Have you ever been sitting around with your buddies talking about football and said, "Whatever happened to that guy? He was great in college!" Well just in case you were wondering here's what the last several Heisman trophy winners are doing, we'll start with 2006 as last year's winner (Tim Tebow) is still in college.
2006: Troy Smith (QB Ohio State) - After winning the Heisman trophy he played terribly in the National Title Game against Florida and his team was blown out 41-14. He wasn't drafted until the fifth round by the Baltimore Ravens. In his second season, Smith was scheduled to start the 3rd preseason game for the Ravens, but became ill with a rare case of Tonsillitis that caused him to lose over 20 pounds. He still hasn't been able to practice yet several weeks later.
2005: Reggie Bush (RB USC) - There was a lot of debate about Bush going first overall to the Texans. Houston went with defensive end Mario Williams and the Saints selected Bush. Williams was third in the NFL with 14 sacks last year. Bush's yards per carry for his career is a less than stellar 3.7. In his rookie year he had 88 receptions for 742 yards, but his yards per catch average dropped significantly in his second year as he had 73 catches for only 417 yards.
2004: Matt Leinart (QB USC) - After winning the Heisman as a junior, Leinart decided to go back to USC for one final season instead of entering the draft. He most likely would've been the number one overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers. After his senior year, Leinart was selected by the Arizona Cardinals. So far, he has not been able to out play a much older Kurt Warner for the starting job the last two years after playing in 12 games as a rookie. In his rookie season he threw for 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
2003: Jason White (QB Oklahoma) - In 2003 White won the Heisman after throwing 40 touchdown passes to only 8 interceptions. Oklahoma played for the National Title against LSU and lost. White had his worst game of the year completing only 35 percent of his passes, no touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He returned for one more year and finished 3rd in Heisman voting. And the Sooners were demolished by USC in the title game.
White was not selected in the NFL draft and was not immediately signed by any NFL teams. He decided not to play football because of his bad knees (he had surgeries on both ACLs during college).
White is now the co-owner of a The Athlete's Foot and of A Store Divided (a store selling both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State gear) in Oklahoma City.
2002: Carson Palmer (QB USC) - Palmer won the Heisman trophy in 2002 over Iowa's Brad Banks (who in my biased opinion definitely deserved it more). Palmer and USC beat Iowa in the Orange Bowl 38-17. Palmer was then the first overall selection of the NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Although last year and this year have been struggles, Palmer has been to the Pro Bowl.
2001: Eric Crouch (QB Nebraska) - Eric Crouch won the Heisman award after breaking nearly every school record for a QB, as Nebraska at the time was still an option offense. He also set NCAA quarterback rushing records. Crouch wanted to play quarterback in the NFL. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams and was tried at wide receiver. He left the Rams before the season started. In 2005, he came back to the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, but then requested his release when the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers. He then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and played in Europe. He was converted to safety and made 25 tackles. In 2006 he played for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL where he was a backup quarterback. In January of 2008, Crouch was drafted 3rd overall in the All-American Football League's inaugural draft. The league will begin play in 2009.
2000: Chris Weinke (QB Florida State) - Weinke played professional baseball for 6 years straight out of high school before attending Florida State. He was the oldest player ever to win the Heisman at the age of 28. He was selected by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft. He started for the team in all 16 games that season, as the team went 1-15. Weinke holds the NFL record for most consecutive losses as a starting quarterback with 17, including 14 in one season. He is currently a free agent.
1999: Ron Dayne (RB Wisconsin) - Ron Dayne set the NCAA career rushing yards record his senior year against Iowa. He then won the Heisman, and then led the Badgers to a Rose Bowl Victory over Stanford by rushing for 200 yards.
Dayne was selected 11th overall by the New York Giants. He has had moments of brilliance, but they have been few and far between in his NFL career. He is currently a free agent.
1998: Ricky Williams (RB Texas) - Williams broke the NCAA career rushing yards record his senior year, but didn't hold it for long.
Williams was drafted with the first overall pick by the New Orleans Saints and Mike Ditka, who traded all of their picks and a first and third the following year to get him. He was traded to the Dolphins 3 years later, after Ditka was fired. Williams retired early from football in 2004 after his second failed drug test.
He studied Holistic medicine during his retirement.
Williams came back a season later (and after the Dolphins decided to come after his money if he didn't play). Williams then failed a fourth drug test and was suspended for a year. During that year he played in the CFL.
Williams is back with the Dolphins now.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Top Performers Week 5
The best performances of the week from all of the major conferences.
ACC: Trimane Goddard (Sr. Safety UNC) - The stat line is impressive as he led his team with 8 tackles and had 2 interceptions and broke up another pass, as well. But Goddard also had one of the best plays of the day in all of college football as, on the final play of the game, he ripped the ball away from the Miami wideout for his second interception and sealed the game. (See the play here.)
Big 12: Manuel Johnson (Sr. WR Oklahoma) - It only took him 5 catches to become my player of the week from the Big 12. On those 5 catches he gained 206 yards and 3 touchdowns against TCU. Coming into the game, TCU was the number one defense in the nation.
Big East: Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - It looks like this guy can't be stopped. He had 33 carries for 190 yards and one score in UConn's 26-21 victory over Louisville.
Big Ten: Derrick Williams (Sr. WR Penn St) - Williams became the first player in Joe Paterno's time at PSU to catch a touchdown, run for a touchdown, and return a kickoff for a touchdown. The biggest score was his kick return which came right after an Illinois score that brought the Illini with 7. His return swung the momentum back in the Nittany Lions favor.
Pac 10: Jacquizz Rodgers (Fr. RB Oregon St) - He was the best player on the field in the biggest upset of the year so far in college football. He had 37 carries for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns against USC's defense that is loaded with future NFL players.
SEC: Alabama's O-line - Was there any more impressive performance in the SEC than the way Bama's O-line took it to Georgia's defensive front. The Tide was pushing the whole defensive front seven 10 yards down field throughout the entire first half.
Independents/Non-BCS: Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard (Sr QB and WR Rice) - They set an NCAA record for most touchdown passes and receptions as a duo with 41 total after Clement found Dillard for 4 touchdowns against North Texas. Clement had 5 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns, and Dillard had 8 catches for 114 and 4 touchdowns.
