CFI Countdown: #3 Texas Longhorns

2008 Record: 12-1 (Big 12: 7-1)
Bowl Game: Won Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio St. 24-21
Location: Austin, Texas
Stadium: Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium (94,113)
Head Coach: Mack Brown
Overall: 201-100-1 (26th season)
@ Texas: 115-26 (12th season)
Link to UT Football Page

No team enters 2009 more motivated to prove they deserve a spot in the BCS Championship game than the Longhorns. Right or wrong, Texas felt slighted by the system…that the BCS and the Big XII let them down. It won’t be difficult for Mack Brown to paint an “us against the world” picture to his players. But even more important than motivation is the fact that on the field, with seven starters back on both sides of the ball, Texas is that good.

When the Longhorns Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Greg Davis (12th season)
Scheme: Spread Offense
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: WR Quan Cosby, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, TE Blaine Irby (Injured), OG Cedric Dockery

With Colt McCoy back to run the zone read, there is little doubt that the ‘Horns will have one of the top offenses in the nation. Never have we seen a quarterback make better decisions or be more accurate than McCoy was as a junior. He also added the ability to be a force as a runner in 2008, leading Texas in rushing—a feat Brown hopes he doesn’t repeat. He also possesses all the intangibles teams look for in championship quarterbacks, starting with his leadership skills. McCoy received a big boost when his favorite target, buddy and security blanket Jordan Shipley, was granted an extra season of eligibility by the NCAA. Shipley runs crisp routes, has reliable hands, and can make things happen after the catch. However, Texas needs some other playmakers to step up other than Shipley if they are to achieve their goals for the 2009 season. At receiver, everyone is waiting for sophomore Malcolm Williams to turn into a superstar. He has the size and speed to do it all, but must prove he can be a consistent performer. Another potential weapon is former quarterback John Chiles, who expects to see most of his time at wide out. Don’t expect much production from the tight end position—not only is projected starter Blaine Irby out for the year, he is one of four tight ends that will miss the 2009 season. In the backfield, Texas struggled to find a primary ball carrier in 2008. First up in 2009 is junior Vondrell McGee, who has a nice combo of size and speed. Sophomore Fozzy Whitaker can be explosive, but must stay healthy, while fellow soph Cody Johnson is a 250-pound wrecking ball and a force near the goal line. One cause for optimism is the fact that four of five starters return along the offensive line—a unit that can pass and run block—led by left tackle Adam Ulatoski and center Chris Hall.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) QB Colt McCoy (SR), 2) WR Jordan Shipley (SR), 3) WR Malcolm Williams (SO)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Will Muschamp (2nd season)
Scheme: 4-3 (Some 3-4)
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: DE Brian Orakpo, DT Roy Miller, DT Aaron Lewis, DE Henry Melton, CB Ryan Palmer

The first order of business is replacing the pass-rushing and impact ability of NFL first-round pick Brian Orakpo, and everyone knows who Texas expects to step into that role—senior Sergio Kindle. Until last season, Kindle had been more enigma than star, but he started making plays late in the season. This season he will be shifting from linebacker to defensive end where he is expected to harass Big 12 quarterbacks all season long. Lamaar Houston is quick for a defensive tackle, while sophomore tackle Kheeston Randall and red-shirt freshman end Alex Okafor are a pair with bright futures. Even though Kindle moves from linebacker the ‘Horns still have experience at the position, as seniors Jared Norton (MIKE) and Roddrick Muckelroy (WILL) will hold down the second level of defense. Muckelroy could have a big season using his speed to cover ground and get into the backfield. The secondary is deep and talented. Sophomore Aaron Williams, juniors Chykie Brown and Curtis Brown, as well as senior Deon Beasley give them a quartet of quality corners. Chykie Brown and Williams should be All-Big 12 performers, as should sophomore left safety Earl Thomas, who couldn’t have been more impressive as a true freshman last season. Thomas has excellent range and can even play some nickel in coverage. Also starting as a rookie in 2008 was Blake Gideon, who is competing with a third sophomore, Christian Scott, at right safety.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) LB/DE Sergio Kindle (SR), 2) SS Earl Thomas (SO), 3) CB Chykie Brown (JR)

The Schedule

The Longhorns have basically a two-game schedule—versus Oklahoma in Dallas in the Red River Rivalry and a trip to Stillwater to take on the upstart Oklahoma St. Cowboys—potentially this year’s Texas Tech. Those are the only ranked teams on the docket, although they have to make road trips to Missouri, Baylor, and in-state rival Texas A&M. The out of conference schedule won’t do wonders for the Longhorns’ strength of schedule as they take on UL-Monroe, Wyoming, UTEP and Central Florida—not exactly a challenging quartet.

Pivotal Point

There are two—on offense it’s the skill players, on defense it’s the front line. In 2008 their leading rusher among the running backs was McGee who “rumbled” for 376 yards, which is simply not going to cut it in 2009. Someone must emerge from the pack. At receiver, gone is Quan Cosby who along with Shipley made almost every big catch for the ‘Horns last season. Defensively, not only must Orakpo be replaced, but defensive end Henry Melton and tackles Roy Miller and Aaron Lewis have departed as well. Can they be as stout against the run this season? There’s only one way to find out.

CFI Final Analysis

Texas is destined to have another great season and make their second straight BCS Bowl game for the first time since a guy named Vince Young ran the offense in Austin. The difference is this group may not win the national title…heck, they could even fall short of a conference title, which is life in the Big XII. At number three they are in the mix and if they are able to take the Red River Shootout (again) without any other slip ups, it could be the ‘Horns who find themselves playing for the BCS Championship with Oklahoma watching at home.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions
#13 Mississippi Rebels
#12 Oklahoma St. Cowboys
#11 California Golden Bears
#10 Iowa Hawkeyes
#9 Virginia Tech Hokies
#8 Georgia Bulldogs
#7 USC Trojans
#6 LSU Tigers

#5 Ohio St. Buckeyes
#4 Alabama Crimson Tide

Photos Courtesy of the University of Texas Athletics

College Football Insiders Preview: Big XII

The Big 12 will once again look to rival the SEC as the top conference in the nation. While they may lack depth, the Big 12 is powerful at the top. Both in regards to teams—see Oklahoma and Texas—and players. The top quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, offensive linemen, defensive tackle and pass rusher may all reside in the conference.

