Player Profile: Luis Vasquez Texas Tech Guard

Pros: This former Red Raider is big and nasty at 6’5’’, a little over 330 pounds. Not many offensive linemen possess his sheer strength. He shows decent speed getting to the second level. Vasquez was an effective blocker for Tech throughout his four-year career, particularly at protecting his quarterback in the pass-happy offense.

Cons: He played in an offense at Tech that was focused on the pass and needs to work on his blocks in the running game. Vasquez lacks ideal athleticism, mobility and speed, which will limit the amount of teams that are interested in his services. He is raw and will need to learn quickly to stay on an NFL roster, having played much of his career in Lubbok with his hand off the ground. He missed time as a senior (ankle sprain), which will cause teams to take an extra look in terms of his durability.

Scout’s Take: He was recognized by the Big XII in three of his four seasons for his stellar play. He may take a little longer than others to establish himself in a similar fashion at the next level, but the tools are there for this Texas Tech product to earn himself a starting role with a year or two of experience.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas Tech)

Q&A: Mike Leach, Head Coach, Texas Tech

Last season, did you ever want to pull a “Network” and open the window and say, “Hey, what about us?” when it came to all the hype of Oklahoma and Texas vying to play Florida in the National Championship?

Leach: We had as much of a claim to play Florida as anyone else. I look at it this way—the rules were set up before the season started and so there’s really nothing to be done about that. I think a good tie breaker would be graduation rate. I think that when you have a tie like that, I think a good blending of athletics and academics would be fantastic. Of course our graduation rate is 79 percent, Texas’ is 50 percent, and Oklahoma’s is 40 percent so we would have gone to the big game and that would have suited me tremendously. I think it would be wise if that change took place immediately, but I don’t look for that to happen. The thing is, ultimately, you had three great teams who really had good years and I think all of them deserved a lot of distinction and things like that. But I think all three had really great seasons.

Do you get into the NCAA Basketball Tournament or are you too busy preparing for spring football to really get involved?

Leach: I guess a little of both. Of course Pat Knight does a great job and we have a young team and they are fighting through some hard times and building up right now, but I thought they did a great job of coaching so I've always rooted for them to win. Right now I'm pretty well focused on spring football I guess, that’s really the priority, it’s the second most exciting part of the year and I’m really thrilled about that.

Speaking of Pat Knight, Bobby Knight was the former basketball coach there. While he was there, did you get a chance to talk to him or learn anything from him? As a coach are you always trying to learn from other coaches, regardless of the sport?

Leach: Well, Bobby Knight is a huge presence in athletics without question. He is the most successful and has the most wins of any basketball coach and I think that speaks for itself. The thing with coach Knight is, he is a great observer of people and his experiences and things like that. Just listening to him talk is fascinating. Don’t worry about the direction the conversation is going to go, just get him talking on a subject, hold on and listen, and it’s all worthwhile. Every time I ever had the opportunity to listen to him talk, I thought it was fascinating. He’s been out of town more than he’s been in town so I haven’t had the opportunity to do any of that lately, but he’s a fascinating individual.

Is it fair to call Graham Harrell a “system quarterback” considering that other quarterbacks that have come from Texas Tech have not been great NFL quarterbacks? And do you think any of those quarterbacks should be mentioned when talking about Graham Harrell?

Leach: Well, Kingsbury hasn’t done much except play every season at some different level of professional football since he left (Texas Tech). Sonny Cumbie was the franchise guy of LA’s Arena team. I think the other thing about it, in regards to quarterbacks, is that there’s only 30-some teams who are going to have a starting quarterback, so the notion that they’re not successful I think is false. Anybody that uses the word “system” right off the top, you know you’re talking to a bad football coach. Because anybody who says anything like that doesn’t understand the point of coaching. Anybody who calls plays has a system, so I assume their team calls plays, if they don’t they probably ought to start. I can’t think of any team that doesn’t call plays, so right there you have a system. This system quarterback stuff, all the guy is doing is acknowledging that he’s not a very good football coach because his quarterback doesn’t have the success that maybe (Cody) Hodges does or Graham Harrell or whoever; they want to call him a system quarterback and actually what they’re saying is they’re a bad football coach. The other thing that amazes me about it is in the NFL, most of the quarterbacks are playing in an offense that's similar to ours. They spread out, they throw it most of the time, and they operate from the shotgun, which is similar to what we do. So that immediately fits with the NFL model better than most of the quarterbacks from other systems. My favorite cop-out is those coaches that say, “Well, I don’t know if he can take a snap or drop back”. First of all, he’s (Harrell) done plenty of that. Second of all, how big of an insecurity that is as a coach, to feel like you don’t have the ability to teach somebody to take a snap and step backwards three, five, seven steps. We’re talking about a coach who is 30-50 years old dealing with a skill he can do himself and yet he doesn’t think he can teach it to a world class athlete?

So you’re saying you can’t be a college professor and say you can’t teach elementary school?

Leach: I would think. Send me a pile of nine-year olds and I'll have them taking drops and taking snaps from under center and I'll get it done in a couple of hours.

Your point of being in the shotgun formation seems to be trickling down to the NFL more and more. Even looking at the Patriots putting up record setting numbers, they were in shotgun more often than not.

Leach: Well Peyton Manning, how often is he under center? How about Denver? How about Seattle? How about Green Bay? How about Philadelphia? You can go on and on. It’s a bunch of foolishness. It's people afraid to think for themselves is what it is, and so what they do is they sit around and parrot what’s been infused in their head. I think just by definition, if you’re going to coach something you’re required to think, you’re required to teach. I think that failure to do that, how can you possibly call yourself a very good coach or a very good organization if you can't understand things that fundamental?

Another one of your players, Michael Crabtree is being scrutinized and you’re hearing things like, “He isn’t fast enough” or “He isn’t as tall as we thought”. Is that more foolishness to you?

