Friday, November 28, 2008

Heisman Watch

The round robin between Graham Harrell, Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford is finally complete, but are we any closer to finding a winner, with closing time upon us? Like separating their respective teams, differentiating the three quarterbacks requires a yoda-esque wisdom. Bradford leads the Big 12 in touchdown passes with 42 and pass efficiency (193.8), Harrell leads in yards with 4,438, while McCoy is completing a record setting 77.2 percent of his passes.

Sam Bradford
led the Sooners to a 65-21 thrashing of the Red Raiders, completing 14-of-19 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns. It was the Oklahoma City native’s third straight game with at least four touchdowns and more than 300 yards, earning him Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. Bradford was brilliant, displaying his accuracy, soft touch, powerful arm and deep touch – making him the most complete passer in the nation. The only thing lacking in his resume is a “Heisman moment”.

AHEAD: at Oklahoma St. (Nov. 29). Bradford gets the national stage once again this week when the Sooners make the trip to Stillwater. Not only can he help vault Oklahoma into the Big 12 Championship game, the sophomore signal caller can take a step closer to adding a special piece of hardware to his mantel.

Colt McCoy, who has completed over 70 percent of his passes in nine of eleven games this season, was off last week. Harrell came back to him in the Heisman race, but Bradford may have passed the Texas quarterback in the eyes of many voters. Like the fate of his ‘Horns, McCoy is at the mercy of others…a potential Big 12 Championship game appearance could change all that.

AHEAD: vs. Texas A & M (Nov. 28). While you’re going for seconds (or thirds) on Thanksgiving night, McCoy will look to put his best foot forward against the ‘Horns’ in-state rival. Texas will do their best to put on a show, but how much will voters be impressed by an onslaught of the lowly Aggies?

Graham Harrell threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns in Norman, but most of the numbers were put up after the game was over. Harrell struggled when the game was on the line, the first time he was faced with consistent defensive pressure this season.

AHEAD: vs. Baylor (Nov. 29). There is not much Harrell can do this week to impress voters.

Michael Crabtree does not have a legitimate chance at the prize, but could very well be the best player in the country. His touchdown streak was halted in Norman, the first time the sophomore was kept out of the end zone all season.

AHEAD: vs. Baylor (Nov. 29). With 18 scores, Crabtree needs two more to reach the hallowed 20 touchdown mark.

Shonn Greene set the Iowa record for rushing yards in a season with his 144-yard performance, upping his season total to 1,729 yards. The powerful runner has run for over 100 yards in all 12 games this season and crossed the goal line 17 times.

AHEAD: Regular season complete.

Heisman Watch Prediction

1. Graham Harrell
2. Sam Bradford
3. Colt McCoy
4. Michael Crabtree
5. Shonn Greene
6. Tim Tebow

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

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