NCAA football betting players are heading into Week 9 of the season, and these Heisman candidates have pulled away from the field.

Cam Newton, Auburn

Newton has already set the SEC record for rushing yards by a quarterback, and he still has four games left. He can also pass better than you think as he ranks third in the nation in quarterback rating. And for those who said Newton didn’t do much against a good defense, he saved his best showing of the season for LSU, romping for 217 yards. If the Tigers win the national title, he’ll win this running away, literally.

LaMichael James, Oregon

The shifty running back is at the heart of the nation’s most explosive offense, and he ranks fifth in the country in rushing. The problem with James is that he may be overshadowed in an offense with a lot of weapons, although he has bounced back admirably from a troubled offseason.

Kellen Moore, Boise State

Moore edges out Michigan’s Denard Robinson because his team has a better record, and we’re also willing to bet that Boise State would be Michigan straight up. Moore leads the country in passer rating, and he has 18 touchdowns to two picks. However, like his Broncos, Moore faces skeptical voters who say Boise State hasn’t played anyone, therefore, padding his stats. Moore’s success is tied to his team’s fortunes, because we think Newton can still win even if Auburn doesn’t win it all. Moore is still worth a darkhorse bet, though.

Okay, I have to say that out of all the preseason NFL betting madness that’s going on, I’m taking a vested interest in the Saints vs Raiders odds. No, not because of any particular hottie player on either team (my ass isn’t quite big enough to appeal to Reggie Bush), but because I can’t help but giggle at all the craziness and dysfunction that’s been going on in Oakland so far. So far. The 2009-10 season hasn’t even officially started yet, and there’s already been reported fights between assistant coaches, not to mention Al Davis continuing his Weekend At Bernie’s impression. The Raiders are garbage. The end.

And so I’m tipping my scales – I’m a Libra, btw – to the Saints, not just because of my love for True Blood (Louisiana yeeeeehaw!). New Orleans has got some deadly offense going on already, which definitely bodes well for their NFL odds once the season really gets underway. Drew Brees is looking fab. By comparison, the Raiders are struggling to even stay cohesive out there on the field.

So if you’re hanging around this weekend getting your fill of action at the sportsbook, why not toss a few dollars down on the New Orleans Saints? It’s what Sookie and Bill would do. Lawd have mercy!