The battle between Fresno State and Northern Illinois is heating up and not just in the fight for the non-AQ spot in a BCS bowl game, but now the Heisman trophy. After a few teams faltering down the stretch with Baylor, Oregon and Texas A&M losing in Week 13; that allowed both Derek Carr and Jordan Lynch to move into the conversation for the Heisman trophy.
Bodava released their latest odds which now have four new comers in their top-seven:
Player Week 13 Current
Jameis Winston 4/11 1/2
A.J. McCarron 13/2 2/1
Andre Williams Off the Board 15/1
Braxton Miller Off the Board 15/1
Derek Carr Off the Board 20/1
Johnny Manziel 5/2 20/1
Jordan Lynch Off the Board 28/1
Bryce Petty 10/1 Off the Board
Carr, Lynch and Boston College running back Andre Willliams who has over 2,000 yards are rightfully in line to be a Heisman finalist.
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston pretty much has the award wrapped up, but some voters may take into account the ongoing investigation over alleged sexually battery, and vote using off the field issues.
Then there is Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron who is right behind Winston at 2/1 odds, but this seems like a career award instead of an award that is for the 2013 season. McCarron's stat line is as follows: 218 yards per game, 23 touchdowns to five interception. That is nice but nowhere near Carr or Lynch's total numbers, and yes the competition is lesser, but better stats need to be had. Just to compare how undeserving McCarron is for the Heisman trophy, former Wyoming starting quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels who is the Vanderbilt starting quarterback has more passing yards per game then McCarron. Let that sink in.
The 2013 Heisman class is not deep as players fell off this past week, so it is now not out of the realm of possibility that Carr and Lynch should be in New York City as a finalist, assuming both win out; at least one should get an invite.
As for if Carr can win the Heisman, that probably is a bit too much to ask for unless Winston or McCarrion lose their upcoming games. Another indication of how weak the Heisman class is seeing Ohio State's Braxton Miller who is a legitimate candidate, yet he has missed two games and played just one or two series against San Diego State.
More from Mountain West Connection:
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