The Favorites: Texas vs. Oklahoma: This battle will focus on the quarterback play as Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and Heisman trophy finalist Colt McCoy both decided to return for one more season. With both teams being from the Big 12 South, the conference will likely be determined when they meet on October 17th. The 104th Red River Rivalry game will be played in Dallas, as it has been since 1912, so there will be no home field advantage in this, one of the must-see games of the year. Oklahoma will not lack firepower on offense. Junior DeMarco Murray is an explosive back, while Jermaine Gresham, arguably the top tight end in college football last year, returns for his senior season. The one question mark will be the offensive line. They have two underclassmen starting in sophomores Ben Habern and Stephen Good at center and guard respectively. If they can protect Bradford and open up some holes for Murray, this should be a very potent offense yet again. Texas will not be lacking in the offensive category, either. McCoy will have the pleasure of choosing between wideouts Jordan Shipley and Malcolm Williams. Running back Vondrell McGee looks to help out the offense by keeping opposing defenses honest and running with speed and quickness. The determining factor in this battle will be the defense. Texas boasts an outstanding veteran defense which includes six returning starters. Linebackers Sergio Kindle and Roddrick Muckelroy can be game changers and will impose their dominance at will. However, Oklahoma’s defenders are no slouches. The Sooners boast two of college football’s best defensive linemen in Gerald McCoy and Auston English—a pair of run-stopping big men that can also get after the quarterback. Two rivals should be neck and neck heading into the October 17th tilt, where the winner will likely take the Big 12 title.

The Contenders: Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Kansas: Like Texas and Oklahoma, the Cowboys of Oklahoma State also have a solid 1-2 punch on offense. Senior quarterback Zac Robinson is a great pocket passer and possesses a high football IQ. He may be one of the best decision makers in all of college football. That skill set matches perfectly for the “new” best wide out in football, Dez Bryant. At 6’2” and 220 pounds, Bryant can use his outstanding leaping ability and strong hands to go get poorly thrown balls; or balls where the defender seems to have position. The Cowboys’ offensive line will be filled with veterans, giving Robinson time to stand and deliver. This offense will be as scary, if not if not scarier, than that of rivals Oklahoma and Texas. They play a fairly soft schedule after hosting Georgia for their season opener. They then play host to Texas on Halloween, which should be a “scary” good game, and then finish off the season traveling to Norman to play the Sooners. Look for them to scratch and claw for the Big 12 title all season long. The Cornhuskers look as though they are starting to regain their early 90’s form with a tough defense combined with playmakers on offense. They have great balance on offense. They have all upper-classmen starting on both sides of the ball, which will make this team tough to beat in close games. Ndamukong Suh is the leader of the defense and should make everyone around him better. The Huskers lucked out and only have to play one of the two favorites this season, Oklahoma, and they get that one at home. The Jayhawks should be jumping for joy that they are in the Big 12 North and not the beastly South. Their one major hurdle will be Nebraska in getting to the Big 12 title game. They weren’t as lucky as the Huskers on the schedule, though, and will have to face both Texas and Oklahoma during the season. Their extremely soft non-conference schedule will allow them to build up confidence going into their conference gauntlet run. They do have the offense to run with anyone in the conference, led by senior quarterback Todd Reesing. Reesing is coming off a 3,888 yard, 32 touchdown season and will be throwing to a set of tall wide receivers, all about 6’3”. Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier are both coming off of 90+ catch, 1,000+ yard receiving seasons and should be able to match, if not exceed, those numbers this year. Their passing attack will be a concern for opposing defenses, but it is their own defense that may cause Kansas fits. They have only one senior on their defensive line and senior playmaking safety Darrell Stuckey can only be so many places at once. If the Jayhawks’ pass rush proves feeble, then their defense will be picked apart by opposing quarterbacks. If they can get to the quarterback, then their offense should be able to produce enough wins to take them to the Big 12 title game. Only time will tell if the Jayhawks will “rock chalk”.

The Sleeper: Missouri: One rule of thumb for college football should be “never count out the Tigers of Missouri”. They have an extremely young and inexperienced football team with only nine returning starters on both offense and defense combined, along with 10 underclassmen total starting on both sides of the ball. Mizzou’s quarterback is young and inexperienced and has to play in Chase Daniels’ shadow. They lost big play wideout Jeremy Maclin and Mackey Award winner Chase Coffman. In addition, they have a brutal schedule in the heart of the season, playing host to Nebraska, traveling to Oklahoma State, and then hosting Texas. However, they are very well coached and disciplined which can take you a long way in this game. They also have the team athleticism and speed to keep up with powerhouse schools like Oklahoma and Texas. Plus, they play in the Big 12 North. They have as good a chance as anyone to represent the North in the Big 12 Championship Game. The swing games for them will be when they host Nebraska on October 8th and Kansas on November 28th. If they can win those games, then you will be watching them play for the Big 12 Championship.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Colt McCoy (UT) vs. QB Sam Bradford (OU): As if you didn’t see this one coming. Both are likely to be Heisman Trophy candidates again this season based on their amazing stats last year. Both quarterbacks have terrific arms and great decision-making skills, but only one can run with the best of them…and that is Colt McCoy. Considering the fact that the 6’2” signal caller led his team in rushing last season, and did so without having the big play running back that Sam Bradford had in DeMarco Murray, the Longhorn has a leg up in the competition—literally. But if Bradford can utilize his running back to his advantage and keep defenses honest, he may be able to put up prolific passing numbers that even McCoy can’t touch. This race could come down to which team ends up in the Big 12 Championship Game; allowing one quarterback to showcase their skills and pad their stats for one extra game. This should be the race to keep an eye on in the Big 12.

Honorable Mention: QB Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State), QB Robert Griffin (Baylor), QB Todd Reesing (Kansas), RB Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State), RB DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma), WR Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State), WR Kerry Meier (Kansas)

Defensive Player of the Year: Sergio Kindle (UT) vs. Gerald McCoy (OU): You’ve got to love a battle between players who both come from powerhouse schools playing in the same side of the conference. Both Kindle and McCoy possess speed and strength to go along with incredible agility. This battle will come down to who can wreak the most havoc on opposing offenses. Sergio Kindle was a stat stuffer all year long in 2008; totaling 46 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 10 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one blocked punt. He was also a first-team All Big 12 selection by the coaches and was All-America honorable mention by SI.com. Gerald McCoy was named AP second-team All-America and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year by several publications. He also led all interior linemen in tackles. It will definitely be fun to watch both players go after opposing quarterbacks with a potential BCS National Championship birth on the line.

Honorable Mention: DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), DE Auston English (Oklahoma), LB Travis Lewsis (Oklahoma), LB Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri), FS Darrell Stuckey (Kansas)

Breakout Seasons: QB Taylor Potts (Texas Tech), QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri), WR Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma): Taylor Potts is the heir apparent to Graham Harrell and has some big shoes to fill. He doesn’t have Michael Crabtree to throw to, but he still does have the spread offense run by Mike Leach. In his brief appearances in 2007 and 2008, he posted respectable numbers in 2007 by completing 32 for 49 of his passes for 409 yards with three touchdowns and one pick; in 2008, he completed 23 of 36 passes for 260 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. If he can learn this offense quickly and garner a good rapport with his wide receivers, then he will have a very solid statistical season with a Red Raiders offense that looks to pass first and run second. Another player with big shoes to fill is Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert, who takes over the starting quarterback role after the departure of Chase Daniels. Like Potts, he lost his number one playmaker in Jeremy Maclin, but he does have some up and coming talent in running back Derrick Washington and wide receiver Jared Perry. Gabbert has had minimal playing time in his lone season as a backup quarterback, making only 13 pass attempts. He is a smart player, though, and should be able to take the reins and make this Tiger offense go. After playmaker Juaquin Iglesias left for the NFL, Ryan Broyles steps in as Sam Bradford’s new number one receiver. He and Bradford have already had time last season to build a connection in the passing game. Broyles caught 46 passes for 687 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. With that experience and one of the premier quarterbacks in all of college football throwing to him, he should be one of the top receivers in the Big 12.

