Early Heisman voting odds are showing Love

The college football season isn’t quite here yet, but Bryce Love has already emerged as the early Heisman Trophy favorite in Las Vegas.

Bryce Love surprised a lot of NFL executives when he elected to snub the draft and return for another season at Stanford. The talented running back is hoping that decision pays off with silverware. In particular, he’d like to add a Heisman Trophy to his list of accolades.

If you’re inclined to believe Las Vegas oddsmakers, Love has a terrific shot to do just that. The Westgate Superbook gives Love 5 to 1 odds of finishing the season with the prestigious award. Those odds shouldn’t surprise anyone. After all, Love finished second in the voting last season behind current Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Love certainly isn’t an overwhelming favorite though. He’s trailed closely by Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor who checks in at 7 to 1. After that, a string of quarterbacks post the best odds. In order, Tua Tagovailoa, Jake Fromm, Justin Herbert and Khalil Tate round out Vegas’ top six.

Assuming he stays healthy, Love is an excellent bet to put up big numbers. He rushed for 2,118 yards on 263 carries. That allowed him to post an eye-popping average of 8.1 yards per carry. If he’s able to duplicate that success this season, he’ll absolutely find himself right in the mix to win a Heisman Trophy.

In the end, Love will need his teammates to hold up their end of the bargain if he’s going to prove Vegas right. Stanford need to be legitimate Pac-12 title contenders if Love is going to emerge victorious. Better yet, the Cardinal could really do him a solid favor if they could force their way into the College Football Playoff.

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Bryce Love isn’t a lock to win the 2018 Heisman Trophy but he definitely deserves to enter the season as a solid favorite. Of course, a lot of things can happen between now and the final ceremony.