Case Keenum (So. QB Houston) - He completed 36 of 44 passes for 399 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Cougars upset victory over East Carolina.
ACC: Trimane Goddard (Sr. Safety UNC) - The stat line is impressive as he led his team with 8 tackles and had 2 interceptions and broke up another pass, as well. But Goddard also had one of the best plays of the day in all of college football as, on the final play of the game, he ripped the ball away from the Miami wideout for his second interception and sealed the game. (See the play here.)
Big 12: Manuel Johnson (Sr. WR Oklahoma) - It only took him 5 catches to become my player of the week from the Big 12. On those 5 catches he gained 206 yards and 3 touchdowns against TCU. Coming into the game, TCU was the number one defense in the nation.
Big East: Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - It looks like this guy can't be stopped. He had 33 carries for 190 yards and one score in UConn's 26-21 victory over Louisville.
Big Ten: Derrick Williams (Sr. WR Penn St) - Williams became the first player in Joe Paterno's time at PSU to catch a touchdown, run for a touchdown, and return a kickoff for a touchdown. The biggest score was his kick return which came right after an Illinois score that brought the Illini with 7. His return swung the momentum back in the Nittany Lions favor.
Pac 10: Jacquizz Rodgers (Fr. RB Oregon St) - He was the best player on the field in the biggest upset of the year so far in college football. He had 37 carries for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns against USC's defense that is loaded with future NFL players.
SEC: Alabama's O-line - Was there any more impressive performance in the SEC than the way Bama's O-line took it to Georgia's defensive front. The Tide was pushing the whole defensive front seven 10 yards down field throughout the entire first half.
Independents/Non-BCS: Chase Clement and Jarett Dillard (Sr QB and WR Rice) - They set an NCAA record for most touchdown passes and receptions as a duo with 41 total after Clement found Dillard for 4 touchdowns against North Texas. Clement had 5 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns, and Dillard had 8 catches for 114 and 4 touchdowns.
Case Keenum (So. QB Houston) - He completed 36 of 44 passes for 399 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Cougars upset victory over East Carolina.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Daniel is Tops Again
Another week of college football, and another week of Chase Daniel at number one. So far this year, it hasn't been close. It seems like any quarterback from the Big 12 could contend for the Heisman this year, though, so once Big 12 play begins for Daniel, we will really get to see who the top dog is.
Mark Sanchez's team played him out of my 5 for this week, as Sanchez could've done more to prevent the upset last night (as you all probably already know USC lost to Oregon last night), but he still put up solid numbers and could appear back in the top 5 in the future.
Here's my top five for this week:
(Last week's ranking in parentheses)
1. (1) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - Daniel has been as close to perfect as you can get. Last week against Buffalo, he completed 20 passes in a row. Now that is perfect. In the past three games he has 13 incompletions. That's only one more than he has touchdowns on the year. He has this week off, but returns to the field the following week against Nebraska.
2. (2) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - He and the Sooners had the week off, but return to the field this week against the #24 TCU Horned Frogs. TCU's defense has been solid, allowing only about 8 points per game. Expect that number to go way up once Bradford and the Sooners are through with them.
3. (NR) Javon Ringer (Sr. RB MIchigan St) - Ringer is running wild. After his second straight 200+ yard performance, it's hard not to put him in the top 5. And he has found the endzone more than any other player with 11 touchdowns.
4. (3) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - Tebow isn't doing anything wrong. He's still performing well and his team is winning, but all of these other players in the country are overshadowing him right now. He has been held without a rushing touchdown all year. At this point last year he already had 5. He needs to start finding the endzone soon or he won't even be mentioned in my blog, or anyone else's.
5. (5) Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - Another solid game for the sophomore running back. 149 yards and two touchdowns, including an acrobatic leap for the pylon that won't soon be forgotten. Moreno and Georgia need to show Alabama Saturday who's the best team in the SEC.
On the Outside Looking In
Max Hall (Jr. QB BYU) - This was the toughest decision, but since Moreno was already in the Top 5 last week I let him keep his spot. Hall has been great for BYU. He's putting up Ty Detmer type of numbers (Detmer is the only BYU player to win the Heisman).
Colt McCoy (Jr. QB Texas) - I feel like I could put any Big 12 quarterback on here. McCoy threw as many incompletions (4) as touchdowns last Saturday against Rice. Arkansas comes to town Saturday to make up a game that was postponed during the hurricane. Arkansas just got spanked by Alabama 49-14. We'll see how they fair against a top 10 Big 12 opponent this weekend.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - Brown continues to be On the Outside Looking In, and is completely underrated by everyone else. There's a good chance with an outstanding performance tonight, he could push into the Top 5 next week.
Todd Reesing (Jr. QB Kansas) - Another Big 12 quarterback to watch out for. He has thrown for over 350 yards and at least two touchdowns in his last three games.
Mark Sanchez's team played him out of my 5 for this week, as Sanchez could've done more to prevent the upset last night (as you all probably already know USC lost to Oregon last night), but he still put up solid numbers and could appear back in the top 5 in the future.
Here's my top five for this week:
(Last week's ranking in parentheses)
1. (1) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - Daniel has been as close to perfect as you can get. Last week against Buffalo, he completed 20 passes in a row. Now that is perfect. In the past three games he has 13 incompletions. That's only one more than he has touchdowns on the year. He has this week off, but returns to the field the following week against Nebraska.
2. (2) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - He and the Sooners had the week off, but return to the field this week against the #24 TCU Horned Frogs. TCU's defense has been solid, allowing only about 8 points per game. Expect that number to go way up once Bradford and the Sooners are through with them.
3. (NR) Javon Ringer (Sr. RB MIchigan St) - Ringer is running wild. After his second straight 200+ yard performance, it's hard not to put him in the top 5. And he has found the endzone more than any other player with 11 touchdowns.
4. (3) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - Tebow isn't doing anything wrong. He's still performing well and his team is winning, but all of these other players in the country are overshadowing him right now. He has been held without a rushing touchdown all year. At this point last year he already had 5. He needs to start finding the endzone soon or he won't even be mentioned in my blog, or anyone else's.
5. (5) Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - Another solid game for the sophomore running back. 149 yards and two touchdowns, including an acrobatic leap for the pylon that won't soon be forgotten. Moreno and Georgia need to show Alabama Saturday who's the best team in the SEC.