Best Pro Prospect: Dez Bryant (OSU): Dez Bryant is one of the most athletically gifted players in college football. He is very similar to Michael Crabtree in his style of play. He has great hands and can go up and fight for any ball that comes his way, a la Steve Smith or Larry Fitzgerald. Size is something you can’t teach and he has it at 6’2” and 220 pounds. He could, in fact, be a Plaxico Burress type of player at the next level. His route running is the one area he needs to polish up if he decides to enter the draft in 2010. Look for him to showcase his abilities this season and possibly establish himself as the best playmaker in college football. It should be noted that Sam Bradford, Trent Williams, Jermaine Gresham, Gerald McCoy and Ndamukong Suh are all potential top 10 picks.

College Football Insiders' Picks:

Conference Champion: Texas Longhorns: It’s hard to ignore the Longhorns’ defense and the fact their toughest game will be at a neutral site, not on the road. The rest of their schedule is fairly soft and the Longhorns will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after being snubbed out of last year’s Big 12 Championship Game (and the right to play for the BCS National Championship). Colt McCoy will save his best for last and will bring the Horns a conference championship, even if he has to put the team on his shoulders and run with them.

Offensive Player of the Year: Colt McCoy, Texas: With 45 total touchdowns last season (34 passing, 11 rushing) it’s hard to look away. He amassed 3,859 yards passing with only eight interceptions. Not to mention the fact that he had a 76.7 completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 173.75. He could very well lead the team in rushing yet again this season, and when you stack up these stats and throw in the fact he plays on the best team in the conference, it’s very hard to not consider him the frontrunner.

Defensive Player of the Year: Sergio Kindle, Texas: Too much size, strength, speed, and experience here to shy away from this pick. He had 10 sacks and 46 tackles last season at the linebacker position, and it’s hard to believe he can’t mimic or surpass those numbers this season whether he lines up at linebacker or defensive end. He will show that he is the best defensive player in the conference as well.

* Click To Read CFI’s ACC Preview
* Click To Read CFI’s Big East Preview
* Click To Read CFI's Big Ten Preview

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations, OU Athletics Department, University of Texas Athletics, College Press Box

Player Anatomy: DE Brian Orakpo, Texas

Character / Leadership Ability: Orakpo established himself as a leader in the Texas locker room before the 2008 season began. His work in the weight room over the summer was well documented in the national news. He is a leader by example, but will not be afraid to verbally lead. Orakpo is a high character person and player.

Competitive Nature / Work Ethic: Works hard on every snap. Doesn’t take plays off. Plays hard late in games and seems to turn it up a notch on third downs. Is a big-game player. Will not have any issues with working hard.

Football Intelligence: Orakpo gets by on his athleticism, but you can tell he has spent time in the film room. He translates film to field well. He made great adjustments early against Texas Tech (2008) to stop screens and draw plays.

Size: The Longhorn has freakish size and strength--the ideal defensive end.

Athletic Ability: Is very strong and athletic. He does run well, but will not clock below 4.6. Has great arm strength and an astonishing vertical jump.

Toughness / Durability: The senior missed four games in 2007 with a sprained knee. He is a tough player who will stay on the field when it’s possible.

Quickness: Orakpo is quick off the edge and shows great burst. He’s asked to anchor and drop a lot. Film may not show him pinning his ears back and racing to the QB. Plays good, quick, assignment football.

Strength: Unbelievable strength. Will be able to compete from day one in the NFL. Should not struggle to adjust to NFL left tackles although he may need to get stronger in his lower body to hold up against the run. Can completely take over a game with his strength. Can squat 600+ lbs, power cleans 380 lbs and actually has some room to grow.

Instincts / Recognition: Shows natural instincts against the run. Orakpo anchors very well for a right end. Does a great job of staying at home and reading the play. Puts what he sees on film into action on the field.

Pass Rush: He is more of a complete end. Shows a good double move. Improved in ‘08 with a bull rush and better hand placement, although scouts would like to see him turn the corner more consistently. His nine sacks were good for 10th in the country. He completely dominated Oklahoma LT Phil Loadholt, a future day one pick. Has started to show a very good outside-in move, which he really uses well by baiting the tackle to commit outside then cutting back inside. Will hesitate off the line intentionally at times, which may not work in the NFL.

Pursuit: Is a chase-defender, who will run down the line in pursuit. Stays back well and anticipates the cut back. Is smart, but tenacious. Will get after the ball, but in control.

Run Defending: Is smart enough to plant and wait for the cutback. Gets free from blockers easily with this strength and quickness. Has gotten better at stopping the run now that he is healthy.

Tackling: A hard hitter, especially when moving to the ball. Uses his long arms to wrap up from behind.

Technique / Leverage: Might get his belly over his feet too much. Plays flat footed at times. Can line up inside or outside the tackle. Likes to use a four-point stance. Dips his shoulder well and gets outside the tackle. Has a very good rip move.

Photo Credit: College Press Box, University of Texas Athletics

FIVE QUARTERBACK MATCH-UPS TO WATCH

1. Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) vs. Tim Tebow (Florida): The last two Heisman winners play for the National....um BCS Championship – enough said.

2. Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) vs. Jevon Snead (Ole Miss): Graham Harrell has topped 40 touchdowns once again and needs just 253 yards in the Cotton Bowl for his second 5,000-yard season. Jevan Snead is coming home after transfering from Texas, having led his club to five straight wins to close out the season with 13 touchdowns (two interceptions) over that span.

3. Nate Davis (Ball St.) vs. David Johnson (Tulsa): If you like flamethrowers, this is the game for you. Nate Davis has always had a plus fastball and this season he has added control to his resume, while not many can throw a pass farther or prettier than David Johnson’s deep ball. The GMAC Bowl (Jan. 6) is a tasty appatizer for college football fans waiting for OU/Forida.

4. Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan) vs. Rusty Smith (FAU): Last season, Dan LeFevour accounted for over 400 yards of total offense in the Motor City Bowl versus Purdue and Rusty Smith tossed five touchdown passes on his way to a 336-yard day against Memphis in the New Orleans Bowl making the 2008 Motor City Bowl a must watch.