Leach: Of course it's foolishness. The leading receiver in the NFL last year was Wes Welker, who came from our quote/unquote system. Two years in a row he’s led the league in receiving. He runs around a 4.8 and just had a happy experience at the Pro Bowl. And the fact that Michael Crabtree is only five or six inches taller and faster that means somehow he’s magically going to be a failure? I guess I’m not buying that either. And if our system is so flawed, you tell me how it is that simultaneously, for two years in a row, we had the leading receiver in the NFL and the leading receiver in college football.

Louis Vasquez, a guard, is starting to make a name for himself. Talk about him playing with those wide splits and do you think that will help him go into the next level?

Leach: Well, I think he’s got great technique, he’s real strong and he led the Combine in bench press. The thing is, he’s a great pass protector and that’s what’s required in the NFL. So yeah, I think he’ll do very well.

What are your thoughts on Brandon Williams' potential as a pass rusher at the next level?

Leach: Well we wish him the very best even though I think it was a mistake for him to leave early. I think he had more work to do and he could have improved his viability, but I think he’s a good player and has a lot of skills and I think if he continues to improve, he has the opportunity to do well.

Do your players normally come to you when they are in the process of deciding to leave early for the Draft or stay in college, or is that usually something they discuss with their agent or their family?

Leach: It varies a great deal. We never advised Brandon to leave and we stand behind that. As a matter of fact, I think the longer a guy stays the better off he is because I think that your chance of making the team is higher the more experience you have. A long story short, I think with rare exception you’re better off staying in school and then, certainly, the education aspect of school factors in there as well.

Would that apply to somebody like a Crabtree, who could be a potential top ten pick, or is he in fact that rare exception?

Leach: I think he’s somewhere around there. There’s personal choice in the matter too because everybody is going to be pressuring the kids and they have to decide which route they want to go and which way they want their life to proceed. Do they want to improve their chance of sticking in the NFL by staying put, or are they ready to roll the dice? The other thing is, with rare exception, players like the achievement of going to the NFL; they like the money in the NFL. Most of them cherish their college memories a little more than their NFL memories because the NFL has a business quality to it. So if you’re good enough, you’re going to eventually get to the NFL, so I don’t think there’s any real hurry. Sometimes the parents get stuff in their head and jump to silly conclusions and sometimes that’s aided by agents or friends or relatives or whoever, and I just think that people need to try to be smart and think first about the player that’s involved. There’s a certain amount of people out there that are thinking about themselves before the guy that’s doing the playing; all they want is the golden eggs, they don’t care about the goose.

Crabtree seemed to do such a great job at fighting to come back to the football and not letting the defender get through him to get to the ball. Is that something that was coached or is it just a natural instinct that he has?

Leach: I think all the above. Crabtree is one of the most competitive people I have ever dealt with. He believes he can get the ball and wants the ball virtually every play and we teach and encourage those types of things. The amazing knack that Crabtree had was continuing to finish plays and when they appeared to be over, making something happen.

What can you tell us about Taylor Potts, the expected successor to Graham Harrell? Is this his job to lose and how important is this spring for him being that he doesn’t have that much experience?

Leach: Well he’s got a little more than you think, he’s thrown a lot of balls. When he went in against Oklahoma State, he went 12-for-12 and had some very impressive throws and threw for over 100 yards in that stint. So I think he’s really good, I think he just needs to continue to improve like everybody. I think it’s important that he goes out and has a good spring, but I have a lot of confidence in him, too.

So does he have to earn the job in the spring?

Leach: You always have to earn the job and we will compare him with the others and obviously the guy that’s the best is going to start, but when we left the fall, he was ahead.

As far as recruiting, do you look for quarterbacks who run a similar offense you guys run at Tech or do you just go out and try and get the best football players you can get, regardless?

Leach: Well, I can’t talk about any commitments, but when it comes to recruiting quarterbacks in general, we look for guys who have some experience throwing the football.

Photo Credit: Texas Tech Athletics

Decision Time: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

By KENNY FRANEK

Why Crabtree made the right decision to come out:

1. A "sure" bet:Crabtree had the best hands in all of college football. In his two years as a starter at Texas Tech, he amassed an astounding 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns. That’s an average of over 115 receptions, 1,563 yards, and 20 touchdowns per season. Those scary stats alone tell you to go to the NFL while you have had minor injuries (mainly a sprained right ankle this year) and you are at the top of your game.

2. Nothing left to prove: Crabtree has already won numerous awards. These include: unanimous 2007 and 2008 First-Team All-America honors; 2007 and 2008 Biletnikoff Award winner, which is given to the nation’s best wide receiver (in 2007 he was the first freshman and Big 12 player to win the award); and he also won the Paul Warfield Trophy. On top of that, he set Big 12 and NCAA freshman records by leading the nation with 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2007. The only possible thing left to do in college for Crabtree would be to win a national championship. That would not be likely if he chose to stay for two key reasons: Graham Harrell will no longer be there, instead he will be playing on Sundays; and teams like Florida, USC, and Texas will likely be the front runners yet again next year (especially with the announced return of Tim Tebow at Florida).

3. Bigger is better: Not only will Crabtree's spectacular set of hands be admired by many NFL teams, his size will as well. Listed as 6'3" and 214 lbs. Crabtree has the size all quarterbacks in the league covet. Many of the elite wideouts in the NFL stand taller than 6'2", including Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, and Calvin Johnson to name a few. Although he will not do his physical testing at the Combine, he will do it during his pro day in Dallas. He has great speed for a wideout his size which makes him even more appealing to NFL scouts. Even if his 40 time is not "astonishing", his size, route running ability, and hands will no doubt make him the first receiver taken in the 2009 draft.

Franek's Take: Even though Crabtree is just a red-shirt sophomore his decision to depart was a no-brainer. No one was more of slam dunk to leave early for the NFL.

