As we've followed the Heisman Trophy chase this season, we've seen many one-time candidates fall on hard times. For instance, we had Texas A&M quarterback Kenny Hill with the second-shortest odds in late September, but he finished the season as the Aggies' second-string signal caller.
Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott was a strong contender for more than two months, but his candidacy fell apart with a three-interception game at Alabama.
The reigning Heisman winner, Jameis Winston, couldn't keep his name out of the news for off-the-field incidents and was picked off 17 times when he was on the field.
At least four, and sometimes five, players usually get invited to New York City for the ceremony. But only three contenders are going to be in the Big Apple this weekend. Let's break down their accomplishments and odds to leave with the trophy.
1. Marcus Mariota (Oregon QB, -900 'chalk'). If Mariota's name isn't called as the winner, it will be a major shocker. The junior has been steady as a rock in 2014, leading the Ducks to the No. 2 seed in the first College Football Playoff while producing Heisman-worthy numbers every time out. Since losing to Arizona at home on Oct. 2, Mariota has led Oregon to eight consecutive wins both straight up and against the spread. He completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 3,773 yards with an incredible 38/2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Mariota also rushed for 669 yards and 14 TDs, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. For good measure, Mariota had a 26-yard TD reception on a trick play to bring his total TD total to 53 in 13 games.
2. Amari Cooper (Alabama WR, 20/1). In just three seasons on campus, Cooper has shredded the school's record books. He helped Alabama earn the No. 1 seed in the CFP, producing big in every key game. He had three games with more than 200 receiving yards and four with two TDs catches or more. Cooper, who had at least eight receptions in 11 of 13 games, led the nation with 115 grabs for 1,656 yards and 14 TDs.
3. Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin RB, 25/1). Gordon turned it on down the stretch to become a serious contender, but his team finished on a losing note and Mariota never took his foot off of the accelerator. Gordon broke the single-game NCAA record for rushing yards, going off for 408 against Nebraska in just three quarters, only to see it get bested seven days later. He ran for at least 122 yards in 11 of 13 games, in addition to one game with five rushing TDs and two more with four scoring scampers. Gordon led the nation in rushing with 2,336 yards and 26 TDs, averaging 7.6 YPC. He also had 17 receptions for 151 yards and three TDs.
Brian Edwards is a college football handicapper who contributes a weekly column to The Linemakers on Sporting News. For more valuable information and insight, follow him on Twitter @vegasbedwards and visit his website, BrianEdwardsSports.com.
While Las Vegas sports books are not allowed to accept bets on voted-upon events such as the Heisman Trophy, the wagering option can be found elsewhere, and Brian is providing updated mock odds throughout the college football season.
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