5. Colt McCoy (Texas) vs. Terrelle Prior (Ohio St.): While Colt McCoy has supassed many of Vince Young’s accomplishments, no one is more reminiscint of the former Longhorn than Ohio St. freshman Terrell Pryor.

Photo Credit: College Press Box, OU Athletics Department

On Location: Heisman - Return Trips?

“That’s the goal for every college football player…so yeah,” Colt McCoy said of potentially making it back to New York next season. He may file paperwork with the NFL to find out his draft grade, but says he’s excited about coming back to Texas for his senior season.

Sam Bradford can declare despite being just a sophomore because he red-shirted his first season in Norman, making him three years removed from his high school graduation class and eligible for the NFL Draft. He said that he thinks he will have a chance to win his second Heisman Trophy, hinting at a return for his junior season, while Tim Tebow reminded the media he has “one more chance” to join Archie Griffin with bookend Heismans.

Of course just because they return does not ensure another ticket to the Big Apple festivities – just ask Chase Daniel. The Missouri quarterback bettered many of this numbers from his junior campaign when he finished fourth and was invited to New York, but did not even crack the top ten this season.

2007: 4,307 Yards, 68.2 Percent, 7.65 Yards Per Attempt, 33 TDs, 147.88 QB Rating
2008: 4,135 Yards, 74.0 Percent, 8.54 Yards Per Attempt, 37 TDs, 164.76 QB Rating

Maybe the fact Missouri went from being 11-2 to 9-4 had something to do with it? Bradford, Tebow and McCoy’s teams are 1-2-3 in the country and there is no guarantee their teams will be as good in 2009.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (University of Texas)

On Location: Heisman - The Hater Nation

“Either they love us or they hate us…that’s Florida.”

That was Tim Tebow’s reasoning for finishing third in the Heisman voting despite garnering the most first place votes:

Sam Bradford = 300 First Place Votes
Colt McCoy = 266 First Place Votes
Tim Tebow = 309 First Place Votes

Tebow may have a point. Many genuflect at whatever the Gators’ signal caller does, sometimes to his detriment – the excessive praise likely turns others off – and like it or not, the Heisman is at least partially a popularity contest. Tebow has learned that sometimes being the man on the pedestal generates – to use his words – more hate than love.

Tebow believes the “Hate-orade” for the Gators was amped up during the (Steve) Spurrier days, but does not blame the former ball coach for missing out on a second Heisman Trophy.

Where Sam Bradford (and Colt McCoy) surpassed Tebow was in the second place voting and the voting west of the Mississippi (see chart below):

Sam Bradford = 315 Second Place Votes
Colt McCoy = 288 Second Place Votes
Tim Tebow = 207 Second Place Votes



By the way, this was not the first time that the player with the most fist place votes finished third – ironically Oklahoma’s Tom McDonald finished third in 1956 behind Johnny Majors of Tennessee and Paul Hornung of Notre Dame, the winner. Penn St.’s Chuck Fusina finished second with the most first place votes in 1978 behind Billy Sims of Oklahoma.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (University of Florida)

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

BCS = Best Match-Up

By KENNY FRANEK

New season, same story. After Oklahoma and Florida were selected to play for the national championship the debate began: did the BCS select the two most worthy teams to play for the title? Well, let's just say the computers could have done worse. Oklahoma and Florida were the two hottest teams at the end of the season. Here are the cases for both teams…and for the team that was left on the outside looking in.

Oklahoma rattled off seven straight wins after losing to Texas. They put together a streak of five straight games scoring 60-plus points to end the season and over the course of the season, they never scored less than 35 points in a game. To top it off, they set a new NCAA FBS record for the most points scored in a season. It goes without saying that they were number one in points scored per game at 54. Their downfall was their defense, ranked 65th in the nation overall.

Florida put together a streak of nine straight wins to end their season, pummeling their opponents by an average of 34.4 points per game during that span. They allowed more than 21 points only once all season – in their loss to Ole Miss. While the Gators’ defense was good — ninth in the nation — their offense was even more impressive, ranking fourth overall in scoring with 45.2 points per game.

Then there was the team that defeated Oklahoma only to be left asking, "What about us?" The Texas Longhorns ranked 50th in total defense and 5th in the nation in scoring, putting up 43.9 points per game. Those are similar numbers to Oklahoma’s, which might explain why their game with the Sooners was so close. Unfortunately for them, their one loss came relatively late in the season to Texas Tech. The Horns did not have enough time to recover and put a solid win streak together (three games) at the end of the season like Florida and Oklahoma did following their losses. Instead, the Texas loss stayed fresh in the voters’ minds and hurt them in the BCS rankings.

So here we are. After all the debates and dissection of the one-loss teams, we have Florida vs. Oklahoma in the national championship game. There are two main questions to be asked of this game:

1) Can Florida's tenacious defense stop Oklahoma's prolific offense?

2) Can Oklahoma's defense slow down Florida's offense enough to outscore them?

Either way you look at it the key to the game is defense. Whichever defense plays well enough to contain the other's offense will likely win the title. It should be a shootout and a title game for the ages – the BCS appears to have gotten one right for a change.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, OU Athletics Department

Heisman Results By Week

Five Heisman Thoughts

1. Expect A Close Race

On Thursday night, at The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards, Tim Tebow won the Maxwell Award given to the most “outstanding player”, Colt McCoy was selected as the “player of the year” by winning the Walter Camp Award and Sam Bradford took home the Davey O’Brien Award which is the “national quarterback award”.

Confused yet? Don’t look to the A.P. voters for help.

The same group of 20 that voted Bradford to the First-Team All- Big 12 and McCoy to the Second-Team, tabbed McCoy as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

2. What About Graham?

Despite winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, given to the most “outstanding senior quarterback” (Tebow and McCoy are juniors, Bradford is a sophomore), the Texas Tech signal caller was not invited to the Heisman Trophy Presentation.

The Red Raiders head coach Mike Leach was not pleased, and I for one don’t blame him:

"If Graham is not invited to the Heisman, they ought to quit giving out the award. It is a shameless example of politics ruling over performance."

Here are how Harrell’s numbers stack with the rest:

Harrell: 4,747 Yards, 71.5 Percent, 41 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions
Bradford: 4,464 Yards, 68.3 Percent, 48 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions
McCoy: 3,445 Yards, 77.6 Percent, 32 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions
Tebow: 2,515 Yards, 64.9 Percent, 28 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions

* Harrell should not be labeled a “system quarterback” because all four play in spread offenses geared towards prolific numbers.
* If you want “more than just numbers” – Harrell’s Red Raiders were 11-1, the same exact regular season record that Bradford, Tebow and McCoy led their respective teams to. (P.S. He plays in the SAME conference as McCoy and Bradford.)
* New Heights: Unlike Texas, Oklahoma and Florida – one national championship each since 2000 – this is new territory for Texas Tech. That should count for something, no?