Photo Credit: Texas Tech Athletics/Norvelle Kennedy

Red Raider Duo & Nate Davis Bolt

As expected, Michael Crabtree made it official – he will be playing on Sundays and not Saturdays in 2009. The former Red Raider had two years of eligibility remaining, but the red-shirt sophomore had little to nothing to prove at the college level after winning a pair of Biletnikoff Awards as a freshman and a sophomore. Crab, as he is known in Lubbock, caught 134 passes for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2007 and 97 balls for 1,165 yards and 19 scores this past season, when he was slowed down by injury. In a far more surprising move, also leaving Lubbock is junior defensive end Brandon Williams, who was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team after leading the conference with his 13 sacks.

Coming out of the MAC, Ball St. quarterback Nate Davis announced today that he too has decided to forgo his final season of college football and enter the 2009 Draft. The junior signal caller threw for 3,591 yards and 26 touchdowns (eight interceptions), while completing 64.3 percent of his passes – a significant increase from the 56.4 percent he completed in his sophomore campaign. With a mediocre senior crop of quarterbacks, expect Davis to battle with fellow early entry Josh Freeman (Kansas St.) for position behind yet another junior Matthew Stafford - the consensus top quarterback prospect – unless of course Oklahoma sophomore Sam Bradford decides to leave school for the NFL.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas Tech University)

Cotton Bowl: #8 Texas Tech vs. #20 Ole Miss

By J.J. PESAVENTO

Dallas, TX * January 2, 2009 *2:00PM * FOX

In Texas Tech and Ole Miss, you have two teams who experienced very different fortunes in 2008. Texas Tech was among the best teams in the country the entire season and the Red Raiders were making a case for a shot at the national title until Oklahoma pummeled them in week eleven. Ole Miss was 3-4 at one point then ran off five straight wins to get into the Cotton Bowl.

When the Red Raiders have the Ball

Look for an aerial assault by the Red Raiders led by quarterback Graham Harrell with the primary target being Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree. Crabtree is far from the sole weapon in the Tech arsenal. Detron Lewis, Eric Morris and Tramain Swindall all had over 500 yards receiving and combined for 13 touchdowns for the Red Raiders. For the Ole Miss defense, it starts with pressure up front from Greg Hardy and All-American Peria Jerry. The Rebels led the SEC with 37 sacks in 2008 and getting to Harrell is key to disrupting the high-powered Tech offense. Obviously, Tech does not run the ball a great deal but when they do, it will be either Baron Batch or Shannon Woods toting the rock. But the going won't be easy against an Ole Miss defense led by Jamarca Sanford and Kendrick Lewis that ranks sixth in the nation against the run.

When the Rebels have the Ball

One player to keep an eye on is wide receiver Dexter McCluster, who does it all for the Rebels. McCluster rushed for 558 yards with five touchdowns and hauled in 38 passes for 542 yards with one score this season. Cordera Eason is the primary back for Ole Miss but McCluster and Brandon Bolden also fit into the mix. The backs will be running behind an offensive line led by All-American tackle Michael Oher. Tech isn't all that bad against the run led by Brandon Williams, McKinner Dixon and Brian Duncan. Quarterback Jevan Snead has had a solid season throwing for 23 touchdowns and rushing for three. When he looks to pass, in addition to McCluster, he'll look for Mike Wallace and Shay Hodge, who combined for 14 touchdowns in 2008. Again, Dixon and McKinner will be the players on defense bringing the heat up front with Darcel McBath, who tied for the Big 12 lead in picks (6) and Dan Charbonnet, who had five interceptions in the secondary.

Final Analysis

It goes without saying that the Ole Miss defense will be under fire the entire game and how they handle the pressure will have the biggest impact on the outcome. The Rebels are aggressive and not letting Harrell have the time to pick them apart is paramount. If Texas Tech plays the way they have most of the season, the Rebels cannot stay with them. And the Rebels will also have to put together some offense of their own to keep Harrell on the sidelines where he cannot hurt them. While the Tech defense doesn't rank all that well defending the pass, that can be misleading since most teams were forced into strictly passing after falling behind the Red Raiders. Still, we think Tech just has too much firepower and will outlast the Rebels.

CFI Prediction: Texas Tech 37, Ole Miss 24

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1, 7-1)
Pass-Graham Harrell (4,747 yards, 41 TDs)
Run--Baron Batch (742 yards, 7 TDs)
Catch--Michael Crabtree (93-1,135 yards, 18 TDs)

Ole Miss Rebels (8-4,5-3)
Pass--Jevan Snead (2,470 yards, 23 TDs)
Run--Cordera Eason (35-644 yards, 3 TDs)
Catch--Mike Wallace (704 yards, 6 TDs)


Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box, Texas Tech Athletics

Heisman - The Best of the Rest

Texas Tech teammates quarterback Graham Harrell and wide receiver Michael Crabtree – pass or catch 2008 – finished fourth and fifth in the voting. There is little doubt Harrell should have been extended an invitation to the selection show – a belief most agreed with at the presentation – and received more respect from voters – his 213 points were 1,391 points less than Colt McCoy. Didn’t Harrell beat McCoy head-to-head with the best “Heisman moment” to boot?

Heck, Crabtree should have been invited as well. The Heisman should go back to the days of inviting five players to the City that never sleeps. If not Crabtree, why not bring Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Shonn Greene of Iowa or the lone defensive player in the top ten USC’s Rey Maualuga? Although, it says here Aaron Curry was the nation’s best defensive player and may have warranted an invite. Rounding out the top ten were WVU quarterback Pat White (snubbed last year), signal caller Nate Davis of Ball St. (whom many consider a better pro prospect than either Tim Tebow or McCoy) and Michigan St.’s senior running back Javon Ringer.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas Tech University)

It's A Quarterback's Game

By KENNY FRANEK

Everyone knows that the quarterback position is the hardest position to play in all of sports. It shows when it comes to the Heisman trophy. With Sam Bradford taking home the award on Saturday, eight of the nine Heisman Trophy winners since 2000 have been quarterbacks. This year, not only did a quarterback win it, but the top four Heisman contenders were quarterbacks; with Tim Tebow, Graham Harrell, and Colt McCoy joining Bradford. So dominant were the quarterbacks that the top three vote getters – Bradford, McCoy and Tebow – accounted for 90.4 percent of the points tabulated.