On the Outside Looking In
Max Hall (Jr. QB BYU) - This was the toughest decision, but since Moreno was already in the Top 5 last week I let him keep his spot. Hall has been great for BYU. He's putting up Ty Detmer type of numbers (Detmer is the only BYU player to win the Heisman).
Colt McCoy (Jr. QB Texas) - I feel like I could put any Big 12 quarterback on here. McCoy threw as many incompletions (4) as touchdowns last Saturday against Rice. Arkansas comes to town Saturday to make up a game that was postponed during the hurricane. Arkansas just got spanked by Alabama 49-14. We'll see how they fair against a top 10 Big 12 opponent this weekend.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - Brown continues to be On the Outside Looking In, and is completely underrated by everyone else. There's a good chance with an outstanding performance tonight, he could push into the Top 5 next week.
Todd Reesing (Jr. QB Kansas) - Another Big 12 quarterback to watch out for. He has thrown for over 350 yards and at least two touchdowns in his last three games.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
New Weekly Post!
For the remainder of the season, every Monday afternoon I will be selecting players of the week for every BCS conference and one or two from all of the non-BCS conferences and Independents. It will be called simply "Top Performers."
ACC: Russell Wilson (Fr. QB NC State) - The Freshman led the Wolfpack to a victory over the early season Cinderella, ECU Pirates. He threw for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns, and directed the end of the game drive to force overtime. More impressively, he did this after suffering an undisclosed injury that will keep him out of next weeks' game.
Big 12: Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - I can't talk about this guy enough. Every week he plays better than the previous week. This week he had a career high 439 passing yards, and he set the Big 12 record by completing 20 passes in a row (the record was previously 18 and was set by Seneca Wallace for Iowa State in 2001).
Big East: Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - He is now the nation's leading rusher with 716 yards this season after adding another 150 on 34 carries and scoring 2 TDs.
Big 10: Javon Ringer (Sr. RB Michigan State) - He is Michigan State's offense. Ringer had 39 carries, 201 yards and 2 touchdowns on Saturday against Notre Dame.
Pac 10: Marshall Lobbestael (Fr. QB Washington State) - The Pac 10 player of the week could go to anyone with a pulse. No one really stood out in the last week of games and the most impressive performances came from guys, like Lobbestael, who hardcore fans of their teams had never heard of. The first and second string quarterbacks for the Cougars went down, so in came Lobbestael who threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
SEC: Ryan Hamilton (Jr. Safety Vanderbilt) - All this guy did was tie the school record for interception in a game with three, returning one of them for a touchdown, and recovered a fumbled punt. That's four takeaways by one player in a single game.
Independents/Non-BCS: Kellen Moore (Fr. QB Boise State) - He passed for 386 yards and 3 TDs in his first road game as a freshman. Even more impressive is that it was at Autzen Stadium, one of the toughest places to play in college football.
David Johnson (Sr. QB Tulsa) - Johnson had his second 6 touchdown pass game. His team has only played three games now. If Johnson would be able to keep this pace up he would finish the season with 60 TDs. He also had 469 passing yards, as well.
ACC: Russell Wilson (Fr. QB NC State) - The Freshman led the Wolfpack to a victory over the early season Cinderella, ECU Pirates. He threw for 210 yards and 3 touchdowns, and directed the end of the game drive to force overtime. More impressively, he did this after suffering an undisclosed injury that will keep him out of next weeks' game.
Big 12: Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - I can't talk about this guy enough. Every week he plays better than the previous week. This week he had a career high 439 passing yards, and he set the Big 12 record by completing 20 passes in a row (the record was previously 18 and was set by Seneca Wallace for Iowa State in 2001).
Big East: Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - He is now the nation's leading rusher with 716 yards this season after adding another 150 on 34 carries and scoring 2 TDs.
Big 10: Javon Ringer (Sr. RB Michigan State) - He is Michigan State's offense. Ringer had 39 carries, 201 yards and 2 touchdowns on Saturday against Notre Dame.
Pac 10: Marshall Lobbestael (Fr. QB Washington State) - The Pac 10 player of the week could go to anyone with a pulse. No one really stood out in the last week of games and the most impressive performances came from guys, like Lobbestael, who hardcore fans of their teams had never heard of. The first and second string quarterbacks for the Cougars went down, so in came Lobbestael who threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
SEC: Ryan Hamilton (Jr. Safety Vanderbilt) - All this guy did was tie the school record for interception in a game with three, returning one of them for a touchdown, and recovered a fumbled punt. That's four takeaways by one player in a single game.
Independents/Non-BCS: Kellen Moore (Fr. QB Boise State) - He passed for 386 yards and 3 TDs in his first road game as a freshman. Even more impressive is that it was at Autzen Stadium, one of the toughest places to play in college football.
David Johnson (Sr. QB Tulsa) - Johnson had his second 6 touchdown pass game. His team has only played three games now. If Johnson would be able to keep this pace up he would finish the season with 60 TDs. He also had 469 passing yards, as well.
Friday, September 19, 2008
After 3 weeks, here's where we stand
Is there any better time of year than football season? At this point of the season there are so many guys putting up such great numbers that is extremely difficult to try to pin down a leader for the Heisman Trophy, but I have done my best to give you my top five, and a few others on the outside looking in.
(last week's ranking in parentheses)
1. (1) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - After four games, Daniel is on pace to throw for just under 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions! This weekend Missouri takes on a Buffalo team that can put up points, but can't defend anyone. Another big performance is on its way from Daniel this weekend.
2. (2) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - He has had back to back 300+ yard passing games with 5 touchdown passes in each. He has the second highest quarterback rating in the country, and he is the quarterback for the #2 ranked team in the country.
3. (3) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - Tebow hasn't put up crazy numbers so far this season, but he hasn't needed to. Florida has won its 2 games by 46 and 23 points. SEC play begins this weekend for the Gators as they travel to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Tebow's season truly begins this weekend.
4. (NR) Mark Sanchez (Jr. QB USC) - After a great first week, USC showed everyone why they are ranked number 1 in the country by destroying Ohio State in LA last week. Sanchez is the leader of the offense that put up 35 points on a stout Buckeye defense. The QB threw for 4 touchdowns.