3. Too Exclusive?


Since 2000, seven quarterbacks have won the award with USC’s Reggie Bush (2005) the lone non-signal caller to claim the famous trophy. Unless your name is Tim Tebow, it would also behoove you to be on a top five team and lose no more than two games (Florida was No. 9 last year with three losses heading into Heisman week).

Here is the list (with A.P. Rankings):

2000: Chris Weinke, No. 3 Florida St. 11-1
2001: Eric Crouch, No. 4 Nebraska 11-1
2002: Carson Palmer, No. 5 USC, 10-2
2003: Jason White, No. 3 Oklahoma 12-1
2004: Matt Leinhart, No. 1 USC 12-0
2006: Troy Smtih, No. 1 Ohio St. 12-0

So, is the award for the most “outstanding player” or the best quarterback on a top five team?

Thanks to our friends at 50 Years of Football and the College Football Encyclopedia for the numbers.

4. The Best Non-Quarterbacks:

1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR (Biletnikoff Award)
2. Andre Smith, Alabama, OT
(Outland Trophy)
3. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest, LB (Butkus Award)
4. Shonn Greene, Iowa, RB
(Doak Walker Award)
5. Rey Maualuga, USC, LB
(Chuck Bednarik Award)

5. Our 2008 Heisman Picks:

John Murphy:
1. Tim Tebow, Florida, QB
2. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB
3. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB
4. Shonn Greene, Iowa, RB
5. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR

Daniel Mogollon:
1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB
2. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB
3. Tim Tebow, Florida, QB
4. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech, QB
5. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR

Rick Serritella:
1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma, QB
2. Colt McCoy, Texas, QB
3. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech, QB
4. Tim Tebow, Florida, QB
5. John Parker Wilson, Alabama, QB

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Davey O'Brien Award)

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)

AFCA Announces 2008 Assistant Coach of the Year Winners

WACO, TEX.-- The American Football Coaches Association is proud to announce its 2008 Assistant Coach of the Year winners. One assistant coach from the five different divisions of college football has been selected for their dedication to their teams and communities.

Each year, staff representatives from NCAA and NAIA football-playing schools are asked to nominate an assistant for consideration. From those nominations, a winner is selected by the AFCA Public Relations Committee. The winners of this award were selected from Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA.

The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.

The 2008 honorees are as follows: Football Bowl Subdivision–Mac McWhorter, Associate Head Coach & Offensive Line Coach, University of Texas; Football Championship Subdivision–John Loose, Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach, Lafayette College; Division II–Matt Entz, Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach, Winona State University; Division III–Dick Bowzer, Quarterbacks & Receivers Coach, Central (Iowa) College; and NAIA–Dennis Murphy, Wide Receivers Coach, Benedictine (Kan.) College.

“Once again, five outstanding assistant coaches have been selected for their dedication, not only to their teams, but to their communities,” said Executive Director Grant Teaff. “Often times, the head coach receives much of the credit for his team’s success, but any head coach is only as good as his assistants. Much of an assistant coach’s work is done behind the scenes. It is our pleasure to bring it to the forefront.”

The criteria for the award is not limited to on-field coaching ability or the success of the team and players that these assistant coaches work with. Service to the community through charitable work and other volunteer activities, participation in AFCA activities and events, participation in other professional organizations and impact on student-athletes are all taken into account in the selection process.

Winners of the Assistant Coach of the Year Award will receive a plaque to commemorate the award and an educational stipend to attend the 2010 AFCA Convention or any other professional development clinic/convention of their choice. They will be honored at the AFCA Kickoff Luncheon, Monday, January 12 at the 2009 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

AFCA
Assistant Coach of the Year Finalists for 2008

Football Bowl Subdivision
Dan Brooks, Tennessee; Dave Christensen, Missouri; Mac McWhorter, Texas

Football Championship Subdivision
Larry Ciotti, Yale; John Loose, Lafayette; Mike Simpson, Albany

Division II
Matt Entz, Winona St.; David Needs, Carson-Newman; Matt Yoches, Grand Valley St.

Division III
Dick Bowzer, Central (Iowa); Jeremy Markham, Manchester; David Parks, St. John Fisher

NAIA
Chad Gehring, Evangel; Dustin Miller, Malone; Dennis Murphy, Benedictine (Kan.)

Assistant Coach of the Year Notes
Sixty assistant coaches from 50 different schools have been honored by the AFCA since the inception of the award in 1997 ... Campbellsville (NAIA) and Hampton (Division I-AA) lead all schools with three winners each ... Campbellsville’s three Assistant Coach of the Year Winners came in three straight years (1997-Samuel Wickliffe, 1998-Eric Graves, 1999-Haywood Riner) ... Hampton won its three awards in 1997 (Alonzo Wright), 1998 (John Wright) and 2003 (Donovan Rose) ... Air Force, Benedictine (Kan.), Central (Iowa), Mount Union, Northwest Missouri State and Wabash have had two winners each.

The Winners
Football Bowl Subdivision
Mac McWhorter, Associate Head Coach & Offensive Line Coach, Texas: McWhorter has been coaching football for 35 years, the last seven at Texas ... He is involved in supporting Peach Lutheran Children’s Ministry, and served as Master of Ceremonies for Peach Lutheran Children’s Ministry’s main fundraiser ... McWhorter also volunteers support with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Safe Place (for abused women), United Mitochondrial Foundation and Archdiocese of Austin ... He has been a member of the AFCA since 1980 and is currently a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association ... McWhorter preaches the well-rounded student-athlete, which is epitomized by his seven First Team Academic All-Big 12 offensive linemen and 2007 Draddy Trophy winner Dallas Griffin ... He has produced six offensive linemen that are currently playing (or were drafted this year) in the NFL (Derrick Dockery, Buffalo Bills; Jonathan Scott, Detroit Lions; Justin Blalock, Atlanta Falcons; Lyle Sendlein, Arizona Cardinals; Kasey Studdard, Houston Texans; Tony Hills, Pittsburgh Steelers).

Football Championship Subdivision
John Loose, Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach, Lafayette: Loose is in his 22nd year of coaching and has spent the last eight years at Lafayette ... He has organized Lauren’s First and Goal, a one day charity football camp and foundation named after his 11-year-old daughter who has been fighting brain and spinal tumors since age 2 ... In the first five years, his foundation raised more than $560,000 for charity ... Loose’s Lafayette Camp, and an inaugural camp at the University of South Florida, raised over $250,000 for pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services in 2008 ... Loose has been a member of AFCA for 21 years and has served on the Coach of the Year Committee for three years ... In 2007, Loose coached the top-ranked defense in the nation ... His defenses have helped lead the way for the Leopards to win the Patriot League three times and participate in the NCAA playoffs in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Division II
Matt Entz, Assistant Head Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers Coach, Winona State: Entz is in his seventh season at Winona State and 14th overall as an assistant coach ... He coordinates the team’s community volunteer efforts with Winona Volunteer Services, a non-profit organization whose main purpose is to provide emergency assistance and relief in the form of food, shelter, clothing and transportation to less fortunate residents of Winona County … In 2006, Entz led and assisted in the coordination of a Katrina Relief trip to the greater New Orleans area … He takes part in the Clean the Creek Program, removing trash and debris along an exercise path near a local creek and lake … Entz volunteers his time working with high school student-athletes at an annual football camp for Milwaukee Public Schools, and has collaborated with the Warrior Football Leadership Council in developing a Summer Youth Football Camp … Coach Entz’s defenses has been consistently ranked at the top of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in total defense, run defense, points allowed and turnover margin … He has coached 18 First Team All-Conference defensive players, three First Team All-Americans, five straight NSIC Defensive Players of the Year (2002-2006) and one NSIC Newcomer of the Year.