Running backs are taking a back seat in the Heisman running. The decade of the 90's saw four running backs (Rashaan Salaam, Eddie George, Ricky Williams and Ron Dayne) win the award but these days, backs don't account for enough of the offense compared to the top quarterbacks – even if your name is Adrian Peterson or Darren McFadden. A big reason why is they also don't account for the majority of victories achieved by top tier football teams. Again, that is the role of today’s quarterback. If you notice, especially this year, all top-five teams have a quarterback that can truly lead their team to victory and have offenses geared around their quarterback (the one exception may be Alabama with Glenn Coffee).

This dominance is due to the development and athleticism that seems to increase every year at the quarterback position — all of today’s signal callers seem to be living up to the hype. The college game is getting that “NFL feel” to it. It has been said that you need a quarterback to make the key plays….or you will never climb to the top of the NFL. The same can now be said of college football. No longer can teams rely on their defense or running game (like Nebraska did in the 90’s). The quarterback must be in place and have a great hold on the offense to achieve college football supremacy. As the game evolves, so does every position…but none of them are as important as the one that gets dissected and placed under the microscope more than any other – the quarterback.

Photo Credit: University of Texas Athletics

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford named 2008 O'Brien Winner

FORT WORTH, Texas (December 11, 2008) - The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) today proudly announced Sam Bradford as the 2008 O'Brien Winner. Bradford, a sophomore, competed against O'Brien Finalists Graham Harrell, senior, of Texas Tech and Colt McCoy, junior, of Texas for the award honoring the nation's best quarterback. The announcement was made earlier this evening by 1981 O'Brien Winner, Jim McMahon, on The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show which aired live from Orlando, Fla.

Bradford led the Oklahoma Sooners to a 12-1 record, Big 12 Conference Championship and No. 1 (BCS) ranking this season, as well as a berth in the 2008 National Championship. Bradford and the Sooners will face the Florida Gators and 2007 O'Brien Winner, Tim Tebow, when they head to Miami, Fla., for the Orange Bowl on January 8, 2009.

The signal caller from Oklahoma City, Okla., threw for 4,464 yards with just six interceptions this season, completing more than 68 percent of his passes. He is the nation's leader in both touchdowns (48) and quarterback rating (186.29). After only his second season as a Sooner starter, Bradford's 84 career touchdowns established a new school record, breaking the previous one held by 2003 and 2004 O'Brien Winner, Jason White.

"In the midst of fierce competition at the quarterback position, Bradford raised the bar for quarterback talent across the country," said Verne Lundquist, chairman of the Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee. "He stepped up as a tremendous leader for his team, exemplifying all of the traits The O'Brien seeks in its winner while leading the Sooners to an outstanding season."

Bradford was selected by The O'Brien National Selection Committee, comprised of journalists, broadcasters and commentators from coast to coast, in addition to former O'Brien Winners. College football fans across the country also had a say in the vote with five percent of the final voting tally coming directly from the Fan Vote. The O'Brien is proud to announce that it had 100 percent participation from its National Selection Committee in determining the 2008 award recipient. When voting, members of the committee are asked to evaluate each candidate on his quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, character, leadership, sportsmanship and reputation as a team player.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Oklahoma)

Heisman Watch

Colt McCoy is the most valuable player in college football. The question is – does MVP necessarily mean Heisman? If you took McCoy off Texas, the Longhorns might be the fourth or fifth best team in the Big 12. He does not have the complementary receivers that Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford has. Texas beat Oklahoma on a neutral field so the slight edge goes to McCoy. The junior quarterback not only threw two touchdowns last week against rival Texas A&M, but also ran two in. He has 4,021 yards of total offense and 42 touchdowns. It is unfortunate that McCoy will not be playing this Saturday.

Ahead: TBD

Sam Bradford had his greatest game of the year on a national stage last week against Oklahoma State. Bradford not only led his team to eight straight scoring drives, but led the Sooners to the Big 12 title game. He was 30-for-44 for 370 yards and four touchdowns and has thrown for 46 scoring strikes and only six interceptions on the season. Since the loss to Texas, he has 23 touchdowns to just one interception. He will most likely get his chance to play in the BCS Championship.

Ahead: vs. Missouri – A third straight marquee game for Bradford to sway voters.

Tim Tebow does not have the numbers to match McCoy and Bradford (or Harrell), but is the only one with a National Championship. Tebow faces number one Alabama and one of the nation’s best defenses with a trip to the BCS Championship on the line. He is just as valuable to Florida as McCoy is to Texas and unlike the Big 12’s big three, he owns his region. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner destroyed in-state rival Florida State by completing 12-of-21 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 80 yards and a score as the Gators rolled to a 45-15 win. Tebow is not having the record setting campaign he did a year ago, but could actually be a more completely player in 2008

Ahead: vs. Alabama – He joins Bradford, as the two Heisman frontrunners with one more chance to campaign in front of the electorate. A big game versus the vaunted Tide defense could provide Tebow with a major boost.

Graham Harrell- showed what leaders are made of when he led Texas Tech to victory while playing with nine separate breaks in the first two fingers in his left hand. Harrell completed 41 of 50 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns. He has thrown for a ridiculous 4,747 yards and 41 touchdowns on the season.

Ahead: TBD

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

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas)

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 4, 1988: Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders (2003 College Football Hall of Fame inductee) receives the news that he has won the 1988 Heisman Trophy prior to a stellar rushing performance in a 45-42 defeat of Texas Tech in Tokyo, Japan. Sanders rushes 44 times for 332 yards and four touchdowns, setting the NCAA single-season rushing record with 2,628 yards in 11 games.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

The O'Brien Finalists Revealed: Graham Harrell

FORT WORTH, Texas (December 3, 2008) - Graham Harrell of the Texas Tech Red Raiders is one of three Finalists for the 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) announced November 24. Harrell is competing against Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Texas' Colt McCoy for The O'Brien, honoring the nation's best college quarterback. Red Raider fans are encouraged to show their support for Harrell by visiting www.VoteOBrien.org and casting their vote as often as once daily. The voting will continue until December 7 with 5% of the final tally coming directly from the Fan Vote.

