Yes, Michigan State Running Back Kenneth Walker III Is A Heisman Trophy Front-Runner

Written By Matt Schoch on October 30, 2021Last Updated on November 1, 2021
Kenneth Walker Heisman Trophy Odds October 2021

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Gus Johnson summed it up perfectly.

While Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III raced towards the end zone to score the winning touchdown during Saturday’s exhilarating 37-33 triumph over Michigan, the FOX commentator vocalized our collective thoughts.

“Hey there, New York! Just giving you a heads up, I’ll be arriving shortly! Don’t worry, I’ll definitely be there.”

Of course, the Heisman Trophy presentation ceremony takes place in New York. With yet another remarkable performance, this time rushing for 197 yards on 23 carries, Walker might have the opportunity to attend the award presentation night.

Perhaps, his name could even be called.

According to the broadcast, Walker set a new record for the Paul Bunyan Trophy rivalry series by scoring five touchdowns against Michigan. Additionally, his rushing yards against Michigan were reported to be the highest ever achieved by any player.

Once an afterthought, Kenneth Walker III is now a Heisman Trophy front-runner

Walker was already considered one of the top running backs in the country based on his impressive statistics. However, in order to solidify his position and stand out from the competition, he needed a standout performance and key moments. This would elevate his candidacy and bring him closer to the top.

Starting from Saturday, he can be referred to as John Hancock.

Following Saturday’s victory, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Walker with the fourth-highest chance of winning the award at +500 odds.

On the odds list, the MSU running back ranked fourth, following Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (+170), Mississippi quarterback Matt Corral (+300), and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (+450).

Walker’s odds at BetMGM Sportsbook have improved significantly, going from +8000 at the start of the season to +500. Not only that, but Walker is also the most popular bet for the award, with 18.4% of tickets and 18.3% of the handle being placed on him. This makes Walker the biggest risk for BetMGM in terms of potential losses in the market.

As a running back, Walker is fighting a little history

Typically, quarterbacks are the recipients of the Heisman Trophy.

In reality, the majority is overwhelmingly dominant.

Derrick Henry of Alabama was the most recent running back to win the award in 2015, with Mark Ingram Jr. of Alabama (2009) and Reggie Bush of USC (2005, later vacated) being the only other running backs to have won the award since 2000.

Except for Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith last season, every winner since 2000 has been a quarterback.

Walker is actively contributing to combat the trend.

In just eight games, the Wake Forest transfer has accumulated an impressive 1,194 rushing yards, achieving an impressive average of 149.3 yards per game. Notably, he has also scored an impressive 14 touchdowns on the ground.

Michigan State national title odds improving as wins pile up

Walker’s team can now think the unthinkable.

The Michigan State Spartans, under Mel Tucker’s leadership in only his second season, have emerged as strong contenders for championship victories.

After their win on Saturday, the Spartans’ odds of winning the national championship at Caesars Sportsbook were +3000, making them the sixth-best contenders.

On the list, MSU ranked below Georgia (+120), Alabama (+230), Ohio State (+600), Oklahoma (+1500), and Cincinnati (+2500), respectively.

On Saturday, the Spartans, who are currently undefeated with a record of 8-0, will be facing Purdue in their upcoming game.

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