Division III
Dick Bowzer, Quarterbacks & Receivers Coach, Central (Iowa) College: Bowzer has spent 41 years as an assistant coach, all at Central ... He is a Deacon of the Second Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa, and has served the church on many different committees such as two terms on the Executive Committee and numerous terms on the Mission Council and Building and Grounds Council ... Bowzer spent one summer remodeling the church basement and participated on mission trips to Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri ... He helped with construction of a playground in a city park, assisted with a city youth softball league, conducted free tennis clinics and started the Pella Open tennis tournament, conducting it for many years and helping it become one of the largest city tennis tournaments in Iowa ... Bowzer was the first NCAA Division III representative on the AFCA Assistant Coaches Committee, serving three terms ... He was also a member of the AFCA Coach of the Year Committee ... During his tenure as an offensive assistant, 125 offensive players have earned All-Iowa Conference recognition, including seven league MVPs.

NAIA
Dennis Murphy, Wide Receivers Coach, Benedictine (Kan.): Murphy has been an assistant coach for 30 years, all at Benedictine ... He has volunteered for the American Red Cross for 20-plus years, and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity since 2000 ... Murphy has provided aid and assistance to the Atchison, Kansas, Homeless Youth Food and Shelter since 1999, while also volunteering for Maur Hill Academy Fund Raising for more than 20 years ... He is a volunteer coach and athletic trainer for numerous local and regional football and track events ... A long time member of the AFCA, Murphy has been a member of several committees including: Planning Committee, All-American Committee and NAIA Assistant Coaches Committee ... He has coached and produced 15 All-Conference performers and nine NAIA All-Americans ... Murphy’s offense has helped lead the way to 10 NAIA playoff appearances and five conference championships for Benedictine ... He also teaches at Benedictine and is a certified athletic trainer.

TEXAS' ORAKPO WINS 2008 BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FWAA) - Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo on Sunday night claimed the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which annually is awarded to the best defensive player in college football.

Orakpo became the 16th winner of the award as voted upon by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. He is the second Texas player to win the award following linebacker Derrick Johnson in 2004.

Orakpo, a 6-4, 260-pound senior from Houston, is considered a top NFL prospect and will receive his degree in Sports Management this month. He was a prep basketball star who didn't focus on football until his senior year at Lamar High School.

But he has developed into one of college football's strongest and best players while at Texas.

He entered Texas weighing 210 pounds, but 50 pounds later, he has only eight percent body fat. He squats 600 pounds, benches presses 515 pounds and power cleans 380. Orakpo has run a 4.6 40-yard dash and has registered a 42-inch vertical leap.

"He has such an unbelievable combination of strength and speed that he's really unblockable," Texas coach Mack Brown said of Orakpo. "As an offense, you have to account for him on every play or he'll just take over the game. Even when teams have tried to double team him or get him out of his game, he's such a smart, determined and gifted player that he's found a way to still have a big impact."

During Texas' four-game, mid-season stretch against ranked Big 12 teams - Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech - Orakpo was simply sensational. He registered 16 tackles, three sacks, seven tackles for losses, nine pressures, a forced fumble and helped force an interception.

At the tail end of that stretch, Texas had defeated Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State, but Orakpo missed most of the second half of the Texas Tech loss with a knee injury.

"It really hurt us when he went down for the second half of the game against Texas Tech," Brown continued. "I have never been around a player who works any harder than 'Rak.' He never takes a play off in a practice or a game, is always in the weight room working to get bigger, stronger and faster, studies his film and prepares as well as anyone."

Orakpo's efforts certainly mirror the person for whom the trophy is named. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is given in memory of the legendary Nagurski, a former All-American lineman at Minnesota (1927-29) and star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s.

The four other 2008 Nagurski Trophy finalists were TCU end Jerry Hughes, USC linebacker Rey Maualuga, Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith and Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, N.C., region. The club's activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and leadership of area athletes and coaches. The official website of the Charlotte Touchdown Club is www.touchdownclub.com.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Texas)

This Date in College Football History

Dec. 6, 1969: President Richard Nixon (1969 NFF Gold Medal winner) looks on in Fayetteville, as No. 1 Texas comes back-from-behind to beat No. 2 Arkansas 15-14. Trailing 14-0 in the fourth quarter Longhorns' quarterback James Street scrambles 42 yards and takes the lead on UT's next possession. Texas defensive back Tom Campbell secures 15-14 victory by intercepting a Razorback pass intended for Chuck Dicus (1999 College Football Hall of Fame inductee) with a 1:13 left in the game.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Between the Hashes - Twelve Is Enough

“WHY NOT A 12 team format?” Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham responded on CFI Radio when asked how we could get his Utes into an eight team playoff. Good question – why not a 12 team playoff?

An eight team playoff is the popular choice, the thing is...the super six conferences, the Bowl Championship Series conferences, they run this shindig. They get G-Money as they say in the National Football League – guaranteed BCS dollars. Are they going to give that up? Would you give than up? Didn’t think so...

Most are in agreement that a playoff that included Cincinnati and the ACC Champion, but left out an 11-1 Texas Tech and an undefeated Utah would be fruitless.

After weeks of defending the BCS, here is what an ideal playoff would look like:

THE CFI MISSION:

1. Keep the integrity of the regular season/Conference Championships: No matter what the sport, conference or division titles count for something. Would it be right to ignore conference championships from the Big Six? How could one argue the regular season – the best regular season in all of sports hands down – wouldn’t be impacted if conference titles were meaningless? What if Oregon St. had won last week...USC makes the playoffs and the conference champ Oregon St. doesn’t? How exactly does that work?

In the CFI Playoff, all Big Six Conference Champs get an automatic bid. Having 12 teams allows for the importance of the regular season to still be at a premium, while not excluding deserving teams. A BCS conference title also insures either a bye or a first round home game.

2. Open it up for the little guys: Many bring up the NCAA Basketball Tournament model, where non-BCS conference schools are invited to the party. Often this is lip service, as Coach Whittingham conceded that is not guaranteed in an eight team playoff.

If a non-BCS school is in the top eight they would receive an automatic bid or if they finished undefeated and in the top 16, they’d also get a bid. This group would include Utah, Boise St. and possibly Ball St. this season.

