Upcoming Match-ups

Joe Burrow’s Heisman Odds Skyrocket After Beating Alabama; LSU QB Now Runaway Favorite

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in College Football

Updated Apr 22, 2020 · 11:24 AM PDT

LSU Tigers QB Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is the runaway favorite to win the 2019 Heisman Trophy after beating Alabama. Photo from RSHighlights (Twitter)
  • Joe Burrow may have locked up the Heisman by beating Alabama
  • The LSU QB now has -1000 odds to win the trophy
  • Does anyone else stand a chance?

Joe Burrow’s Heisman odds have skyrocketed to -1000 in one sportsbook after he led LSU past Alabama in Week 11. No other player in the race has odds shorter than +750.

Both Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts have seen their odds plummet after Week 11, while Justin Fields may now be Burrow’s biggest challenger for the award with his teammate, defensive end Chase Young, suspended due to an NCAA infraction.

Despite there being three regular-season games left, has Burrow already locked up the Heisman?

2019 Heisman Trophy Odds

Player Odds at Book 1 Odds at Book 2
Joe Burrow (QB, LSU) -500 -1000
Jalen Hurts (QB, Oklahoma) +1000 +1000
Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama) +1000 +2200
Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State) +1000 +750

Odds taken Nov. 11.

Burrow Beats Alabama

Joe Burrow all but locked up the Heisman when he led LSU to a huge 46-41 victory over No. 3 Alabama in Week 11, the first for the Tigers in their annual series since 2011.

Burrow went 31-of-39 for 393 yards and three touchdowns,  and ran for 64 yards as well. He was carried off the field by teammates as LSU should move up to #1 in the CFP rankings this week.

YouTube video

LSU still has three more regular-season games and the SEC championship game left, but it’s going to be very difficult for Burrow to lose his lead in the Heisman race. He has delivered against ranked Texas, Florida, Auburn and Alabama and is on track to post the greatest completion percentage in college football history.

Burrow completed his first 13 passes against Alabama and became the first LSU quarterback to throw multiple touchdown passes against the Crimson Tide since 2007. Burrow has completed 78.9 percent of his passes this season for 3,198 yards and 33 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

LSU has a relatively easy schedule to close out the regular season as they play at Ole Miss in Week 12 before hosting Arkansas and Texas A&M in the following weeks. The SEC Title game typically has big implications on the Heisman race, but Burrow has been so good this season that he will likely still win even if he turns in a mediocre performance.

Tagovailoa Comes Up Short

Tua Tagovailoa’s Heisman chances took a major blow after he lost to Burrow and LSU in Week 11. The Crimson Tide QB showed great heart playing in the game just 20 days removed from ankle surgery.

Tagovailoa struggled early and had a noticeable limp, but he kept the Crimson Tide in the game and finished 21-of-40 for 418 yards and four touchdowns with an interception and a fumble.

His odds have rightfully plummeted. Not only was he outplayed by Burrow on Saturday, but his previous missed time due to injury is going to lead to lesser numbers at the end of the year.

Chase Young Update

Ohio State DE Chase Young was a promising longshot in the Heisman odds entering Week 11, but his chances of winning the trophy are now very slim due to a recent suspension and Burrow’s performance.

The star defensive end has been suspended indefinitely while Ohio State investigates a possible NCAA violation involving a loan. Young is considered the best defensive player in college football and leads the FBS with 13.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles.

Young isn’t even listed in Heisman odds after Week 11 despite having +850 odds on average after Week 10. The missed time due to suspension will likely cost him any chance he had at winning.

The Buckeyes continued their dominance without Young against Maryland in Week 11. Justin Fields threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to lead Ohio State to a commanding 73-14 victory.  The strong play of Fields this season was going to be a hindrance to Young’s Heisman chances. Both players have played a major role in Ohio State’s success.

Can Jalen Hurts Still Win?

Jalen Hurts was looking like a great bet for the Heisman early in the season, but then Burrow asserted his dominance and Oklahoma suffered an upset loss to Kansas State.

Oklahoma narrowly avoided a consecutive upset loss in Week 11 when they held on to beat Iowa State 42-41. Hurts went 18-of-26 for 273 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. He also ran for 68 yards and two more scores.

Hurts’ Heisman odds are currently the longest they’ve been all season, but I don’t see value in laying down money on him at this point. His run game has been impressive, but Burrow has put up better passing numbers despite facing much tougher opponents.

Heisman Analysis After Week 11

It’s Joe Burrow’s Heisman to lose. What the LSU QB was able to do in Tuscaloosa this past weekend was remarkable.

Burrow has been incredibly consistent this season, throwing for at least 200 yards, 1 TD and completing at least 70 percent of his passes in all nine games this season. There’s no reason to think he won’t continue that success against three outmatched opponents to close out the regular season.

Not only is Burrow having a season for the ages, but his lead is also secure due to Tagovailoa’s injury, Young’s suspension and Hurts having a loss on his resume. Everything is coming together for the LSU QB to win the trophy.

Bet Burrow at whichever sportsbook you find the best value.

Pick: Joe Burrow (-500)

Author Image