2010 College Football Predictions: Mark Ingram Tops Heisman Odds List

The 2010 college football season starts in exactly one month, so we might as well get a head start on handicapping who will take home college football’s most prestigious individual award.  Sportsbook.com recently unleashed odds on the 2010 Heisman Trophy and to little surprise, Alabama running back Mark Ingram is the +350 betting favorite to have his name called out by the Downtown Athletic Club in early December.

Surprisingly, Ingram is the first Heisman Trophy winner in the proud history of Alabama Crimson Tide history.

However, for those who bet on the Heisman, there is something to consider before backing the favored Ingram this year. No one has won the Heisman in back-to-back years since Archie Griffin way back in 1974 and 1975. The last two winners prior to Ingram, Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford, both had legit shots at winning a second consecutive Heisman, but came up short.

Using the Heisman betting odds from Sportsbook.com , let’s take a look at who has the best shot of hoisting the 2010 Heisman.

1. Mark Ingram, RB—Alabama (+350)

The son of former NFL receiver Mark Ingram, Junior became just the third sophomore in the history of the Heisman to win.

Ingram set an Alabama school record, rushing for 1,658 yards. The defending BCS National Champions, the Crimson Tide are favored only behind Ohio State to win it again, so Ingram’s team will be in the spotlight all season.

2. Terrelle Pryor, QB—Ohio St. (+500)

Speaking of the Ohio State Buckeyes, their athletic signal caller is next likely to win the Heisman according to the oddsmakers.

Having been clocked at running a 4.33 40, Pryor is an athletic freak. In 2009, he threw for 18 touchdowns while running for seven.

Now playing in his third year, the 2010 Rose Bowl MVP looks to put it all together this year as the Buckeyes have their sights set on the BCS National Championship. Buckeyes have always fared well when it comes to the Heisman; Ohio State is tied for the most Heisman winners with seven.

3. Ryan Mallett, QB—Arkansas (+1000)

Coming off All-SEC Second Team honors, Mallet was the first QB in Arkansas history to be named to All-SEC First Team.

The 6’7” junior threw for 30 touchdowns to just seven interceptions in 2009 and is considered a likely first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft. Razorback fans are expecting big things as they are ranked in most preseason Top 25 lists.

4. John Clay, RB—Wisconsin (+1200)

In 2009, the bruising running back pounded out 1,517 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Along with racking up tons of yardage, Clay also racked up plenty of hardware in 2009. He was the MVP of the Champs Sports Bowl, was named All-Big Ten First Team, and is the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

The entire offensive line returns so Clay should churn out the yardage once again.

5. Dion Lewis, RB—Pittsburgh (+1200)

Lewis burst on the scene as a freshman, ranking third in the nation in rushing yards (1,799) in addition to 18 touchdowns. Lewis was named freshman of the year by many news outlets. He was also named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year and on the Second Team AP All-American Team.

The Panthers are primed to challenge for the Big East title and have a shot at being a Top 10-caliber team.

6. Noel Devine, RB—West Virginia (+1200)

Devine flirted with entering the NFL Draft, but to the delight of WVU Mountaineer fans, withdrew his name from consideration. In 2009, Devine rushed for 1465 yards and 13 scores and once again will be the focal point of WVU’s offense.

The ‘Neers are a Top 25-caliber team and should challenge Cincinnati and Pitt for Big East supremacy.

7. Jake Locker, QB—Washington (+1200)

There is no questioning Locker’s talent as he is considered one of the top prospects for next year’s NFL Draft.

In 2009, Locker had a 129.75 QB rating while throwing for 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns. In order for him to win the Heisman though, the rest of the Huskies will have to raise their level of play; they are coming off a 5-7 season.

8. Case Keenum, QB—Houston (+1200)

If the Heisman Trophy was awarded based on stats alone, Keenum would have ran away with it last season and would be the heavy favorite heading into 2010.

In 2009, the Cougars’ gunslinger threw for a staggering 5,671 yards and 44 touchdowns. Think about that, those numbers are double what Locker compiled.

Playing in the Conference USA brings his Heisman hopes back to earth. Winners of the award just about always come from a power conference.

9. Jacory Harris, QB—Miami (FL) (+1200)

Harris has all of the talent in the world, but must cut down on mistakes if he expects to win the Heisman come December.

Big things are expected from the Hurricanes as they are ranked in the Top 25 and should challenge for the ACC crown. Last season, Harris threw for 3,164 yards and 23 touchdowns; however, he also had 17 interceptions.

10. Evan Royster, RB—Penn State (+1200)

The Nittany Lions running back rushed for 1,169 yards and just six touchdowns for last year’s 11-2 Penn State team. These numbers certainly don’t jump off the page by any means.

However, many are expecting his stats to improve drastically this season. He’ll get plenty of touches since a freshman will most likely be under center for Joe Pa’s Lions in 2010.