THE LOGISTICS:

1. Top Four Seeds Get a BYE: The four highest ranked teams that have won their conference receive a bye. A reward for a regular season well done.

2. Seeding the First Round: BCS Conference Champs would be seeded first, the rest of the teams would be seeded in order of their BCS ranking.

3. Schedule: The first round would be played right away, next week, at home sites.

The second round could be played on January 1st and 2nd with the current BCS Bowls playing host, or the week before at home sites with the semis on New Year’s Day.

The bowls would kept and include teams that lost in the first round.

WHAT IT WOULD LOOK LIKE

Playoff Seeding: (BCS Ranking)
1. SEC Champ (No. 1)
2. Oklahoma (No. 2)
3. USC (No. 5)
4. Utah (No. 6)

5. Penn St. (No. 8)
6. Cincinnati (No. 13)
7. ACC Champ (No. 17)
8. Texas (No. 3)
9. SEC Runner-up (No. 4)
10. Texas Tech (No. 7)
11. Boise St. (No. 9)
12. Ball St. (No. 12)/Ohio St. (No. 10)

First Round Games:

1. Ohio St./Ball St. @ Penn St. – Either a Big Ten rematch or a classic David vs. Goliath (MAC vs. Big Ten)

2. Boise St. @ Cincinnati – Either team would be fitted for the glass slipper in round two.

3. Texas Tech @ ACC Champ – The forgotten Red Raiders get to prove themselves “on the field”.

4. SEC Runner Up @ Texas – Who wouldn’t be champing at the bit to watch this one?

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

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)

The O'Brien Finalists Revealed: Colt McCoy

FORT WORTH, Texas (December 4, 2008) - Colt McCoy of the Texas Longhorns is one of three Finalists for the 2008 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award® (The O'Brien) announced November 24. McCoy is competing against Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Texas Tech's Graham Harrell for The O'Brien, honoring the nation's best college quarterback. Longhorn fans are encouraged to show their support for McCoy 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.

McCoy has directed the Longhorns to an outstanding season, completing conference play in the Big 12 with an 11-1 record and No. 3 (BCS) ranking. Their 49-9 win over rival Texas A&M on Thanksgiving earned the Longhorns the title of Big 12 South Co-Champions. Texas shares this title with Oklahoma and Texas Tech. McCoy completed more than 82 percent of his passes against the Aggies for 311 yards, bringing his season total to 3,445 yards for a new Longhorn-record.

"Colt has been a tremendous leader for us both on and off the field," Texas Head Coach Mack Brown said of the quarterback. "He's done everything we've asked of him as a player, leading us in passing and rushing and even in our toughest game at Texas Tech. ... But more importantly, he's been the heart of our offense, taken on a great leadership role on this team and a terrific representative of this program. As a player, leader and person, Colt McCoy is everything you could possibly want in your football program."

With one year of eligibility remaining, McCoy already holds a 31-7 record as a starter, topping the Texas record books for all-time victories after surpassing the previous record of 30-2 set by 2005 O'Brien Winner, Vince Young. The junior signal caller has logged over 4,000 yards of total offense this season with 4,021 yards. He has led the Longhorns in rushing all season, finishing with 576 yards, elevating his career total to 1,238.

This past season has carried additional significance for McCoy, not because of his team's success, but because of a choice he made prior to Texas' opening game in late August. Each season Coach Brown encourages his players to dedicate their season to someone special, and it was not until this year that McCoy made this personal dedication. Prior to the kickoff of every game, the Longhorns' field general will fasten a chain with a silver crucifix around his neck and place it under his number twelve jersey. The cross was worn by McCoy's cousin, Sgt. Grant Hinds, who served three tours of duty in the Marines in both Iraq and Afghanistan before passing away at the age of 25. The life of this young Marine who was desperately seeking to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares and depression tragically ended after a car accident while at Kennesaw State University. McCoy was fishing with teammate and roommate, Jordan Shipley, when he received the news.

"Every game, I say, 'This is for Grant,'" McCoy said. "I want to play with the same heart and attitude he had with all the courage it took to fight for us."

McCoy is in his third year as starting quarterback for the Longhorns. He started all 13 games during both his freshman and sophomore years. In 2007, as a sophomore, McCoy completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 3,303 yards. He earned Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP honors and was selected as a first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection, in addition to other accolades. McCoy's talent was recognized his freshman year at Texas. In 2006 he was named an O'Brien Semifinalist, recognized as The Sporting News' National Freshman of the Year, named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors, Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP honors, as well as others.

Prior to donning the Burnt Orange, McCoy was coached by his father, Brad McCoy, at Jim Ned High School in Tuscola, Texas. He credits his father as being the largest influence on his football career. McCoy finished his high school tenure with a 34-2 record as a three-year letterman at quarterback. He passed for 9,344 yards and 116 touchdowns and is the all-time leading passer in Texas 2A history.

The Longhorn's quarterback is currently majoring in sports management at Texas and hopes to have a great job and a happy family whenever his football days come to an end. Whenever he is not on the field or studying, McCoy may be found serving others as he is active in UT's community service program and has spent time traveling to Peru to do missionary work.

McCoy will continue to vie for The O'Brien with Finalists Bradford and Harrell 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)

Top 25 - Week Fourteen

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (1)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 1
Associated Press: 1
Last Week: Won vs. Auburn 36-0
Alabama ended its six-game losing streak versus Auburn with style – turning in the largest Iron Bowl blowout for either program since 1962 – yet most are expecting their run to end this week.
Up Next: 12/6: SEC Champ. Game vs. Florida



2. Oklahoma Sooners (2)
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 2
Associated Press: 4
Last Week: Won @ Ok. St. 61-41
With four straight 60-point games for Oklahoma, no team has more flair than Boomer Sooner. Sophomore Sam Bradford takes the Heisman lead with some help from Jermaine Gresham.
Up Next: 12/6: Big 12 Champ. Game vs. Missouri

3. Texas Longhorns (3)
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 3
Associated Press: 3
Last Week: Won vs. Texas A & M 49-9
Texas did a great job of pushing 45-35, while pretending 39-33 was meaningless. The campaigning worked with the voters, but did not sway the passionless computer rankings.
Up Next: Bowl Game

4. Florida Gators (4)
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 4
Associated Press: 2
Last Week: Won @ Florida St 45-15
The Gators looked comfortable in the Tallahassee swamp, with speedsters Chris Rainey and Jeffery Demps (combined 186 yards) skating past ‘Nole defenders on a wet Bobby Bowden Field.
Up Next: 12/6: SEC Champ. Game vs. Alabama

5. Texas Tech (6)
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 8
Associated Press: 8
Last Week: Won vs. Baylor 35-28
Without Michael Crabtree in the second half (injured ankle), Graham Harrell still led the Red Raiders back from a 14-point deficit. Has Bob Stoops’ thank you note arrived yet?
Up Next: Bowl Game

