Trevor Lawrence’s Heisman Odds Fall to -105 Thanks to COVID Diagnosis
- Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19
- Lawrence has seen his Heisman odds fall from -132 to -105
- Read below to see the impact his diagnosis will have on his Heisman chances
Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence will miss his team’s game against Boston College on Saturday, at the least, after testing positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. The Heisman front-runner must now isolate for 10 days and could also miss a pivotal clash with Notre Dame on November 7, 2020.
Lawrence has seen his Heisman odds fall from -132 to -105 as a result of his positive diagnosis. Ohio State’s Justin Fields is the second-favorite at +260
What does this news mean for Lawrence’s Heisman chances? Could he still win if he doesn’t play the big game against Notre Dame?
2020 Heisman Trophy Odds
Player | Odds |
---|---|
Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson) | -105 |
Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State) | +260 |
Mac Jones (QB, Alabama) | +360 |
Najee Harris (RB, Alabama) | +2400 |
Joe Milton (QB, Michigan) | +3000 |
Zach Wilson (QB, BYU) | +3000 |
Devonta Smith (WR, Alabama) | +5000 |
Kyle Trask (QB, Florida) | +5000 |
Travis Etienne (RB, Clemson) | +5000 |
Shane Buechele (QB, SMU) | +8000 |
Chuba Hubbard (RB, Oklahoma State) | +10000 |
Kellen Mond (QB, Texas A&M) | +10000 |
Master Teague (RB, Ohio State) | +10000 |
Sam Ehlinger (QB, Texas) | +10000 |
Spencer Rattler (QB, Oklahoma) | +10000 |
Odds taken Oct. 30th at FanDuel
Lawrence Had Been Perfect Heisman Storyline
Prior to his COVID-19 diagnosis, everything was lining up perfectly for Trevor Lawrence to win his first-ever Heisman Trophy. The Clemson star won over the media before the season even started when he spearheaded the #WeWantToPlay movement to help save the 2020 season. Lawrence was very vocal on social media when the season was hanging in the balance and made some great points in his argument.
https://twitter.com/Trevorlawrencee/status/1292599402784325632?s=20
Not only did he win over voters before even taking the field, but he also took his play to the next level this season. Lawrence has been near flawless through six games for Clemson, throwing for 1,833 yards and 17 touchdowns with two interceptions, while rushing for 71 yards and an additional four scores.
Lawrence also had a head-start on his main competitor, Ohio State’s Justin Fields. In this unique season, voters may have played it safe and rewarded Lawrence for everything he did in his three years at Clemson, in addition to acknowledging his passion to return to Clemson despite already being a lock in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Notre Dame Showdown Is Make-Or-Break
It’s hard to see Lawrence winning this trophy if he doesn’t play against the Fighting Irish on Nov. 7 in South Bend. Clemson consistently gets knocked for having an easy schedule in the ACC, but this was going to be one of the biggest college games of the year between two top-five teams.
Notre Dame OL is ready for a battle in the trenches. #GoIrish x #OLineU pic.twitter.com/cy5yuevruj
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 29, 2020
You can look back at all the recent Heisman winners and find at least one “Heisman moment” for all of them. Think Joe Burrow’s entire performance against Alabama last season as the one that locked him up the trophy. The Notre Dame game was going to be the opportunity for Lawrence to walk into South Bend and prove on a national stage just how much better he and Clemson are than the best team on their schedule.
Lawrence could be cleared to play before this game, which could make for a very intriguing Heisman storyline. He likely wouldn’t be able to practice leading up to the game and could require a few snaps to shake off any rust. If Lawrence put the team on his back with the game of his life, you’d never hear the end of it.
Verdict On Lawrence’s Heisman Hopes
Many people want Lawrence to win a Heisman Trophy, but if he isn’t feeling well, don’t expect coach Dabo Swinney to risk anything. Clemson is still loaded at every position and can beat the Irish without their star quarterback.
Statement from Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney on Trevor Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/c66esRj4OB
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) October 30, 2020
Given that Alabama’s Mac Jones and BYU’s Zach Wilson are posting monstrous numbers, while Fields is off to a remarkable start in the Big 10, Lawrence will likely need the Notre Dame game to win this trophy.
If you like the Clemson pivot for the Heisman, monitor the news for updates of his status. If it sounds like he’ll play Nov.7, place your bet before the value starts to disappear.