2021 Heisman Trophy Power Rankings for Week 11: Bryce Young Still Has Betting Value as Favorite
James Gilbert/Getty Images. Pictured: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Does anyone want to hold onto pole position in the Heisman race for more than a week? It feels like the most wide-open race in recent memory, luckily for us, that just means there is plenty of value across the board for most in the conversation.
Last week, Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III took over the top spot on the power rankings following a massive performance against rival Michigan in a top-10 matchup. But will the loss to Purdue derail his Heisman hopes?
Also, what about the SEC quarterbacks making a move back to the top? It's time to dive in and give this week a look at the best value bets available.
Odds as of Monday and via DraftKings.
5.
Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams (+750)
Oklahoma didn't play in Week 10, but there was not enough movement behind Williams to bump him from his top-five spot.
Again, I will be blunt with my coverage of Williams in this race. At the moment, I think it's a long, long shot that Williams earns a trip to New York in December. However, I would be remiss to ignore the fact that all Oklahoma does is produce Heisman contending quarterbacks, and Williams' numbers this season rival those of past Heisman winners from the Sooners specifically.
Williams' odds are still favorable enough to take. If you're of the belief that Oklahoma is a lock to make the College Football Playoff, and right now it is seeming likely in my opinion, the flier on Williams is a good idea.
Because again, this Heisman race is wide open. Williams will be met with his stiffest competition at the end of the month, so his value will remain until then.
4.
Ole Miss QB Matt Corral (+550)
Ole Miss added another notch on their win total with a 27–14 victory over Liberty last weekend, but it was not the offensive production I was hoping to see from its Heisman contender.
At the end of the year, statistics are going to be the biggest argument for most in contention, and just one touchdown for Corral against Liberty is not going to help his case.
It was still a strong showing from Corral, who finished with 324 passing yards and no turnovers, though it would have been nice to see Corral find the end zone a few more times.
Regardless, I am not ready to call it quits for Corral's Heisman campaign. A win over Texas A&M next weekend can do wonders in this race.
3.
Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III (+280)
The loss to Purdue is going to hurt Kenneth Walker III's running in the Heisman. He really needed the Spartans to make the College Football Playoff to have a legitimate shot at the award.
While the hopes are not dead, the loss hurts the campaign significantly.
Walker still had a pretty impressive showing for Michigan State. On the afternoon, the Walker racked up 136 rushing yards and a touchdown on a 6.2 yard per carry average.
Walker still leads the nation in rushing yards with 1,340 and has a sizable lead in missed tackles forced, according to Pro Football Focus.
The biggest game of the year for MSU is two weeks away against Ohio State. If you don't believe the Spartans will come away victorious, I would urge caution with this bet.
2.
Ohio State QB CJ Stroud (+400)
Ohio State won this weekend, but it was not necessarily pretty. A 26–17 victory over Nebraska can be taken several ways, but my biggest takeaway is that the Cornhuskers are not as bad as the general public believes them to be.
The two interceptions thrown by Stroud this weekend are going to hurt his end-of-year numbers, but I'm not too fazed by the blunders.
By the end of the game, Stroud eclipsed 400 yards passing for the third time this season. Stroud still boasts an impressive ratio of 25 touchdowns to just five interceptions on the season and has the Buckeyes on the doorstep of the College Football Playoff once again.
Stroud is also third in the country in quarterback rating, according to ESPN, just edging out Alabama's Bryce Young.
1.
Alabama QB Bryce Young (+180)
Speaking of Young, he's still the betting favorite at +180, and if I had to vote on who would be lifting the trophy today, it would be him.
The odds right now are still favorable to someone who has yet to place a Heisman wager. Young at plus money this late into the season is a gift considering the rest of the pack.
Alabama's victory over LSU certainly was not pretty and continued a theme of sketchy team play from members on this list. A six-point victory over LSU with the current state of their program is a rather tough look in my eyes.
Regardless, Young and Alabama did just enough to remain in CFP and Heisman contention.
Young is my favorite bet on the board this deep into the season.
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