Harrell has led Texas Tech to what is arguably the Red Raiders' most successful season in school history. The senior quarterback directed his team to an 11-1 record, marking the school's first 11-win regular season. Harrell and the Raiders also completed the season with a 7-1 record in Big 12 Conference play, establishing a new Texas Tech school record. Breaking records is something Harrell has grown accustom to, as he is now the Red Raiders' leader in touchdown passes, completions, all-time passing yards and total offense.

"Graham is a team leader and makes the players around him better," Texas Tech Head Coach Mike Leach said of his quarterback. "He's a student of the game and is one of the most committed players I've been around. Graham always finds ways to make the players around him and himself better."

In Tech's game last Saturday against Baylor, Harrell went 41-of-50, completing 82 percent of his passes despite an injury incurred during the second quarter which resulted in two shattered fingers on his non-throwing hand. Harrell had 17 pins and two plates inserted in his hand as he underwent surgery the day after the game to heal nine separate breaks. However, the pain did not deter the Tech quarterback on Saturday as he threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns, elevating his season totals to 4,747 and 41, respectively. The Red Raiders' 35-28 defeat of the Bears earned them the title of Big 12 South Co-Champions, a first-ever for Tech. The Raiders share this title with Oklahoma and Texas and complete the season with a No. 6 (BCS) ranking.

In the midst of this prolific season for the Raiders, their quarterback has competed with the memory of his grandfather close to his heart. Harrell recalls the passing away of his grandfather, a football coach like Harrell's father, as the most significant moment in his life. According to Harrell, it was his grandfather who first introduced his family to the sport of football and the first person with whom Harrell remembers playing the game. In honor of his grandfather, Harrell competes with his name printed on the sleeve of his undershirt every time he puts on his number six jersey.

Harrell is in his third and final year as quarterback for the Raiders. During the 2007 season, he was the nation's leading passer. After throwing for more than 400 yards in all but two games, onlookers across the country began to take notice of Harrell as he was named the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl MVP, the Sammy Baugh Trophy winner, All-Big 12 Conference Second Team, Academic All-Big 12 First Team, and received numerous other accolades. In 2006 this signal caller, who names Joe Montana as his biggest sports hero, boasted the best sophomore season in school history with 4,555 passing yards and 38 touchdowns.

The six-foot-three Texas native graduated from Texas Tech in December 2007 with a degree in history and is now working toward earning his master's in education. And although he has achieved alumni status, Harrell admits that he may at times be caught watching America's Next Top Model. Prior to enrollment at Tech, Harrell attended Ennis High School where he was coached by his father, Sam Harrell, who he credits as the biggest influence on his football career. While a three-year starter at Ennis, Harrell was twice named Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year (Associated Press) and was a two-time All-State selection. He passed for 4,825 yards and 67 touchdowns during his senior season, is the state of Texas' all-time leading passer with 12,532 yards and 167 touchdowns; and ranks nationally in single-season touchdowns (second), career touchdowns (third) and career passing yards (sixth).

Harrell will continue to vie for The O'Brien with Finalists Bradford and McCoy until the Winner is announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 11. All Finalists will be in attendance in Orlando, Fla., for the awards show. The O'Brien recipient will be honored February 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas Tech)

LISTEN TONIGHT! CFI RADIO: CFI WEEKLY

CFI WEEKLY - MONDAY DECEMBER 1, 2008

Click to Listen to Monday's Show

Did the BCS get it right? How does a three-way tie become a two-way tie? Conference Championship games. The latest on coaches in South Carolina, Charlie Weis and black coaches.

SPECIAL GUESTS

KIRK BOHLS, AUSTIN-AMERICAN STATESMAN
BERRY TRAMEL, THE OKLAHOMAN
BRANDON GEORGE, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
CFI Insider JOSH BUCHANAN

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

Between the Hashes - Inventing the Mess

THE BIGGEST MESS the BCS has made are some of the notions coming out of the sports media. Names have been redacted to protect the innocent.

“IF THERE WAS A PLAYOFF SYSTEM SET UP, WE WOULDN’T BE HAVING THIS DISCUSSION.”

THE DISCUSSION THEY wouldn’t be having is which team – Oklahoma, Texas or Texas Tech – deserves to win the Big 12 South and represent the divison in the Big 12 Championship game. Of all criticisms of the BCS, this is the farthest stretch. Each conference decides their own tiebreaker. People need to begin to accept that all too often there is no objective way to decipher and rank teams in the word of college football – there are no standings.

The implication was that both Oklahoma and Texas would make an eight-team playoff and there would be no need for discussion. But, who decided that Texas Tech doesn’t deserve to be in the same discussion? Which leads us to...

“TEXAS TECH DOESN’T BELONG. YOU CAN SEE IT.”

REALLY? YOU CAN see it? I guess not every college football writer received their full proof know-which-is-the-best-team glasses. I wonder how many people saw the New York Giants were the best team in the National Football League last season? You know, the league that has a playoff. Is that


how they decided who makes the playoffs in the NFL?

Presumably, the call for a playoff is one for objectivity not subjectivity. Let them decide it on the field many cry! Well on the field all three teams – Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech – have the same overall record, the same conference record and the same head-to-head record. No matter what you think you saw.

While we’re at it, let’s take a look at how the humans have done rankings these teams:

On October 11th No. 5 Texas defeated No. 1 Oklahoma. On November 1st No. 7 Texas Tech defeated No. 1 Texas. On November 22nd No. 5 Oklahoma defeated No. 2 Texas Tech. With that track record – 0-for-3 – maybe it is time for the computers to pinch hit for the pollsters in this crucial late-inning at-bat.

