With Week 8 of the college football season now in the rearview, we have a new Heisman Trophy favorite: JJ McCarthy. The Michigan football QB has surpassed Washington signal-caller Michael Penix Jr in the latest odds per USA Today after ripping apart Michigan State over the weekend.
McCarthy was at +1000 a week ago but now sits at +200 at BetMGM. He absolutely balled out in a blowout 49-0 win over the Spartans, completing 21 of 27 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns. His numbers on the year are incredibly impressive, compiling a 78.1% completion rate while throwing for 1,799 yards, 18 TDs, and just three picks. He’s a big reason the Wolverines are seen as a legitimate contender once again.
As for Penix Jr, he was actually -145 after Week 7 but now sits at +300. That’s likely due to his pedestrian performance against Arizona State where the Huskies only won 15-7. He threw two interceptions and no touchdowns.
Aside from JJ McCarthy and Penix Jr, Ohio State pass-catcher Marvin Harrison Jr is also trending in the right direction. He’s not in the top-five but Harrison Jr did have 11 receptions for 162 yards and a TD in the Buckeyes’ massive win over rivals Penn State on Saturday. While he might not win a Heisman, the youngster is a surefire first-round pick next April.
