The Heisman Trophy

by Pete1020 on Dec 13, 2008 1:26 AM CST

Tonight will be the 74th Heisman Trophy presentation, and despite not knowing who will receive this honor yet, I am already disappointed. Is this disappointment because a very deserving quarterback from Texas tech isn’t even at the ceremony after an amazing statistical season? Or is it because a fan favorite and constant nationally publicized quarterback from Florida might repeat as the winner because of regional voting and the bigger spotlight? Either way I’m prepared for yet another miserable Heisman result.

It needs to be pointed out how the Heisman trophy has began to lose its luster in my lifetime. What was once argued to be one of the most prestigious honors in all of sports has started to become an award that guarantees lack of success in the NFL. I know this award is for the best college player, but it has to bother the NCAA that this celebrated player has had such a tough time succeeding in his football future.

Let me move on to another part of the Heisman presentation that annoys me this year. Can someone tell me how Graham Harrell isn’t even invited to this ceremony after the year he just had? Harrell threw for 4747 passing yards with 47 total tds and 7 interceptions, with a 71.5 completion percentage. And in case you think he ran up his stats against lesser opponents in his 3 games against Oklahoma, Oklahoma St, and Texas he had 1291 passing yards with 11 tds and 1 interception. I know he is apart of a great offensive system at Texas Tech, but after the success not only statistically, but the winning he has been robbed of this honor that he has earned.

Now to the biggest argument of all, who should win the Heisman Trophy? When looking at the statistics of the 3 invited finalists for this trophy, Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy clearly have the lead over Tim Tebow. But many experts because of the fascination with Florida quartback Tim Tebow have overlooked this. Let me first say Tim Tebow is a tremendous college football player. He is the leader of this Florida Gators team, and is an even better man off the field. I have a great amount of respect for the man, but in saying that he doesn’t deserve the Heisman Trophy. He has received a big advantage because of his final win being so big on national TV vs. Alabama. But the competition has outplayed him handedly. The Tebow argument I hear from all of Tebow’s supporters is, “it’s not all about statistics, he is just a winner,” which I completely understand, and I completely understand this as I take the full picture into effect. But I bet they weren’t saying that last year when Tebow had the stats, but not the record last season. Back to this season, for all the, “Tebow’s a winner,” guys out there, Tebow and the Gators lost to Ole Miss with the game in Tebow’s hands, as he got stopped on a 4th and 1 play. Colt McCoy on the other hand got his lone loss after because his defense couldn’t hold the lead with under a minute left after Colt led his team to a game-leading touchdown. Then there is Sam Bradford who has just been the engine to the most prolific offense in College Football history. He has all the stats and has been extremely impressive in leading Oklahoma to the National Championship game.

So my ballot would go 1 Colt McCoy 2 Sam Bradford 3 Tim Tebow. Colt has in my opinion had the best overall season and has done more individually then his fellow college quarterbacks. He has also done this with the worst supporting cast of the 3, no offense to the Longhorn offense.

Peter Lomuscio

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my 2 cents

If I hear that OU has the most prolific offense again, I am going to sick VY on them. The 05 Texas offense was one of the best ever, and would eat this years OU offense.

And about Harrell, you are absolutely right. I may hate the guy, but what else could he have done? You can’t throw for any more yards or touchdowns in a year than he did (in the big 12, not the WAC for those of you thinking Colt Brennan). Also keep in mind, I am not saying he should win the Heisman, I do think that Colt deserves it, but he does deserve to be in NY, the fact the he isn’t is ridiculous.

45-35

by Hook'em13 on Dec 13, 2008 1:44 AM CST reply actions

He lost last

As much as I hate how this matters in college football, Harrell was the last to lose. He didn’t have time to “recover” and regain his place, as did Colt, Tebow and Bradford. In my opinion, that’s why he’s an afterthought.

Regardless, i’ll never understand what the Heisman REALLY is – MVP, best stats, best player, etc. It’s an enigma to me.

by PSUhorn on Dec 13, 2008 2:55 AM CST reply actions

Heisman

The Heisman goes to the best QB on a BCS #1 or #2 team. In the case where neither QB is very good, a running back from the #1 or #2 team may be considered along with any QB who is the “hottest in the country”.

by JohnsonUT on Dec 13, 2008 8:27 AM CST reply actions

so what about VY?

he wasn’t a very good qb on a top 2 BCS team? My point was simply that I don’t feel the award is very consistent. I think sometimes they go with the top player from the top team, sometimes with a stats guy, and sometimes with the “best player” that may not be on a top team. To me, it doesn’t seem as cut and dry.

by PSUhorn on Dec 13, 2008 9:16 AM CST up reply actions

I don't understand the fascination with Tebow

Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great player. But during the Alabama game, one of the announcers wondered if he was the greatest college player ever. That’s unbelievable. His won/loss record as a starter is good, but no where near ‘greatest player ever’ territory. Same for his career stats. And this year he’s playing on a team loaded with talent in a conference having an off year. I can’t think of a single metric that, when applied fairly to all of the top candidates, would result in Tebow winning the Heisman.

by Texasrocks on Dec 13, 2008 9:54 AM CST reply actions