TEXAS TECH IS A “ONE TRICK PONEY”, “HOT TEAM”, “TRENDY TEAM” (TAKE YOUR PICK)

HELLO! TEXAS TECH was 10-0 before they lost to Oklahoma on Saturday. Yes, they were utterly dominated, but does that erase 10 weeks of resume building? They did beat No. 1 Texas, didn’t they? Yes, it was at home and by a close margin, but the Longhorns didn’t blowout the Sooners (45-35) or Oklahoma St. (28-24), who by the way, Tech handled 56-20. Moreover, Texas has only left the state only twice all season long, so lets not make them out

to be road warriors if that is suddenly a criterion. Their best road win is at Kansas 35-7. The Red Raiders went into Lawrence and won 63-21.

“A PLAYOFF WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT”

TAKE CARE OF what exactly? Most playoff proponents are in favor of an eight-team playoff. After six automatic bids (which could include Oregon St., Cincinnati and Virginia Tech), there are two at-large bids remaining. You try picking between a one-loss USC, two one-loss Big 12 schools, and the SEC Championship game loser. Better yet, you go tell the 11-1 Trojans or the 12-1 Crimson Tide they don’t belong in an eight-team playoff. How about undefeated Utah and Ball St. (possibly Boise St. as well)? Isn’t the college basketball argument that it gives the “little guys” a chance, so they would need to be included as well, wouldn’t they?

“IT’S BETTER TO LEAVE OUT NO. 9 THAN NO. 3.”

HOGWASH! BY NOW we’ve established we don’t know who really is No. 3 or No. 9. Can anyone say with a straight face they believe USC, Alabama, Oklahoma or Texas is the ninth best team in the country? One should at least believe in their own argument.

Mind you, this is not a position that the BCS is the solution, but let’s not pretend a playoff is a panacea either.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas, Texas Tech)

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

O'Brien Quarterback Award Finalists Announced

FORT WORTH, Texas (November 24, 2008) - The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) today proudly announced its 2008 Finalists. These three Big 12 quarterbacks were selected from the Semifinalist List and will continue to fight for The O'Brien to earn the title as the nation's best quarterback. To date fans have cast more than 80,000 votes for their favorite quarterbacks. Fans are encouraged to continue voting for Finalists once daily at www.VoteOBrien.org. The voting will continue until December 7 with 5% of the final tally coming directly from the Fan Vote.

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
This sophomore quarterback from Oklahoma City, Okla. operates the no-huddle offense of the No. 3 (BCS) Sooners. He leads the Big 12 with a quarterback rating of 193.76 and has directed Oklahoma to a 10-1 record this season. Bradford has passed for 3,710 yards and 42 touchdowns this season, in addition to rushing for four.

Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
Harrell, a senior from Ennis, Texas, has led Texas Tech to the most successful season in school history while in his third year as starting quarterback for the Red Raiders. The nation's leader in passing with 4,438 yards, Harrell has accounted for 45 touchdowns this season (39 passing, six rushing) while carrying the No. 7 Raiders to a 10-1 record.

Colt McCoy, Texas
McCoy has carried the 10-1 Longhorns to a No. 2 ranking in his third year as the starting quarterback for Texas. The junior from Tuscola, Texas holds the nation's highest completion percentage (77.2 percent) and has thrown for 3,134 yard and 30 touchdowns this season. He also leads the Longhorns in rushing with 527 yards and eight touchdowns.

"Each of these young men has proven himself exceptionally talented in the midst of thick competition at the quarterback position," said Danielle Moorman, executive director of the Davey O'Brien Foundation. "All three are strong leaders of their teams, and we are excited to honor them for their performance both on and off the football field."

Moorman also explained that the Selection Committee had a difficult task at hand due to the fierce competition among quarterbacks this year. "With this year's pool of quarterbacks so full of talent, every vote counted, causing our voting to come down to the wire."

Finalists were selected by The O'Brien Selection Committee, comprised of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners, as well as by fans across the country accounting for five percent of the overall vote. The Selection Committee is asked to evaluate each candidate on his quarterback skills, athletic ability, academics, character, leadership, sportsmanship and reputation as a team player. For a complete listing of O'Brien Selection Committee members, click here.

These three Finalists will continue to vie for the award until the Winner is announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on December 11. All Finalists will be in attendance in Orlando, Fla., for the awards show. The O'Brien recipient will be honored February 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

About The O'Brien Fan Vote
Fans can now register and vote for The O'Brien Fan Vote online at www.VoteOBrien.org to show their support for their favorite Finalist. The Fan Vote will count as 5% in determining the Winner. The 2008 Winner will be announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show airing December 11 on ESPN. The recipient will be honored February 16, 2009, at the 32nd Annual Davey O'Brien Awards Dinner at The Fort Worth Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

Fans can download an interactive "widget" featuring a voting link and the ability to post and share on Web sites, social networks and blogs by clicking here.

Fans can also show their support by adding The O'Brien Facebook application to their Facebook Profile. The new application can be found by searching O'Brien Fan Vote and clicking the applications tab or by clicking here.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas Tech)

TONIGHT! CFI Radio: THE TAILGATE Show

THE TAILGATE SHOW - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2008

5:00-7:00 PM EASTERN EVERY FRIDAY


Game of the Week:
#1 Texas Tech @ #5 Oklahoma

SPECIAL GUESTS: RB KNOWSHON MORENO of Georgia, LB SCOTT MCKILLOP of Pittsburgh, RB MONTEL HARRIS of Boston College, QB DAVID JOHNSON of Tulsa (Davey O'Brien Semifinalist), former Michigan great WR DAVID TERRELL, JAKE TROTTER from The Oklahoman, DOUG LESMERISIS of the Cleveland Plain Dealer & CFI Scout KELRON SYKES.


Hosted by College Football Insiders Co-Founder Daniel Mogollon. 2 Hr.