5. (4) Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - Not an overly impressive game (20 carries 79 yards and 1TD), but it came against one of the best defenses Georgia will see this year. His touchdown carry ended up being the difference in the game, and that is what the winner of the Heisman needs to be, a difference maker. Moreno and Georgia travel to Arizona State Saturday. The game will be on national TV and it gives Moreno a chance to show America what he can do.
On the Outside Looking In
Max Hall (Jr. QB BYU) - Did anyone see this guy's game against a supposedly up and coming UCLA team? It won't be any easier for him than that game. As long as Hall can keep his team undefeated and in the BCS race he is guaranteed to be at least in the conversation for Heisman.
(5) Michael Crabtree (So. WR Texas Tech) - 8 catches for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns last week against SMU. He's going to be in the Heisman talk all year long. He needs more touches, though, if he's going to finish in the top five.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - He has over 600 total yards this season and has found the endzone 8 times. Baylor is coming to town and they only surrender 95 rushing yards per game so far this season. It will be interesting to see if the nation's second leading rusher can have a huge game against them or if the D will hold.
Javon Ringer (Sr. RB Mich St.) - Ringer is leading the nation in scoring with 9 touchdowns for 54 points. He ran for 282 yards last week against Florida Atlantic. Notre Dame will be in East Lansing tomorrow for their annual rivalry game. If the Irish can come away with a win, they will match their win total from all of last season.
Brandon Tate (Sr. WR UNC) - Tate is a great all-around player. He seems to do everything for the Tar Heels. Here's his stat line through 2 games this season: 8 catches 231 yards 2 touchdowns, 5 carries 125 yards 1 touchdown, 3 kick returns for 114 yards, and 4 punt returns for 146 yards and 1 TD. He is one of the most dynamic players in the ACC and the country. They play Va. Tech tomorrow. We'll see how many more yards he can accummulate then.
(last week's ranking in parentheses)
1. (1) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - After four games, Daniel is on pace to throw for just under 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions! This weekend Missouri takes on a Buffalo team that can put up points, but can't defend anyone. Another big performance is on its way from Daniel this weekend.
2. (2) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - He has had back to back 300+ yard passing games with 5 touchdown passes in each. He has the second highest quarterback rating in the country, and he is the quarterback for the #2 ranked team in the country.
3. (3) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - Tebow hasn't put up crazy numbers so far this season, but he hasn't needed to. Florida has won its 2 games by 46 and 23 points. SEC play begins this weekend for the Gators as they travel to Knoxville to take on the Tennessee Volunteers. Tebow's season truly begins this weekend.
4. (NR) Mark Sanchez (Jr. QB USC) - After a great first week, USC showed everyone why they are ranked number 1 in the country by destroying Ohio State in LA last week. Sanchez is the leader of the offense that put up 35 points on a stout Buckeye defense. The QB threw for 4 touchdowns.
5. (4) Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - Not an overly impressive game (20 carries 79 yards and 1TD), but it came against one of the best defenses Georgia will see this year. His touchdown carry ended up being the difference in the game, and that is what the winner of the Heisman needs to be, a difference maker. Moreno and Georgia travel to Arizona State Saturday. The game will be on national TV and it gives Moreno a chance to show America what he can do.
On the Outside Looking In
Max Hall (Jr. QB BYU) - Did anyone see this guy's game against a supposedly up and coming UCLA team? It won't be any easier for him than that game. As long as Hall can keep his team undefeated and in the BCS race he is guaranteed to be at least in the conversation for Heisman.
(5) Michael Crabtree (So. WR Texas Tech) - 8 catches for 164 yards and 3 touchdowns last week against SMU. He's going to be in the Heisman talk all year long. He needs more touches, though, if he's going to finish in the top five.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - He has over 600 total yards this season and has found the endzone 8 times. Baylor is coming to town and they only surrender 95 rushing yards per game so far this season. It will be interesting to see if the nation's second leading rusher can have a huge game against them or if the D will hold.
Javon Ringer (Sr. RB Mich St.) - Ringer is leading the nation in scoring with 9 touchdowns for 54 points. He ran for 282 yards last week against Florida Atlantic. Notre Dame will be in East Lansing tomorrow for their annual rivalry game. If the Irish can come away with a win, they will match their win total from all of last season.
Brandon Tate (Sr. WR UNC) - Tate is a great all-around player. He seems to do everything for the Tar Heels. Here's his stat line through 2 games this season: 8 catches 231 yards 2 touchdowns, 5 carries 125 yards 1 touchdown, 3 kick returns for 114 yards, and 4 punt returns for 146 yards and 1 TD. He is one of the most dynamic players in the ACC and the country. They play Va. Tech tomorrow. We'll see how many more yards he can accummulate then.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Top 10 of the Last 10
10. Phelps - Michael Phelps wins a record 8 gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
9. Super Bowl XXXIV: Rams vs Titans and "The Tackle" - Who could ever forget the image of Kevin Dyson reaching for the endzone as Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled him at the one and time expired.
8. McGwire/Sosa Homerun Chase of '98 - These two sluggers saved baseball. Period. Attendance and ratings were declining ever since the '94 strike shortened year, and baseball needed someone to step up.
7. Lance Armstrong - He won seven straight Tour de Frances. Even more impressively, he beat cancer.
6. Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs Patriots - The Patriots were the first team to go undeafeted in the regular season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, and were heavily favored in the game. The Giants had the greatest drive in Super Bowl History with the greatest catch in Super Bowl history, and won the game.
5. The Grandaddy of Them All, 2006 - Vince Young puts his team on his back against what I feel was a much better team, and beats them on a running score inside the last minute.
4. Boise State - Boise State proved to the world that the non-BCS conference teams know how to play football, too. The amazing play calling and execution of the play calling is what makes this the most memorable college football game of all-time.
3. The White Sox Win the Series - In 2005 the White Sox had one of the most dominant postseason runs in sports history and won their first World Series since 1917. This victory ended the second longest championship drought in Major League Baseball.
2. The Boston Red Sox Win the Series - This was more impressive than the White Sox win because they did something no other team had done before, in baseball. They came back from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS. It was even more memorable because they did it against their arch-rival, the New York Yankees.
1. Brett Favre Honors His Father - The day after his father died unexpectedly, Favre took the field on Monday night in Oakland. He threw 4 touchdown passes and accumulated 399 yards en route to a 41-7 victory.
