pat White, West Virginia
White is one of the most impressive quarterbacks in the country, and if he is able to stay healthy there is a chance that he could come close to Tebow like numbers this season. White has continued to improve his passing over the years, and his running game is electric. White should lead the Mountaineers to the Big East title this season, and the one thing that could really hurt White is the fact that he has had trouble staying healthy. West Virginia almost played for the National Championship a year ago, and if they are able to pull it off this season, White’s chances of winning the Heisman increase greatly.
White +1200 odds to win Heisman at Sportsbook.com
5) RB LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
McCoy is our sleeper in this group, though many are talking about this kid as well. As a freshman McCoy put up some big time numbers rushing for 1,375 yards and 14 touchdowns. McCoy also the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which could really help his chances. McCoy should put up even better numbers this season, as Pittsburgh is expected to greatly improve this season. McCoy is either going to have to rush for over 2,000 yards or be the focal point in a Pitt run to the Big East Championship. Don’t count this kid out just yet, as we think he is ready for one special season.
McCoy +1000 odds to win Heisman at Sportsbook.com
While the Heisman winner sometimes isn’t the best player in the country, as you may know it usually ends up going to the best player on one of the best teams in the country. So with almost everyone of these teams expected to have big seasons, its easy to understand our picks. If you are looking to get a bet in on any of these players odds to win the Heisman this year, be sure to head over to Sportsbook.com today. Also, if you are looking for what others are saying check out these great Heisman predictions.