Q&A: Mark Ingram Postgame

Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram was selected as the BCS Championship’s Offensive MVP after his 116-yard, two-touchdown performance. He spoke with the media following the game.

Could you just talk about the emotions of accomplishing what you set out to accomplish? You win the National Championship, it's a perfect season, your names are engrained in at least the minds of National Championship fans forever. What does it mean, this accomplishment?

It's real special for our entire team and our entire organization. Since we lost to Utah last year, Coach said what do you want to be remembered as? Well, we had our mindset ongoing undefeated and winning the National Championship and winning the SEC Championship. Just the fact that we went out there and we worked every day and we had a common goal that we wanted to accomplish, it's real sweet that we're here and we took advantage of the opportunity. We're obviously proud and excited and can't wait to get to get back to Tuscaloosa and celebrate with the rest of Alabama and the rest of our team.

Could you expand on what Coach Saban was talking about, the two running back system, how you played off each other and always had that fresh pair of legs out there?

It's nothing but an advantage for our team to have two running backs, three, four running backs when they get in the game, as well, and you don't lose any production. Both of us can go out there and make plays, and we run together at night. We just both said we were going to go up for 100 yards. We said we needed to have a big game, we needed to have the team on our back tonight.

We just thrive off of each other, and even in practice. In the games when somebody is having big runs we thrive off each other in practice. When somebody is working hard and running sprints, we push each other and it helps us tremendously to elevate our games to different levels. It's going to be nothing but headaches for defense next year, next year or two.

Coach Saban talks a lot about process and about buying into his system he has over the past couple of years. Tell me, was there one particular moment for the players, the athletes, the team, a turning point when you knew it was going to work, when you really started to believe?

I remember our recruiting class, we were No. 1, and I was in what was kind of Coach Saban's first entire recruiting class, and we said we were going to win a National Championship our second year. It's kind of crazy that we actually did it.

But I remember after just seeing the seniors, like he said, buy into the program there, they had a 7-6 year before and we went 12-0, and kind of the turning point was when we lost to Florida and we lost to Utah. We weren't committed all the way, we were taking teams for granted and we didn't have the will not to be denied. We kind of took all his philosophies into perception, and this is where we are now. We had an undefeated season, and we're going to continue to try to have success.

Do you think that you've supplanted Florida as the power in the SEC?

Florida is a great team, and we're very grateful, and we worked hard all year, and that was our main goal was to beat Florida for the SEC Championship. They're a great team, and I think – I don't know. I don't know if we surpassed them, but we beat them, and we won the National Championship, so right now we're on top.

It's just a blessing, it truly is, and we worked hard for it. We shed blood, sweat and tears for this, and we're really excited right now?

What went through your mind when you saw Marcell, A) scoring the touchdown, and B) when you saw the first play when he knocked Colt McCoy out of the game?

Man, when he knocked Colt out of the game – I saw the hit, and I was like, ooh, I know that kind of hurt. But then somebody told me he was running off holding his shoulder. It was just real unfortunate for him because I got to know him as a person in New York and just know all the hard work he's put in to get to that point. It's really unfortunate that he didn't get to play in this game because I remember he was talking about it, about him having to watch the game from the sideline when he was a red shirt freshman. It was really unfortunate that he didn't get to play.

I just saw him keep moving the ball, keep trying to throw the ball, keep trying to run the ball. I was like they're going to do something, they're going to intercept the ball or do something. I saw everybody yelling and I saw Marcell taking off with the ball. He spun off somebody and then spun off another guy, threw the ball, got a 5 yard penalty, but it was all – I understand for him because D-tackles don't get in the end zone too much, so I was real proud of him. He made a big play, tremendous play that probably was the deciding factor in the game.

I didn't want to ask Coach about this because he doesn't like getting a lot of attention on himself. He is the first coach to win BCS title at two separate schools. Can you talk about what that says about him as a leader in every facet of the program?

He's just a coach that is driven, and he has a vision, and he tries to do his best to instill his characteristics in us. As you can see, like he was excited, but he was more excited for everybody else than he was more of himself. Just the things he can do to influence younger players is how he gets these national championship teams. He influences college athletes and high school athletes to buy into his system, and not only develop characteristics that' are going to help them in football but in life, as well.

I think that shows in the way he won the National Championship at LSU and turned our program around and helped us win the National Championship. He's just a great coach and he's real driven and he just tried to instill the characteristics that drive him in us, and we feed off of each other.