9. Super Bowl XXXIV: Rams vs Titans and "The Tackle" - Who could ever forget the image of Kevin Dyson reaching for the endzone as Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled him at the one and time expired.
8. McGwire/Sosa Homerun Chase of '98 - These two sluggers saved baseball. Period. Attendance and ratings were declining ever since the '94 strike shortened year, and baseball needed someone to step up.
7. Lance Armstrong - He won seven straight Tour de Frances. Even more impressively, he beat cancer.
6. Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs Patriots - The Patriots were the first team to go undeafeted in the regular season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, and were heavily favored in the game. The Giants had the greatest drive in Super Bowl History with the greatest catch in Super Bowl history, and won the game.
5. The Grandaddy of Them All, 2006 - Vince Young puts his team on his back against what I feel was a much better team, and beats them on a running score inside the last minute.
4. Boise State - Boise State proved to the world that the non-BCS conference teams know how to play football, too. The amazing play calling and execution of the play calling is what makes this the most memorable college football game of all-time.
3. The White Sox Win the Series - In 2005 the White Sox had one of the most dominant postseason runs in sports history and won their first World Series since 1917. This victory ended the second longest championship drought in Major League Baseball.
2. The Boston Red Sox Win the Series - This was more impressive than the White Sox win because they did something no other team had done before, in baseball. They came back from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS. It was even more memorable because they did it against their arch-rival, the New York Yankees.
1. Brett Favre Honors His Father - The day after his father died unexpectedly, Favre took the field on Monday night in Oakland. He threw 4 touchdown passes and accumulated 399 yards en route to a 41-7 victory.
Top Performers of Week 3
There were some fantastic performances in week 3. Some names that I haven't mentioned before could be showing up on, or near, The List before the beginning of week 4's action. Here are some of the more impressive players from last weekend.
Max Hall (Jr. QB BYU) - Remember when UCLA beat the 18th ranked Tennessee Volunteers earlier this season, and everyone thought UCLA's football program was on its way up? UCLA took a huge step back after this weekend thanks to this young man. Hall was 27 of 35 for 271 yards and, get this, 7 touchdowns as the quarterback led the trouncing of UCLA.
Final score: 59 - 0.
Javon Ringer (Sr. RB Michigan State) - Ringer just missed out on being put in On the Outside Looking In last week because he was averaging under 4 yards a carry. But this weekend he added two more touchdowns to his NCAA leading total and now has 9. That's 3 more than he had all of last year! Ringer is also 3rd in the nation in rushing yards after compiling 282 of them against Florida Atlantic.
Brandon Tate (Sr. WR North Carolina) - He caught 4 passes for 138 yards and a score and also ran for a touchdown as well.
Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - Just another day, it seems, for this quarterback. Daniel was 23 of 28 for 405 passing yards and 4 TDs. This came against Nevada, who was bowl worthy a year ago.
Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - Every game he seems to get better, so far. 18 of 21 for 304 and 5 TDs through the air, and, just for fun, he ran one in, as well.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - It's amazing that there isn't much talk about this guy so far. Against Virginia this weekend, Brown ran for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 20 carries. It was his second straight 200+ yard game and his 8th touchdown. He is second in the nation in both rushing yards and touchdowns.
Max Hall (Jr. QB BYU) - Remember when UCLA beat the 18th ranked Tennessee Volunteers earlier this season, and everyone thought UCLA's football program was on its way up? UCLA took a huge step back after this weekend thanks to this young man. Hall was 27 of 35 for 271 yards and, get this, 7 touchdowns as the quarterback led the trouncing of UCLA.
Final score: 59 - 0.
Javon Ringer (Sr. RB Michigan State) - Ringer just missed out on being put in On the Outside Looking In last week because he was averaging under 4 yards a carry. But this weekend he added two more touchdowns to his NCAA leading total and now has 9. That's 3 more than he had all of last year! Ringer is also 3rd in the nation in rushing yards after compiling 282 of them against Florida Atlantic.
Brandon Tate (Sr. WR North Carolina) - He caught 4 passes for 138 yards and a score and also ran for a touchdown as well.
Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - Just another day, it seems, for this quarterback. Daniel was 23 of 28 for 405 passing yards and 4 TDs. This came against Nevada, who was bowl worthy a year ago.
Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - Every game he seems to get better, so far. 18 of 21 for 304 and 5 TDs through the air, and, just for fun, he ran one in, as well.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UConn) - It's amazing that there isn't much talk about this guy so far. Against Virginia this weekend, Brown ran for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 20 carries. It was his second straight 200+ yard game and his 8th touchdown. He is second in the nation in both rushing yards and touchdowns.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Week 3 Preview
We are going into a great weekend of college football, headlined by Ohio State at USC. Many Heisman hopefuls are getting their first real challenge of the season this week. I have the top five going into the weekend and a few others who are trying to get into the top five for you to think about, as well.
(Number in parentheses indicates ranking from last week)
1. (2) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - I've seen enough from Daniel this season to consider him the best quarterback so far. There's still a lot of season left, but with Nevada coming to town, look for more big numbers out of Daniel Saturday.
2. (3) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - Whenever any quarterback tears up a team that won 10 games the year before, they're going to move up the board. Bradford had 395 yards and 5 TDs against Cincinnati last week, but this week the Sooners are heading up to the Great Northwest to take on a Washington team that is still stinging after a heartbreaking loss to BYU. We'll see how Bradford handles the traveling. Last season in road games Bradford threw 9 TDs to 4 INTs, while at home he threw 25 TDs to only 3 INTs.
3. (1) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - Through no fault of his own did he lose the top spot in my 5. Tebow had good numbers in a rivalry game against Miami. The other two QBs played their way above him this week. And although it was a rivalry game, we aren't talking about The U anymore when we talk about Miami. They are a sub par team in possibly the worst conference in college football.
4. (NR) Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - This young back has rushed for three TDs in each of the first two games of the season. And the word on the street is the track team is interested in having him run high hurdles after one of his carries seen here. The real season begins for Moreno and the Bulldogs now as they open up SEC play against a stingy South Carolina defense.
5. (4) Michael Crabtree (So. WR Texas Tech) - 7 catches, 158 yards and 82 of those yards on one big play for a score. If he wants to stay in the conversation he needs more touches. No wideout has ever won the Heisman by playing only on offensive snaps. So if he's not going to play defense or at least return kicks (which he shouldn't do either of these) he needs to get the ball thrown to him more and Tech should maybe try a reverse or two to him.
