As thirsty college football fans begin desperately counting down to the 2017 season, the 2017 Heisman Trophy odds are out, and a familiar Big 12 name is at the top: Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield.
Odds to win the 2017 Heisman Trophy, per Bovada. pic.twitter.com/zXoQmD9Ebh
— Ted Miller (@TedMillerRK) January 23, 2017
Mayfield threw for 3,965 yards last season, completing 71% of his passes with 40 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions.
But, Mayfield loses a lot of his key skill players, including Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine, and Dede Westbrook. But, the offensive line will be a year old and is anchored by tackle Orlando Brown, who could’ve easily gone pro. The wide receivers are going to have a learning curve, with the top returning pass catchers are Mark Andrews (more of a tight end, 31 catches) and Nick Basquine (20 catches). But, there are new players to be excited about at this position, including JUCO transfer Marquis Brown, who is already on campus in Norman.
I don’t expect the running game to have much of an issue behind Abdul Adams and plenty of fresh faces joining the backfield.
Ultimately, the combination of Mayfield and offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley will be enough to make sure this offense is humming.
The only thing that could hold back Mayfield would be a slow start to the season for the team, which hurt Mayfield’s prospects in 2016, when Oklahoma lost to Houston and Ohio State in September. When OU got off to a 1-2 start and Lamar Jackson started the season on fire, it was going to be tough to Mayfield to overcome that in 2016.
Here’s to hoping that doesn’t happen next fall!
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