Heisman Trophy Race: Is Michael Penix Jr. running away with it heading into Week 8?
Caleb Williams was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy before the 2023 season began, but Michael Penix Jr. has moved way out in front entering Week 8. Penix Jr. has had a huge year for Washington, and people seem hungry to see a new winner emerge. Meanwhile, Williams threw three interceptions in a loss last week, so his buzz has really worn off. But there's still a lot of football to be played. Each week, I'll dive into the prices and analyze how I'd play this market for the remainder of the season. It's important to see what type of stats a player has racked up already, but how will they do the rest of the way? I'll get into that — and a lot more — here!
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Heisman Trophy Candidates
Last week, I wrote that whoever won the Oregon-Washington game would have the Heisman frontrunner. Well, Penix Jr. threw for 302 yards with four touchdowns in that game, giving him 2,301 yards, 20 touchdowns and only three picks this season. Now, Penix Jr. is the heavy favorite to win the Heisman, and it’s hard to argue with that. However, I don’t think this thing is over just yet. Washington still has to play USC, Utah and Oregon State this season, so there’s no guarantee the Huskies will finish the year unbeaten. In fact, I still think there’s a chance they’ll lose two games. With that in mind, I’d be happy if I had a Penix Jr. ticket from earlier in the season. However, I don’t think anybody should be backing him now. If you aren’t yet in on the market, I think you’re better off spraying the board a little.
I have been pushing Gabriel as a Heisman candidate since we released our 2023 VSiN College Football Betting Guide. Now, the lefty is second on the odds board and Oklahoma is sixth in the AP Top 25. Gabriel has thrown for 1,878 yards with 16 touchdowns and only two picks this year, and he has also rushed for 208 yards and five touchdowns. He just continues to play well for the Sooners, and I think he has a few more huge performances left in him. Oklahoma plays some bad defenses in the second half of the season. Another thing to love about Gabriel is that the Sooners really should win out. Oklahoma does have road games against Kansas and Oklahoma State coming up, but those games aren’t nearly as daunting as some of the ones Washington will have to play. And if Gabriel and the Sooners have an undefeated season and Penix Jr. doesn’t, this award could very well be returning to Norman.