On the Outside Looking In
Todd Reesing (Jr. QB Kansas) - Reesing gets his first real test on national television tonight at his Jayhawks take on the USF Bulls. Reesing has thrown for 6 TDs already this season and can vastly improve his resume if he can torch USF's Defense. The primary obstacle for him will be staying on his feet as South Florida has defensive end George Selvie who finished second in the nation last year in sacks.
Matt Stafford (Jr. QB Georgia) - Every week he goes out there and does his job. Stafford hasn't put up the best numbers this season, but his team is good enough to play for the national title and he is a big reason why. Stafford has his first true challenge of the season this weekend. If South Carolina tries to shut down Moreno, Stafford has to be able to lead his team to the victory.
Mark Sanchez (Jr. QB USC) - When you are the quarterback of USC you're supposed to be in this conversation, right? Sanchez has his chance to prove his worth this weekend in the biggest game of his season when Ohio State comes to town.
Chris "Beanie" Wells (Jr. RB Ohio State) - He has to play Saturday night if he wants to even think about the Heisman, or if his team wants to think about the national title.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UCONN) - He has 360 rushing yards and 5 TDs so far this season. We all saw what USC did to Virginia in week 1, now Brown gets his chance to run wild on that defense.
Jahvid Best (So. RB Cal) - He ran for 111 yards and a score and had 63 yards receiving in week 1 against Michigan State, and he didn't start! Last week against Washington State, and in his first start, he carried the ball 14 times for 200 yards and 3 TDs. Cal travels to the East coast to take on a weak Maryland team that just lost last week to "Sunbelt powerhouse" Middle Tennessee.
(Number in parentheses indicates ranking from last week)
1. (2) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - I've seen enough from Daniel this season to consider him the best quarterback so far. There's still a lot of season left, but with Nevada coming to town, look for more big numbers out of Daniel Saturday.
2. (3) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - Whenever any quarterback tears up a team that won 10 games the year before, they're going to move up the board. Bradford had 395 yards and 5 TDs against Cincinnati last week, but this week the Sooners are heading up to the Great Northwest to take on a Washington team that is still stinging after a heartbreaking loss to BYU. We'll see how Bradford handles the traveling. Last season in road games Bradford threw 9 TDs to 4 INTs, while at home he threw 25 TDs to only 3 INTs.
3. (1) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - Through no fault of his own did he lose the top spot in my 5. Tebow had good numbers in a rivalry game against Miami. The other two QBs played their way above him this week. And although it was a rivalry game, we aren't talking about The U anymore when we talk about Miami. They are a sub par team in possibly the worst conference in college football.
4. (NR) Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - This young back has rushed for three TDs in each of the first two games of the season. And the word on the street is the track team is interested in having him run high hurdles after one of his carries seen here. The real season begins for Moreno and the Bulldogs now as they open up SEC play against a stingy South Carolina defense.
5. (4) Michael Crabtree (So. WR Texas Tech) - 7 catches, 158 yards and 82 of those yards on one big play for a score. If he wants to stay in the conversation he needs more touches. No wideout has ever won the Heisman by playing only on offensive snaps. So if he's not going to play defense or at least return kicks (which he shouldn't do either of these) he needs to get the ball thrown to him more and Tech should maybe try a reverse or two to him.
On the Outside Looking In
Todd Reesing (Jr. QB Kansas) - Reesing gets his first real test on national television tonight at his Jayhawks take on the USF Bulls. Reesing has thrown for 6 TDs already this season and can vastly improve his resume if he can torch USF's Defense. The primary obstacle for him will be staying on his feet as South Florida has defensive end George Selvie who finished second in the nation last year in sacks.
Matt Stafford (Jr. QB Georgia) - Every week he goes out there and does his job. Stafford hasn't put up the best numbers this season, but his team is good enough to play for the national title and he is a big reason why. Stafford has his first true challenge of the season this weekend. If South Carolina tries to shut down Moreno, Stafford has to be able to lead his team to the victory.
Mark Sanchez (Jr. QB USC) - When you are the quarterback of USC you're supposed to be in this conversation, right? Sanchez has his chance to prove his worth this weekend in the biggest game of his season when Ohio State comes to town.
Chris "Beanie" Wells (Jr. RB Ohio State) - He has to play Saturday night if he wants to even think about the Heisman, or if his team wants to think about the national title.
Donald Brown (Jr. RB UCONN) - He has 360 rushing yards and 5 TDs so far this season. We all saw what USC did to Virginia in week 1, now Brown gets his chance to run wild on that defense.
Jahvid Best (So. RB Cal) - He ran for 111 yards and a score and had 63 yards receiving in week 1 against Michigan State, and he didn't start! Last week against Washington State, and in his first start, he carried the ball 14 times for 200 yards and 3 TDs. Cal travels to the East coast to take on a weak Maryland team that just lost last week to "Sunbelt powerhouse" Middle Tennessee.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Week 2 Review
With each passing week we get to see more college football action, and more impressive performances. It's a process to select your Heisman leader, especially this early in the season. One game doesn't make or break a player's chances for the award, but it is part of the evaluation process. Here's how the stock of each of the players on my top 5 list from last week have changed.
(1) Tim Tebow - 256 passing yards 2 TDs in win against Miami
(Each players ranking from last week in parentheses)
(2) Chase Daniel - 16 of 17 passing for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns against an overmatched SE MO St
(3) Sam Bradford - 395 yards passing 5 TDs and he completed over 76% of his passes in win against Cincinnati
(1) Tim Tebow - 256 passing yards 2 TDs in win against Miami (4) Michael Crabtree - 7 receptions for 158 yards and one TD in win @ Nevada
(5) Pat White - 11 of 18 for 72 yards and no TDs in loss to up and coming East Carolina. He did rush for 97 yards, but it took him 20 carries and he lost a fumble.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The "List" going into week 2
After one week it is hard to really know where we stand in the Heisman rankings. In the first week we saw some impressive and some expected performances. It's hard to put a lot of credence in some of the games as lots of the teams play cupcakes. It's even harder to make a case for players to go up and down in the rankings when they all put up great numbers.
