WagerOnSports.com Posts Heisman Odds

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua – (PRESS RELEASE) -- As the start of the 2004 college football season rapidly approaches, pre-season hype points to a number of talented players who warrant consideration for the Heisman Trophy. This year, there is an abundance of worthy candidates, including the reigning Heisman winner, the nation's leading rusher in 2003 and the quarterback of last year's co-national champion, all vying for the honor of being named the nation's best college player. Today, WagerOnSports.com entered the Heisman Trophy debate by announcing its pre-season odds on who will be awarded college football's most prestigious award.

The premium sports betting destination online, WagerOnSports.com lists Matt Leinart, quarterback of defending co-national champion USC, as the early favorite to capture the Heisman Trophy at 4/1 odds. The leading rusher in the nation last year, Darren Sproles of Kansas State, has the second best odds to run away with the Heisman at 5/1 odds. WagerOnSports.com also believes reigning Heisman winner Jason White has a legitimate shot at becoming only the second repeat winner in the award's illustrious history -- listing him at 8/1 odds to be voted college football's best player.

"When creating odds on the Heisman Trophy race, we took a number of factors into consideration, including the strength of schedule, national media exposure, past success of each candidate and, most importantly, the fact the trophy has been awarded to a quarterback in each of the past four seasons," said Michael Perry, odds maker at WagerOnSports.com. "Because of his offense's proficient passing attack, the amount of television exposure he'll receive and knowing that USC is the favorite to win this year's National Championship, it was easy to pick Matt Leinart as our favorite to win this year's Heisman."

WagerOnSports.com has created individual odds for several other players that could easily be named the top college football player in 2004. These include: David Greene, Georgia (10/1); Carnell Williams, running back, Auburn (10/1); Mike Williams, wide receiver, USC (12/1); Cedric Benson, running back, Texas (12/1); Anthony Davis, running back, Wisconsin (15/1); Brad Smith, quarterback, Missouri (15/1); and Chris Leak, quarterback, Florida (16/1).

"If he remains healthy, Darren Sproles could easily eclipse 2,000 yards rushing while leading Kansas State to another Big-12 championship and BCS Bowl bid," continued Mr. Perry. "With Oklahoma's offense expected to be even more potent this season, there is a real possibility that Jason White could join Archie Griffith as the only repeat winner in Heisman Trophy history. Although the three favorites will likely be invited to the Heisman presentation ceremony, you can't discount players like David Greene, who could lead Georgia to a BCS Championship Game bid, or Brad Smith, who is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and complete players in college today."

In addition to offering odds on which player will win the Heisman Trophy, WagerOnSports.com has also created a betting option on what will be the primary position played by the eventual award winner. It should come as no surprise that the odds on a quarterback taking home the award are listed as an overwhelming favorite at 1/10, followed by a running back at 2/1. The odds that a wide receiver or tight end earn the distinction of college football's most outstanding player have been set at 4/1. Meanwhile WagerOnSports.com lists the chances of a defensive player (10/1), offensive lineman (20/1) or special teams player (50/1) as long shots to capture enough votes to attain Heisman glory.