Heisman Trophy Odds: Michigan Wolverines QB Denard Robinson Remains in Race

The 2011 Heisman Trophy race is heating up heading into Week 5 of the college football season, and all are vying for spot in New York for the ESPN broadcast that is scheduled for Dec.10, 2011.

Bettors are starting to take sides with quarterbacks coming out on top, as seven of the top nine candidates play under center on Saturdays.

Michigan Wolverines signal-caller Denard Robinson continues to draw support at the windows despite throwing for more than 100 yards in just one of four games this season.

Let's take a closer look at the race from a betting perspective.

Robert Griffin III (+1800)

Baylor Bears quarterback Robert Griffin III has the program ranked 15th in the country heading into a Big 12 Conference opener on the road, which could start slowing down his candidacy. 

The senior has always had success in non-conference tilts, throwing 28 touchdown passes and just two interceptions in 14 lifetime starts versus such opponents.

He will have plenty of opportunity to gain national notoriety from this point forward, playing on the road against No. 14 Texas A&M and No. 5 Oklahoma State to close out October.

Trent Richardson (+1000)

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson is averaging 6.3 yards per carry, which has led to 425 yards in the program's first four games.

His candidacy will get a major test this week in facing the Florida Gators, who come in as the fifth-best rushing defense nationally. 

If he can come away with a visually-impressive performance in front of a nationally-televised crowd in The Swamp, the junior may supplant another runner as the top running back candidate in the field.

Russell Wilson (+800)

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson will play the most important football game in his career Saturday night when hosting the No. 8 Nebraska Cornhuskers. 

The senior is second nationally with a 213.4 passer efficiency rating, which is just a notch below Griffin III.

There are no excuses from an offensive standpoint, as the signal-caller has a punishing running attack to complement the passing game, while wide receiver Nick Toon is closing in on every school record at the position.

Still a value pick at these odds.

Brandon Weeden (+800)

Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden has thrown for 1,592 yards in just four games, but it's hard for me to imagine the committee voting for a player turning 28 during the season.

I know, he shouldn't be penalized from chasing a career in professional baseball, only to return to use his eligibility in this arena.

It's still going to be a talking point within the media.

No value due to those circumstances.

Denard Robinson (+800)

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson has completed less than 50 percent of his passes, while failing to throw for more than 100 yards in three of four games.

The 338 passing yards versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish still holds some weight—but for how long?

He has also benefited in not having to leave Ann Arbor, as the team will play its first road game at Northwestern on Oct. 8.

From a historical perspective, his numbers will likely surpass 2001 winner Eric Crouch, who threw for 1,510 yards and ran for another 1,115 in 12 games for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Still not biting, as Wilson has the edge in terms of Big Ten quarterbacks.

Marcus Lattimore (+650)

South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore dropped off last week in terms of performance, gaining 69 yards on 20 carries in a 21-3 home win over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

It was an expected performance after he carried the ball 37 times for 245 yards and three touchdowns the week before versus the Navy Midshipmen.

The team has a capable passing game—when quarterback Stephen Garcia isn't throwing interceptions—which will keep defenses honest the rest of the SEC schedule.

The sophomore will also benefit in not playing Alabama or LSU during the regular season.

Not out of the question.

Kellen Moore (+500)

Boise State Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore is way overvalued at this point despite having spectacular numbers, throwing for 995 yards and 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions.

How can I say that?

He will once again be splitting votes with Stanford's Andrew Luck, as the senior finished fourth in last year's voting, while the perceived No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft was second.

Would be a great story, but too many things are in the way.

Landry Jones (+500)

Where is Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Ryan Broyles in terms of the Heisman discussion in Norman?

The senior wideout is sitting at odds of +5000 currently, which is why I'd never back quarterback Landry Jones in this category.

Four of his five touchdown passes have gone to Broyles, while his pedestrian total of 199 passing yards versus Florida State two weeks ago left many wanting more.

Overvalued due to the hype of playing for the preseason No. 1 team in the country.

Notice that I didn't say—current top-ranked team in the land.

That will hurt him moving forward.

Andrew Luck (+350)

Stanford Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck is the betting favorite, and the Heisman committee will hand him the trophy if he leads his team to a spot in the BCS Championship Game.

If his team happens to suffer a loss, it's likely his chances of winning will go down the drain as well.

The Pac-12 Conference favorite possesses a balanced offensive attack, and first-year head coach David Shaw is focused on a bigger prize.

Odds are short—public perception is high.

No thanks.