6. Southern Cal Trojans (5)
Record: 10-1 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 5
Associated Press: 5
Last Week: Won vs. Notre Dame 38-3
Like Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown, Pete Carroll toyed with Charlie Weis last Saturday. The Trojans did not allow a first down until the final play of the third quarter. Is the thank you note for Oregon’s Mike Bellotti in the mail yet?
Up Next: 12/6: @ UCLA

7. Penn St. Nittany Lions (7)
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 6
Associated Press: 6
Last Week: Season Complete
Penn St. wants USC in the Rose Bowl – be careful what you wish for – you might just get it.
Up Next: 1/1: Rose Bowl

8. Utah Utes (8)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 7
Associated Press: 7
Last Week: Season Complete
They appear either Fiesta Bowl or Sugar Bowl bound with Texas, Florida or Alabama waiting.
Up Next: Bowl Game

9. Boise St. Broncos (13)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 9
Associated Press: 9
Last Week: Won vs. Fresno St. 61-10
After playing more of supporting role for much of his final campaign in Boise, Ian Johnson broke free for his first 100-yard game of the season.
Next: Bowl Game

10. Ohio St. Buckeyes (11)
Record: 10-2 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 10
Associated Press: 10
Last Week: Season Complete
The Oregon St. loss could open a slot in the BCS for the Buckeyes if USC clinches the Pac-10 title.
Up Next: Bowl Game

11. Oklahoma St. Cowboys (9)
Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Coaches Poll: 15
Associated Press: 14
Last Week: Lost vs. Oklahoma 61-41
The Pokes are a very good team, with the misfortune of playing in the toughest division maybe in the history of college football.
Up Next: Bowl Game

12. TCU Horned Frogs (14)
Record: 10-2 (7-1)
Coaches Poll: 11
Associated Press: 11
Last Week: Season Complete
Leading the top total defense and run defense, not to mention the most prolific pass rush, is a major reason why Jerry Hughes is a Bronko Nagurski Finalist (nation’s best defender).
Next: Bowl Game

13. Cincinnati Bearcats (17)
Record: 10-2 (6-1)
Coaches Poll: 12
Associated Press: 13
Last Week: Won vs. Syracuse 30-10
Before Brian Kelly came to Cincinnati, the Bearcats reached 10 wins once in the program’s history – way back in 1951. Now they have two in two seasons, so it’s no surprise that Kelly is one of the hottest coaches in the business. Cincinnati also clinched the Big East title, their first conference title of any kind since 1964, when they won the Missouri Valley Conference. Win number 11 is on the horizon.
Up Next: 12/6: @ Hawaii

14. Ball St. Cardinals (15)
Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Coaches Poll: 13
Associated Press: 12
Last Week: Won vs. WMU 45-22
With three touchdown runs MiQuale Lewis reached 20 scores on the season, setting a school record, as the Cardinals won their 12th game.
Up Next: 12/5: MAC Champ. Game vs. Buffalo

15. Missouri Tigers (12)
Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Coaches Poll: 17
Associated Press: 19
Last Week: Lost vs. Kansas 40-37
It’s not fair to the Jayhawks to say the Tigers were looking ahead to the Big XII Championship Game. Chase Daniel went for 391 total yards.
Up Next: 12/6: Big 12 Champ. Game vs. Oklahoma

16. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (20)
Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Coaches Poll: 16
Associated Press: 15
Last Week: Won @ Georgia 45-42
The Ramblin’ Wreck has rumbled their way 881 yards rushing – in their last two games – with freshman Roddy Jones joining sophomore Jonathan Dwyer to form a deadly duo. They have two more years to run all over the ACC.
Up Next: Bowl Game

17. Georgia Bulldogs (10)
Record: 9-3 (6-2)
Coaches Poll: 19
Associated Press: 17
Last Week: Lost vs. Georgia Tech 45-42
This was an utter collapse for the Dawgs, who have allowed at least 38 points in four of their final five games, as Tech ran all over them.
Up Next: Bowl Game

18. Boston College Eagles (21)
Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Coaches Poll: 20
Associated Press: 18
Last Week: Won vs. Maryland 28-21
Coach Jeff Jagodzinski wins his second Atlantic Division title in as many seasons, this time led by freshmen Dominique Davis (two touchdown passes) and Montel Harris (116 rushing yards).
Up Next: 12/6: ACC Champ. Game vs. Va. Tech

19. Oregon Ducks (24)
Record: 9-3 (7-2)
Coaches Poll: 14
Associated Press: 16
Last Week: Won @ Oregon St. 65-38
One of the sweetest things in sports is knocking your rival out, which is exactly what the Ducks did on Saturday. “To go out and ruin somebody’s dreams like that, it feels real good,” was how Oregon receiver Jaison Williams put it. Jeremiah Johnson ran for 219 yards in the victory.
Up Next: Bowl Game

20. Michigan St. Spartans (18)
Record: 9-3 (6-2)
Coaches Poll: 21
Associated Press: 21
Last Week: Season Complete
Running back Javon Ringer was joined by defenders Greg Jones and Otis Wilson on the All-Big Ten Conference First Team.
Up Next: Bowl Game

21. Pittsburgh Panthers (22)
Record: 8-3 (4-2)
Coaches Poll: 23
Associated Press: 23
Last Week: Won vs. West Virginia 19-15
Behind a career-high 183 yards (two touchdowns) from sophomore LeSean “Shady” McCoy the Panthers were able to win their second straight Backyard Brawl over rival West Virginia.
Up Next: 12/6 @ UConn

22. Brigham Young Cougars (19)
Record: 10-2 (6-2)
Coaches Poll: 18
Associated Press: 20
Last Week: Season Complete
For the first time in school history the Cougars had three Academic All-Americans in David Oswald, Kellen Fowler and Matthew Bauman.
Up Next: Bowl Game

23. Oregon St. Beavers (16)
Record: 8-4 (7-2)
Coaches Poll: 24
Associated Press: 25
Last Week: Lost vs. Oregon 65-38
The Beavers could not be more disappointed as they missed out on their first Rose Bowl bid in over 40 years. Let’s not forget their loss in August to Stanford in the final seconds.
Up Next: Bowl Game

24. Northwestern Wildcats (25)
Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Coaches Poll: 22
Associated Press: 24
Last Week: Season Complete
With only one member on the First and Second All-Big Ten Teams, the ‘Cats were a true team.
Up Next: Bowl Game

25. Mississippi Rebels (NR)
Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Coaches Poll: 25
Associated Press: 22
Last Week: Won vs. MSU 45-0
The Rebels are hot. Ole Miss dominated the Bulldogs, out-gaining them 461 yards to 37.
Up Next: Bowl Game

Dropped Out: West Virginia (23)

Five to Watch: California, Iowa, Nebraska, Tulsa, Virginia Tech

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Alabama)