Dec 12, 2008

Heisman Trophy Race

This weekend, the Heisman Trophy will be given to one of three players: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. Many experts expect this to be one of the closest Heisman races in a long time.

If I had a vote, this is how my ballot would have looked:

1. Tim Tebow
2. Colt McCoy
3. Sam Bradford

While Bradford has the most "wow" stats at first glance, his numbers got inflated by Bob Stoops trying to run up the score each week. Also, his stats are comparable to Graham Herrell of Texas Tech, also from the Big 12. I like McCoy and feel he may get some "sympathy" votes due to the way Texas was left out of the Big 12 title game, but in the end, I have to go with Tebow.

Last week on a local radio station, they conducted a poll of callers asking if you could start a college football program with one current player, who would it be? I don't think anyone answered with someone other than Tebow. He's is one of, if not the best, college football players I'll ever get to watch.

Sure, its hard to root for someone playing for the rival Gators, but the way he leads his team to victory and won't settle for anything less than 100% from everyone is commendable. Off the field, much has been written about his beliefs and lifestyle and from what I can tell, it's all genuine. Most of the season, he wasn't putting up the buzz-worthy numbers that he did last year, but he still ended up with great stats: 2,515 yards passing, 28 TDs, 2 Ints wit 564 rushing yards and 12 TDs. And to think that he could be a two-time Heisman Trophy winner as a junior is unheard of.

No matter who wins this year, it will be hard to argue. Each finalist is deserving and all the quarterbacks led their teams to one-loss seasons. It will be an interesting night this Saturday.

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