***Click to Listen to THE TAILGATE Show***

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

Game of the Week: #1 Texas Tech @ #5 Oklahoma

For the third straight game, the Texas Tech Red Raiders could be playing the biggest game in the program’s history. This time an invitation to the Big 12 Championship game is on the line, which would also serve as a de facto BCS semifinal final game for Tech. The same could be said if the Sooners advance. Oklahoma has been laying in the weeds since dropping the Red River Rivalry game to Texas, not so quietly rolling off four straight wins to stay in both the Big 12 and BCS title pictures.

When Tech Has the Ball

GRAHAM HARRELL CONTINUES to put up record setting numbers as he leads the Big 12’s top rated passing offense, averaging 407.2 yards per game. Harrell has now topped 4,000 passing yards and 35 touchdowns for the third straight year. He is also battle tested, throwing for 930 yards and eight touchdowns (no interceptions) against Texas and Oklahoma St., the Red Raiders’ toughest foes. Maybe the most impressive accomplishment by the senior signal caller has been the silencing of the “system quarterback” nay-sayers. Although he might not match last season’s numbers (5,705 yards, 48 touchdowns), Harrell is the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. He makes quick decisions and is an accurate passer. Recently, we’ve seen Harrell use his legs more than ever. Playing a major role in Harrell’s success is Tech’s impenetrable offensive line, which has allowed a mere five sacks in 499 pass attempts. Leading the way have been left tackle Rylan Reed and right guard Brandon Carter, neither of which has given up a sack all season. Reed, a former minor league pitcher, knows a little something about pitching a perfect game, having shut out eventual No. 2 overall pick Chris Long in last season’s bowl victory. Leading one of the deepest stables of wide outs is sophomore Michael Crabtree. Despite being in just his second season, the Biletnikoff Award winner is a man among boys. He possesses impeccable hands, the quickness to make people miss, and the strength to simply break free from want-to-be tacklers. Crabtree runs crisp routes and no one in the game does a better job of coming back to the football. If teams pay too much attention, Harrell does not hesitate to look to one of his other targets – Detron Lewis, Eric Morris, Edward Britton or Tramain Swindall. Britton has two 100-yard games in his last three contests and Morris is particularly adept on third down situations coming out of his slot position. Not to be overlooked is Tech’s ability to run the football. Sophomore Baron Batch has a good burst, while senior Shannon Woods has used his shiftiness to find the end zone 11 times thus far.

WHILE THE SOONERS pass defense is holding opponents to a conference low 52.7 completion percentage and is one of only two Big 12 schools to have more interceptions than passing touchdowns allowed, they are susceptible to the big play. The top three quarterbacks they have faced, Colt McCoy, Todd Reesing and Josh Freeman, have combined to average 366 yards against them. However, their combined touchdown-to-interception ratio is a very average six-five. Cornerbacks Brian Jackson and Dominique Franks must be on their game. King-sized strong safety Nic Harris needs to remain disciplined and not over-pursue. Oklahoma’s top ball-hawk is free safety Lendy Holmes. Helping the secondary is a speedy linebacking corps led by Travis Lewis and Keenan Clayton. Lewis leads the team in tackles as a freshman, while Clayton (six forced fumbles) has made the move from safety rather seamlessly. They have struggled to replace Ryan Reynolds in the middle since he went down against the Longhorns, with freshman Austin Box learning on the job. With junior Austin English out with an injury, a pair of sophomores in defensive end Jeremy Beal and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy now lead the line. Beal is a versatile pass rusher, while McCoy is emerging as a disruptive force. He is very effective tying up blockers to free up teammates, not to mention making plays himself. It should come as no surprise that the former five-star recruit is beginning to draw comparisons to former Sooner star and current Chicago Bear, Tommie Harris.

When Boomer Sooner Has the Ball

THE SOONERS’ high-octane attack has been nothing short of a nightmare for defenses, in fact the big red machine leads the conference in scoring at 51.4 points per game. Sophomore signal caller Sam Bradford tops the Big 12 with his 38 touchdown passes. With a powerful arm, excellent touch, ability to read defenses and superior decision making skills, it should come as no surprise he is also its highest rated passer. While the Sooners lack a leading man comparable to Crabtree, Bradford has no shortage when it comes to his supporting cast. The most consistent performer of OU’s fantastic four is senior Juaquin Iglesias. He is as sure-handed as they come and very quick off the line of scrimmage. Most known for his ability after the catch thanks to his quickness and breakaway speed, Iglesias doesn’t shy away from making the tough catches in traffic. Red-shirt freshman Ryan Broyles has tremendous running skills after the catch – his middle name should be ‘shifty’. Working his way back from injury is senior Manuel Johnson, who was having a breakout season. He is not as productive as the others, but at 6’4”, Quentin Chaney gives Bradford a big target and the ability to stretch the field. The toughest cover on the Sooners might not even be a receiver – tight end Jermaine Gresham is arguably the best player at his position. The pass-catching phenom possesses excellent size and superior athleticism and is equally adept at running over defenders as he is leaving them in his dust. The scary thing is, OU’s running game is coming on strong. DeMarco Murray, their speedy tailback, is starting to display his breakaway speed after having off-season knee surgery. He has the ability to cut on a dime and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Like Murray, Chris Brown is coming off his second 100-yard performance in his last three contests. Brown is one of the nation’s top short-yardage backs with the requisite toughness and vision. Both Murray and Brown have scored double digit touchdowns this season. When they are playing at their best as a cohesive unit, the Sooner offensive line is a physical group. The potentially dominating unit features four seniors that average 6’5”, 311 pounds, led by guard Duke Robinson, who is considered by many to be the best lineman in the Big 12 – a classic road grater. Left tackle Phil Loadholt is another massive individual at 6’8” with the long arms and powerful hands to make him a force in both the run and pass games.