Mark, when you won the Heisman it was such an emotional moment for you. I'm just curious how you compared that moment with how you're feeling right now.

The Heisman was kind of shocking and something I never really expected coming into this year. And when I won the trophy, like, it was a great honor to win the trophy, but it was more than just a trophy to me. It was overcoming adversity. All throughout my life me and my family sticking together overcoming obstacles and people that tried to hold us back. A lot of emotion came from that.

This National Championship was more of everybody. I was so happy to leave my heart out there for the team, and blood, sweat and tears, we were out there running 110 sprints in 110-degree heat. We were like, ‘why are we doing this?’ Some days after practice you're like ‘why am I doing this’ or you get hurt and you're like ‘why am I doing this.’ Tonight was what it was all for, and just to know all the hard work paid off, it was more of just togetherness and a family and a feeling of all our brothers just being able to accomplish this together was real sweet for all of us. That's what the difference is.

Photo Courtesy of Alabama Athletic Media Relations

College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.14

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What's Inside:

* Inside the Nation: Gimmie Some D! Time for Heisman Voters to think Defense...

* Between the Hashes: The 75th Heisman Trophy

* On Location: Tim Tebow Wins the William V. Campbell Trophy & Touchdown Toby a Close Second (Heisman)

* One On One Former Georgia Tech Defensive End and College Football HOF Inductee Pat Swilling

* Player Spotlight on Offensive Guard John Asamoah of Illinois

* CFI's Top 25

* Bowls Previewed (Through 12.31.09): New Mexico, St. Petersburg, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Poinsettia, Hawaii, Little Caesars, Meineke Car Care, Emerald, Music City, Independence, Champs Sports, Eagle Bank, Holiday, Humanitarian, Sun, Armed Forces, Texas, Insight & Chick-fil-A

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Heisman On Location: Tebow Takes It In Stride

During the Heisman Trophy ceremony, not only was Florida’s Tim Tebow candid about not expecting to go home with the big prize, but he was also genuinely proud of Mark Ingram’s tremendous accomplishment.

“We hung out a lot, me and Mark, and I was really proud of him…I offered some words of encouragement beforehand. He was a little bit nervous; he was doing a little bit of his pre-game [routine], shaking back and forth. We actually prayed together beforehand,” revealed the all-time college great. “He’s just a great kid. He’s just a kid you want to be around—I’m really happy for him.”

Tebow was ready to move on when responding to questions of his disappointing SEC championship loss only a week ago, and told reporters that he’s determined to use the setback as motivation going into Allstate Sugar Bowl versus the upstart Cincinnati Bearcats.

In looking ahead to the NFL, the charismatic field general said he was ready to tackle the professional ranks head-on by offering: “I look forward to the challenges, quite honestly. I look forward to starting something new, a new venture…a new challenge.”

“The obstacle of trying to play in the NFL and trying to play quarterback in the NFL…that’s something I look forward to. I relish the opportunity to go out and compete against the best in the world.”

Tebow also harkened back to the unforgettable experience of winning the Heisman Trophy two years ago.

“It was very special and a lot of fun. It was an opportunity to do that as a sophomore [when] you’re still new to this college thing a little bit, so I kind of know what Mark is going through. It’s something I’ll never forget. A lot of years…a lot of stuff goes on, but you’ll never forget that.”

Heisman Ballot

This week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the most outstanding players in college football.

Outside Looking In: Golden Tate, Colt McCoy, C.J. Spiller

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Week: 28 rushes for 113 yards and three touchdowns; 2 receptions for 76 yards in a 32-13 victory over Florida.

Analysis: Ingram led the way for Alabama as the Crimson Tide physically dominated the Gators to clinch the SEC Championship and earn a berth in the BCS Championship Game.

The sophomore from Flint, Michigan finished the season fifth in the nation with 1,542 rushing yards. Ingram has been the best offensive weapon in America’s toughest defensive conference this season. He is the SEC’s leading rusher by more than 150 yards.

Clearly, Ingram was outstanding in a number of games this season (172 yards at Ole Miss, 246 against South Carolina, and 144 against LSU). However he was also inconsistent with just 30 yards at Auburn and a late fourth quarter fumble against Tennessee that almost cost the Crimson Tide a shot at the title.

While Ingram is third on our ballot, we believe that he will go on to be the actual winner on Saturday night, becoming the first player from Alabama to win the Heisman Trophy.

2. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska Cornhuskers

Last Week: 12 tackles (10 solo), seven tackles for loss; 4.5 sacks; two quarterback hurries in a 13-12 loss to Texas.

Analysis: It is generally considered that a defensive player, let alone a defensive tackle, cannot win the Heisman Trophy because he will never have the statistics or star power of his offensive counterparts.

That theory could be de-bunked on Saturday night in New York. Suh was a dominating force in the Big XII Championship game against Texas. He has been doing that to opponents all season: constantly disrupting the line of scrimmage and getting consistent pressure on the quarterback.

Suh sacked Texas quarterback and fellow Heisman finalist Colt McCoy 4.5 times. The Longhorn offensive line had been allowing just over two sacks per game. Suh doubled their average by himself.
In a season supposedly devoid of “Heisman Moments,” Suh was a revelation Saturday night in Dallas, giving us plenty of Heisman-worthy memories.

Before the game, Suh was a fringe candidate for the Heisman; clearly he’s had a great year, but maybe not good enough to get an invitation to New York. That all changed with his performance against the Longhorns. Not only did he earn the invite, but we believe he has a legitimate chance to win.

1. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford Cardinal

Last Week: Idle

Analysis: Gerhart deserves the Heisman Trophy because he fulfills two requirements that we see as essential in determining the winner: In addition to his dominance, Gerhart has been incredibly consistent this season.

The senior from Norco, CA leads the nation in rushing yards (1736) and points per game (13.3). He is also second in the nation in rushing yards per game with 144.7.

Gerhart uses his physicality and brutish running style to literally take over games. He is the best offensive player in college football. We have had Gerhart at the top of our ballot for the past two weeks and believe he should stay there.

Due to his consistently dominating body of work, Gerhart deserves to join Jim Plunkett and become the second Heisman Trophy winner from Stanford University.

Photos Courtesy of College Press Box

Q&A With Tim Tebow In NYC

By Mark Zavodnyik

Tim Tebow was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy Tuesday night in New York.

The trophy is sponsored by the National Football Foundation and presented annually to the “individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.”

Prior to the award ceremony and dinner, Tebow spoke with the media on a wide range of topics, including the Heisman Trophy, the SEC Championship Game, and his favorite football memories at the University of Florida.

-On his Heisman chances: “I think there’s a lot of great candidates,” Tebow said. “It would be tough based on that last game, that last loss [against Alabama]. It would be tough, probably a long shot. It’s just an honor that I am a finalist and that I have an opportunity [to win].”

-On getting over Saturday’s loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game: “I don’t know that I will necessarily be over it…it’s still gonna hurt,” Tebow said. “It is still something that we wanted, a dream for us. It’s how you want to go out, how you want to finish things. So yeah, it’s gonna hurt.

“But I think we are moving on and bouncing back, using it as motivation in this next game and in the next steps that I’m going to take in my life,” Tebow said.

-On what sets Alabama’s defense apart: “Well number one, their coaching. Their coaching is phenomenal,” Tebow said. “They put themselves in great positions to make plays and they game-plan what you do well and what they are going try and take away.

“And then they have great players,” Tebow added. “They have some of the best players in college football. I respect so many guys on their team. From Rolando McClain to [Terrence] Mount Cody…all of those guys. Especially Rolando McClain, just him as a person and as a player. I respect him as much as anybody I’ve played against in college football in my career.”

-On the possibility of winning the Campbell Trophy, frequently called the “Academic Heisman”: “This award means so much because it's not just how you play on the field, it's not just what you do in the classroom, but it's what you do as a leader and someone who is going to serve your community,” Tebow said.

-On what position he pictures himself playing in the NFL: “Hopefully quarterback, that’s my goal. Ever since I was very young I wanted to be a quarterback and I just want to have an on opportunity and a chance to do that, that’s all I can ask for,” Tebow said. “My goal is to be a quarterback.”

-Favorite memories as a Gator:

“Obviously beating Alabama in the SEC Championship [2008]…coming back in the fourth quarter to beat them was fun,” Tebow said.

“All the rivalry games, really. If you count Alabama as a rival, we lost two games in our career versus rivals and that’s pretty special. We didn’t lose to Tennessee or FSU [Florida State], and we only lost once to Georgia and that’s pretty special,” Tebow said.

