Carr's 319-Yard Performance Moves Him to Plus 220 Favorite for Heisman

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr is now the betting favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at odds of plus 220. This shift in the market follows his performance against top-ranked Miami, which has altered the standings with four games left in the season.

The race has fluctuated frequently since October. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who led the points count before Week 10, has seen his numbers drop since quarterback Julian Sayin was injured. Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney is sidelined for several weeks with a high ankle sprain. Ole Miss receiver Trinidad Chambliss fell to 17th in QBR after a loss to Georgia, and Mississippi State running back Kamario Taylor has been limited by injury.

In response to these changes, the weekly Heisman points system implemented a rule for double points in November. Carr earned 20 points for his game against Miami. He completed 29 of 40 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. The Irish defense stopped Miami twice when the Hurricanes were within seven points. Miami's Darian Mensah had two big plays during the game, but Notre Dame won 31 to 24. This victory gives Carr an 18 win record in his last 19 starts.

Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter took second place in the weekly points race. He recorded 13 tackles, four for loss, two sacks, and a run stop in a 34 to 6 win over Kentucky. Oklahoma State running back Caleb Hawkins finished fifth after rushing for 175 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries against Kansas State. He also added 71 receiving yards and a score.

Texas Tech quarterback Tommy Castellanos and West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. shared spots six and five in the rankings, respectively, after a high scoring game in Lubbock. Castellanos passed for 362 yards and five touchdowns. Hawkins passed for 303 yards and rushed for 107 yards. Duke running back Nate Sheppard earned a top ten spot with 217 rushing yards and three touchdowns against NC State.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns against Virginia Tech. Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker and Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rounded out the top ten. Mestemaker is second in the nation in passing yards and first in touchdown passes. Russell led Alabama to a win over LSU with 206 passing yards and 37 rushing yards. Auburn defensive end Shadarius Toodle made his first Heisman of the Week appearance in his career debut, recording 11 tackles and three sacks against Arkansas.

Michael Hawkins Jr. and Keelon Russell currently lead the season points race with 29 points each. Jeremiah Smith follows with 27.5 points. The betting market lists Mensah and Smith as the next closest contenders to Carr.