Washington Huskies: Michael Penix vs. Heisman Field
Ed Stein
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Betting lines are out, and Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix is among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.
To think, a year ago, many considered Michael Penix Jr. a good pick up for the Washington Huskies, who, if healthy, should have success in head coach Kalen DeBoer‘s system. After all, Penix was the QB when DeBoer was the offensive coordinator at Indiana.
What a difference a year makes. Because in 2022, Penix played a full season for the first time in his college career and excelled. Now he’s in the hunt for college football’s biggest individual prize, something no Washington Huskies player has ever done.
Training camps haven’t started yet, but the Heisman Trophy betting lines are out. Penix is among the favorites, and his case to win the award may be stronger than any of the other contenders, except last year’s winner, Caleb Williams of USC.
Handicaping the Field
Caleb Williams – USC Trojans +500
Jordan Travis – Florida State Seminoles +1000
Drake Maye – North Carolina Tar Heels +1400
Quinn Ewers – Texas Longhorns +1400
Sam Hartman – Notre Dame Fighting Irish +1400
Michael Penix Jr. – Washington Huskies +1600
Bo Nix – Oregon Ducks +1600
Cade Klubnik – Clemson Tigers +2000
Joe Milton – Tennessee Volunteers +2000
Carson Beck – Georgia Bulldogs +2000
*All odds from BetMGM
Among the other top contenders, Drake Maye of North Carolina, Jordan Travis of Florida State, and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik will have a tough time separating themselves from not only the pack but also each other.
Quinn Ewers from Texas has head coach Steve Sarkisian behind him, but the Longhorns have underperformed in recent years. Besides, UT had problems winning close games last year, and they don’t have Bijan Robinson to carry the ball.
That leaves Jayden Daniels (LSU), Sam Hartman (Notre Dame), and Bo Nix (Oregon). I’ll take Penix and his Washington Huskies supporting cast over any of the three.
Why Penix can Win
He plays well at Husky Stadium, and UW has seven home games, including Oregon and Utah.
Among the five road contests, USC and Michigan State look like the biggest potential stumbling blocks. Not because the other away games are cakewalks, but those two contests will be nationally televised.
A poor showing could take him out of contention. Conversely, strong showings, especially head-to-head with Williams, would boost his chances.
All four of his top wide receivers, Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Giles Jackson, return for 2023. Odunze and McMillan each had over 1,000 receiving yards. As a quartet, the group caught a combined 265 passes for 3,265 yards and 23 touchdowns. They are joined by former Michigan State burner Germi Bernard. Additionally, Penix has both tight ends, Jack Westover and Devin Culp, back, which is another 60, 608, 4.
He plays behind a talented offensive line that should start to gel as a unit when they hit East Lansing, MI, for Game 3.
The run game should be better with the additions of transfers Dillon Johnson and Daniyel Ngata.
DeBoer and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are very good at scheming to Penix’s strengths.
What do you think about Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix’s chances to win the Heisman Trophy?