The biggest news of the weekend was Chris Wells' injury. He fell to the ground in the third quarter of a blowout against Youngstown St. and couldn't get up on his own. He is listed as doubtful for the upcoming game against Ohio and most likely will not play as they hope to have him 100% for the biggest game of the early season, at USC.
Jeremy Maclin also went down with an injury in Mizzou's game against Illinois. The WR could play this weekend.
These updates lead us to the list going into the weekend.
(number in parentheses is ranking from previous week)
1. (1) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - 137 yards and a touchdown is good enough for me in the first week of the season. Tebow and Florida now turn their attention to Miami (FL). Tebow needs to put up big numbers against the Canes if he's going to stay atop this list for another week, and Miami is a team he should be able to do that against.
2. (3) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - Daniel played against probably the best cover corner in college football last weekend in Illinois' Vontae Davis, and he came out with the win while throwing for 323 and 3 touchdowns. He also threw in 46 rushing yards, as well. The main question for Daniel going into this weekend has to do with his teammate, Jeremy Maclin. If he does play, how effective can he be, and if he doesn't, can Daniel still put up great numbers? The answer, for this weekend at least, is it doesn't matter if Maclin plays, Daniel will tear apart SE Missouri State. If Maclin's injury persists beyond this week, Daniel could end up missing out on the hardware.
3. (5) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - An effective performance by Bradford last weekend. He gets bumped up thanks to the injury to Chris Wells. Bradford had 2 TDs and 183 yards through the air. Cincinnati is coming to Norman, OK on Saturday, it should be the first test for Bradford, and they will only get tougher from there.
4. (4) Michael Crabtree (So. WR Texas Tech) - Crabtree grabbed 9 passes for 73 yards and a score last week. Tech travels up to Nevada on Saturday. Look for Crabtree to break one, if not two, big plays.
5. (NR) Pat White (Sr. QB West Virginia) - Pat White had quite a game Saturday versus Villanova. He set a personal record for most touchdown passes in one game with five. He needs to keep up those kind of numbers if he is going to keep pace with the other quarterbacks in this race. West Virginia plays East Carolina who is coming off an impressive win against a ranked Virginia Tech team last week. East Carolina will put more pressure on White than what he felt from Villanova. This could be a great game to watch.
On the outside looking in
(2) Chris Wells (Jr. RB Ohio State) - Wells only had 13 carries and ran for 111 yards and a score before hurting his toe. He will not play Saturday against Ohio. This really hurts his chances for the Heisman as Ohio is a team he should be able to run for 200 yards and 3 scores on. With the class of contenders Wells is dealing with, he needs all the stat padding he can get. He will have his chance to sky rocket up the board, though, when Ohio State travels to USC.
Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - Moreno only carried the ball 8 times for 59 yards on Saturday. He also found his way into the end zone on three of those carries. And he had 53 yards receiving, as well.
Matt Stafford (Jr. QB Georgia) - 13 of 21 for 275 yards and 2 TDs. Not a bad way to start your season.
P.J. Hill (Jr. RB Wisconsin) - Hill was great in his opener. He had 26 carries and ran for 210 yards and 2 scores. Wisconsin plays Marshall Saturday in what should be another stat padder for Hill. The real challenge for Hill will come once Big Ten season begins.
Most intriguing game (for me at least)
Central Michigan @ Georgia
There are three players playing in this game that I have mentioned in my blog, and the one I'm going to be watching closely is the only one I didn't mention in this post, Dan LeFevour. The guy is an unstoppable MAC force, and it will be interesting to see how he can stack up against an SEC powerhouse's defense. I know I mentioned part of this in my last post but the QB threw for 27 TDs, ran for 19 TDs, and he caught one TD pass! He also punted for the Chippewas twice last year! He truly is an all-around player. After saying all that, Georgia will win big, but if LeFevour manages to keep it close, he could be appearing in On the Outside Looking In next week.
The biggest news of the weekend was Chris Wells' injury. He fell to the ground in the third quarter of a blowout against Youngstown St. and couldn't get up on his own. He is listed as doubtful for the upcoming game against Ohio and most likely will not play as they hope to have him 100% for the biggest game of the early season, at USC.
Jeremy Maclin also went down with an injury in Mizzou's game against Illinois. The WR could play this weekend.
These updates lead us to the list going into the weekend.
(number in parentheses is ranking from previous week)
1. (1) Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - 137 yards and a touchdown is good enough for me in the first week of the season. Tebow and Florida now turn their attention to Miami (FL). Tebow needs to put up big numbers against the Canes if he's going to stay atop this list for another week, and Miami is a team he should be able to do that against.
2. (3) Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Mizzou) - Daniel played against probably the best cover corner in college football last weekend in Illinois' Vontae Davis, and he came out with the win while throwing for 323 and 3 touchdowns. He also threw in 46 rushing yards, as well. The main question for Daniel going into this weekend has to do with his teammate, Jeremy Maclin. If he does play, how effective can he be, and if he doesn't, can Daniel still put up great numbers? The answer, for this weekend at least, is it doesn't matter if Maclin plays, Daniel will tear apart SE Missouri State. If Maclin's injury persists beyond this week, Daniel could end up missing out on the hardware.
3. (5) Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - An effective performance by Bradford last weekend. He gets bumped up thanks to the injury to Chris Wells. Bradford had 2 TDs and 183 yards through the air. Cincinnati is coming to Norman, OK on Saturday, it should be the first test for Bradford, and they will only get tougher from there.
4. (4) Michael Crabtree (So. WR Texas Tech) - Crabtree grabbed 9 passes for 73 yards and a score last week. Tech travels up to Nevada on Saturday. Look for Crabtree to break one, if not two, big plays.
5. (NR) Pat White (Sr. QB West Virginia) - Pat White had quite a game Saturday versus Villanova. He set a personal record for most touchdown passes in one game with five. He needs to keep up those kind of numbers if he is going to keep pace with the other quarterbacks in this race. West Virginia plays East Carolina who is coming off an impressive win against a ranked Virginia Tech team last week. East Carolina will put more pressure on White than what he felt from Villanova. This could be a great game to watch.
On the outside looking in
(2) Chris Wells (Jr. RB Ohio State) - Wells only had 13 carries and ran for 111 yards and a score before hurting his toe. He will not play Saturday against Ohio. This really hurts his chances for the Heisman as Ohio is a team he should be able to run for 200 yards and 3 scores on. With the class of contenders Wells is dealing with, he needs all the stat padding he can get. He will have his chance to sky rocket up the board, though, when Ohio State travels to USC.
Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - Moreno only carried the ball 8 times for 59 yards on Saturday. He also found his way into the end zone on three of those carries. And he had 53 yards receiving, as well.
Matt Stafford (Jr. QB Georgia) - 13 of 21 for 275 yards and 2 TDs. Not a bad way to start your season.
P.J. Hill (Jr. RB Wisconsin) - Hill was great in his opener. He had 26 carries and ran for 210 yards and 2 scores. Wisconsin plays Marshall Saturday in what should be another stat padder for Hill. The real challenge for Hill will come once Big Ten season begins.
Most intriguing game (for me at least)
Central Michigan @ Georgia
There are three players playing in this game that I have mentioned in my blog, and the one I'm going to be watching closely is the only one I didn't mention in this post, Dan LeFevour. The guy is an unstoppable MAC force, and it will be interesting to see how he can stack up against an SEC powerhouse's defense. I know I mentioned part of this in my last post but the QB threw for 27 TDs, ran for 19 TDs, and he caught one TD pass! He also punted for the Chippewas twice last year! He truly is an all-around player. After saying all that, Georgia will win big, but if LeFevour manages to keep it close, he could be appearing in On the Outside Looking In next week.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Let the Competition Begin!
Hi, I'm Scott Cooley and I will be tracking the athletes competing for the Heisman Trophy this football season. Everyweek I will tell you who's stock is rising or falling and I will be talking about the impressive and depressing performances of the weekend. Going into each weekend I will also have a top five organized and I will tell you what to expect from these athletes going into their games.I started this blog a little late as the first weekend and has come and past, but I will still start off with my preseason top five.
1. Tim Tebow (Jr. QB Florida) - Since no one had played a game yet since last year it's hard to argue against putting the guy who won the award last year as this year's number one. Oh, and also those 32 passing and 23 rushing touchdowns. He also had the second highest quarterback rating in the nation at 172.47.
2. Chris "Beanie" Wells (Jr. RB Ohio State) - The best running back in the country. That's all you really need to know about this guy. He has the speed, quickness, power and size to be an absolute force for Ohio State this year. And, if Ohio State can stay undefeated that won't hurt his chances either. He is the second leading rusher returning from last year in the nation. Wells comes up big in big games (146 rushing yards, including a 65 yard touchdown dash, against LSU in the title game last January) and he'll need to be huge against USC in their battle early in the season.
3. Chase Daniel (Sr. QB Missouri) - 33 passing touchdowns and 4306 yards through the air are great numbers. Daniel is my favorite quarterback from the Big 12 to win or at least compete for this award. There are probably going to be more Big 12 quarterbacks to tap into my top five or at least be mentioned in this blog than any other position in any other conference. If Daniel can lead Mizzou to a conference title and a BCS bowl he very well could be the Heisman winner. His greatest asset could become his greatest opponent in this competition, however. Jeremy Maclin, wide receiver for the Tigers, is also hoping to get deeper into the Heisman conversation. He could potentially steal some votes away from his teammate with his incredible speed.
4. Michael Crabtree (So. WR Texas Tech) - Last year Michael Crabtree led the nation in receptions with 134, receiving yards with 1962, and touchdown receptions with 22. He did all of this in his first year in uniform! With Tech's pass happy offense, look for Crabtree to continue to pile up the numbers. This may also be the reason he doesn't win. Tech has always had players put up gaudy numbers and come away without any hardware at the end of the season. This is also a case where a teammate may come in and steal the show. Graham Harrell is Crabtree's quarterback, and he is looking to put up numbers we've never seen before. If he can and if Tech goes to a well respected bowl game look for both of these guys to be in the conversation in December.
5. Sam Bradford (So. QB Oklahoma) - Bradford threw 36 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions, and he did that as a freshman. Now in his second year under center, look for Bradford to at least replicate these numbers. If Bradford can, Oklahoma will win the Big 12 crown and could be playing for the national title come January.
On the Outside Looking In
1. Pat White (Sr. QB West Virginia) - Pat White has a lot of work to do this year if he wants to win the Heisman. He is a feared dual-threat quarterback who has rushed for over 1000 yards and has hit the teens in rushing touchdowns the last two years as well, but he won't win the Heisman unless he can put the ball in the endzone through the air. The Big 12 has too many good quarterbacks throwing the ball all over the field and they will completely over shadow him if he can't improve his pocket presence. No quarterback in this day and age will ever win the Heisman if he only throws 14 touchdown passes.
2. Todd Reesing (Jr. QB Kansas) - Incredible competitor who easily gets overshadowed in the Big 12. Threw for 33 touchdowns and only 7 picks. Kansas needs to pick up where they left off last year.
3. Knowshon Moreno (So. RB Georgia) - An excellent Freshman campaign last season. Over 1300 yards and 14 touchdown on the ground.
4. P.J. Hill (Jr. RB Wisconsin) - Hill had 14 rushing touchdowns last season while missing two full games and part of another due to injury. Hill is a punishing back who doesn't shy away from contact. He is an old-school Big Ten guy.
5. Matt Stafford (Jr. QB Georgia) - He had solid stats with 19 touchdown passes last season, but not good enough numbers for the Heisman. Stafford is being projected as the top quarterback in the 2009 NFL draft if he decides to leave school after this season.
Dark Horses
1. Dan LeFevour (Jr. QB Central Mich.) - I absolutely love this guy! 3600 yards passing and 27 touchdowns. 1100 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns. He is the poorman's Tim Tebow! He may be the best player you will never hear of, unless the Chippewas can go undefeated and somehow break into the BCS.
2. Nate Davis (Jr. QB Ball State) - In 2007 Davis threw 30 touchdown passes to only 6 picks. He had 442 yards and 3 touchdowns in a one point loss at Nebraska last year.
3. Todd Boeckman (Sr. QB Ohio State) - Boeckman is a very solid, smart player. If he plays well against USC he can build the confidence the Buckeyes need from their QB to make their run for the national title, and there's nothing the voters like more than the quarterback in the national title game.
Other notables
Ian Johnson (Sr. RB Boise State)
James Davis (Sr. RB Clemson)
James Laurinaitis (Sr. LB Ohio St.)
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