ARGUABLY THE MOST overlooked unit in all of college football is the Texas Tech defense. The Red Raiders rank second in the Big 12 in scoring defense (22.2 points per game), which is why they control their BCS destiny and come into this contest leading the Big 12 South Division. Manning the middle is sophomore linebacker Brian Duncan, who at 238 pounds provides solid bulk. He is flanked by fellow sophomore Brant Bird and junior Marlon Williams, who has made his presence felt in big games. The same could be said of senior strong safety Daniel Charbonnet (five interceptions, three fumble recoveries), who is one of those players with the knack for being at the right place at the right time. Joining him in the defensive backfield is free safety Darcel McBath, who is the playmaker of the Red Raiders’ secondary. He leads the Big 12 with his six interceptions and 13 passes defensed. Their top coverman is junior Jamar Wall, who typically lines up on the left side. His nine pass break ups lead the team. Another league leader on this Tech defense is explosive defensive end Brandon Williams, who has racked up 10 sacks in 10 games this season. He can wreak havoc coming off the edge and looks to do even more damage — he’s caused three fumbles – once he gets to the quarterback. Defensive tackle Colby Whitlock, Tech’s lone starter from Oklahoma, is a bit undersized, but he is active and plays smart.

Final Analysis

THE LAST TIME Mike Leach led the Red Raiders back to his old stomping grounds with the Big 12 Title on the line (2002), Tech was rudely rebuffed, 60-15, by Bob Stoops’ boys. But this is a different Red Raiders team, one that will be looking to win for the third time in its last four tries against the Sooners. Of all the numbers, the most difficult to overlook is Stoops’ 60-2 home record as OU’s headman. Expect the Sooners to edge out the Red Raiders and create a three-way tie atop the Big 12 South.

Prediction: Oklahoma 41, Texas Tech 37

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department, Texas Tech Athletics

Heisman Watch

By MATT PIKE

How do you put a Heisman Trophy race on hold in the middle of the season? You schedule Texas Tech and Oklahoma to have byes on the same week. How do you absolutely redeem yourself Dumb & Dumber style? Give us Texas Tech at Oklahoma with the Heisman Trophy, an undefeated season, and a trip to the Big 12 Championship on the line. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it – enjoy points.

Graham Harrell has everything right in front of him. He is still the frontrunner for the Heisman and the only contender besides his teammate, Michael Crabtree that is on an undefeated team. The hardest challenge may not be beating Oklahoma, but proving to Heisman voters that he is not a system quarterback. Of course you have to marvel at the 4,077 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, but you need to look at what those numbers translate to. In Harrell’s case – all wins.

AHEAD: at Oklahoma (Nov. 22). The winner of this game will most likely represent the Big 12 in the BCS Championship game.

Sam Bradford moves into second place on the list simply because he has the best chance to overtake Harrell. It is amazing that Bradford has put up 3,406 yards and 38 touchdowns and is often the third quarterback talked about in the Big 12. Should Bradford lead the Sooners to victory on Saturday, it will complete a round robin between Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech. Each team will have a record of 1-1. Who goes to the Big 12 Championship game?

AHEAD: vs. Texas Tech (Nov. 22). This one has more than the Heisman Trophy at stake. The winner likely controls its own destiny in the BCS.

Colt McCoy and the Texas Longhorns might benefit from an Oklahoma victory this weekend. We would have the aforementioned round robin results and the nod could ultimately go to Texas. Oklahoma hosted one game, Texas Tech hosted one game, but Texas did not host a game. The fact that McCoy led Texas to victory over Oklahoma on a neutral field should speak volumes not only about which team is better, but about which quarterback is better. McCoy has thrown for 3,134 and 30 touchdowns. His 77.2 percent completion rate goes about and beyond impressive

AHEAD: Texas A&M (Nov. 28). This game could get ugly. His competition, Harrell and Bradford, combined for 770 yards and seven touchdowns through the air against the Aggies.

Michael Crabtree continues to be the lone non-quarterback near the top. Not only are the Heisman and BCS at stake against Oklahoma, but Crabtree has a streak to protect. His eight-catch, three-touchdown performance against Oklahoma State last week was his 13th-straight game with at least five catches and one score, tying Randy Moss. He needs to do it again against Oklahoma to tie Larry Fitzgerald’s record of 14.

AHEAD: at Oklahoma (Nov. 22). If you don’t know by now, you haven’t been paying attention.

Heisman Watch Prediction
1. Graham Harrell
2. Sam Bradford
3. Colt McCoy
4. Michael Crabtree
5. Tim Tebow
6. Javon Ringer

College Football Insiders Radio

CFI WEEKLY - MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2008

Get the answer to all your college football questions: Who's No. 1? Who's the best one loss team? How could Texas Tech's win help Oklahoma? How could Penn St.'s loss hurt Michigan St.?

SPECIAL GUESTS

QB John Parker Wilson, Alabama
LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
QB Brian Hoyer, Michigan St.
Announcer Gary Dolphin, Iowa

Click to Listen to Monday's Show

Photo Credit: Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film

IOWA IS TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 24-23 win over third-ranked Penn State, the Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Nov. 8.

Reserve placekicker Daniel Murray capped a 10-point fourth-quarter rally with a 31-yard field with one second left to give Iowa the upset win.

Shonn Green ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns and the Iowa defense held Penn State's Daryll Clark to 86 yards passing and forced him to throw just his third interception of the year.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Nov. 8 included:

· Texas Tech (10-0): Graham Harrell threw for 456 yards and six touchdowns as the Red Raiders routed Oklahoma State, 56-20, to keep their perfect record in tact.

· Utah (10-0): Freddie Brown caught a 9-yard touchdown pass with 48 seconds left as the Utes won a thriller over TCU, 13-10.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the fifth season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Members of the FWAA board of directors and All-America committee decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2008 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Dec. 1.

Since 1971, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has hosted six games that have decided the college football national championship, including three Bowl Championship Series title games. This season the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl game will be played on Jan. 5, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., and the Insight Bowl will be played on Dec. 31, 2008 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

For more information on the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week, go to footballwriters.com or fiestabowl.org.