Week 1 of the college football season is in the books and there already has been a change atop the 2022 Heisman Trophy futures odds at Caesars Sportsbook. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, the 2021 winner, has taken the favored role at +260 away from Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud (+350). Young had been +430 entering the Tide's opener against Utah State, and Stroud had been +200 ahead of the Buckeyes' matchup against Notre Dame. Stroud had been the betting favorite since April 18.< /p>
Young, attempting to join Ohio State running back Archie Griffin as the only two-time winner of the Heisman, completed 18 of 28 passes against the Aggies in the 55-0 rout for 195 yards, five touchdowns. He didn't give up an interception and rushed for 100 yards (career high) and a touchdown on five carries. The six total TDs were the most by an Alabama quarterback since 2019.
Things should be a bit tougher this Saturday for Young & Co. when the Tide visit Texas, but Alabama is a 20-point favorite against former Tide offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian's club. The Longhorns opened with a 52-10 home win over UL Monroe. They have a Heisman contender as well in running back Bijan Robinson (+3000), who had 111 yards from scrimmage and two scores in the opener.
Texas has hosted the nation's top-ranked team on only two other occasions: In 1950 (vs. SMU) and 2006 (vs. Ohio State). The Longorns beat the Mustangs but lost to the Buckeyes. Texas is 5-11 all-time vs. No. 1 teams, including a 2-2 mark over the last four games.