“I think that’s one of the coolest things that I’ll take away from my time at the University of Florida because honestly, as a Gator fan you grow up and every year it’s just, ‘OK, if we beat FSU, it’s a good year…if we beat Georgia and Tennessee it’s a good year, regardless of what happens.’ So that was pretty cool for me to be able to do that.”

Photos Courtesy of The National Football Foundation

Heisman Ballot: Week 10

By MARK ZAVODNYIK

This week’s ballot is undergoing a philosophical change. No longer will it be a projection of how a typical Heisman voter may cast his/her ballot. Instead it will be our determination of the five best players in college football:

1. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: 22-of-27 passing, 268 yards, two touchdowns in a 40-14 victory over Washington State.

Analysis: Clausen continues to be one of the most impressive quarterbacks in college football. He has led his team to multiple fourth-quarter-comeback victories while battling a season-long case of turf toe. Clausen is very accurate, completing 66.9 percent of his passes against just two interceptions. He is second in the nation in passing efficiency and eighth in passing yards per game. Clausen needs another great performance against Navy this week to hold on to the top spot.

2. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 44-of-54 passing, 559 yards, five touchdowns, one interception in a 50-43 victory over Southern Miss.

Analysis: Keenum’s statistics have been so impressive this season that he deserves a spot in the top two despite his perceived disadvantage of playing for a one-loss Conference USA team. Currently Keenum leads the country in completions per game (35.6), passing yards per game (411.63), total offense per game (420.9), points responsible for per game (21.5), touchdown passes (25) and total passing yards (3293).

3. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida Gators

Last Game: 15-of-21 passing, 164 yards, two touchdowns; 18 rushes, 85 yards, 2 touchdowns in a 41-17 victory over Georgia.

Analysis: Florida fans finally got the Heisman-type game they want from Tebow. The senior from Jacksonville was very impressive with over 200 yards of offense and four total touchdowns as the Gators demolished Georgia. In addition to his passing duties at quarterback, Tebow is Florida’s leading rusher with 551 yards on the season.

4. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 16-of-21 passing, 171 yards, one touchdown; 11 rushes for 34 yards in a 41-14 victory over Oklahoma State.

Analysis: McCoy was efficient in a game where the Texas defense suffocated the Oklahoma State offense. Nonetheless, “efficient” is not a word that McCoy needs to describe his performances if he going to stay on the ballot. McCoy has the opportunity to be spectacular with a home game against UCF coming this week. He could be in line for big day as his best statistical performances of the year have come against non-Big 12 opponents

5. Golden Tate, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: Four receptions for 80 yards, one touchdown; 4 rushes for 61 yards, 1 touchdown in a 40-14 victory over Washington State.

Analysis: Tate is a dynamic threat in the passing game as well as in Notre Dame’s wildcat offense. His acrobatic catches have become a common occurrence. In this week’s victory over Washington State, Tate made an incredible catch on a Hail Mary pass over three Cougar defenders as the first half expired. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis was impressed, “It was probably one of the most phenomenal catches I've seen anyone make, ever," Weis said after the game.

Outside Looking In: RB Mark Ingram (Alabama), RB CJ Spiller (Clemson), RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State), QB Kellen Moore (Boise State), DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)

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

DANNY WUERFFEL On All Access Football Radio

Danny Wuerffel talks with College Football Insiders Founder and NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon about his playing days in Gainesville as a Florida Gator, Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow, the adjustments a quarterback has to make from college to the pros and life after football. Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Draddy Trophy and the Davey O’Brien Award (among other awards) on his way to a National Championship in 1996. He won four SEC titles and set 17 school records during his college career. Currently the former signal caller—who spent time with the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins of the NFL—gives out his own award, the Danny Wuerffel Trophy. More importantly, Wuerffel works with Desire Street Ministries to help the impoverished.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Davey O'Brien Award)

Heisman - Barrier Shattered

While Tim Tebow did not become the second player to win a second Heisman Trophy, Sam Bradford made it back-to-back sophomores taking home the hardware. A year after Tebow broke through by becoming the first sophomore to win the illustrious trophy, “underclassmen winning” was not even a topic of discussion. Expect the trend to continue.

Players are coming in better prepared to play and contribute at a high level from day one and many of the top would-be seniors are already playing in the league where they play for pay.

Top Sophomore Candidates for 2009:

1. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio St. QB – The Buckeyes’ signal caller got his feet wet this season and the Vince Young clone appears ready to flourish next season.

2. Caleb King, Georgia, RB – Assuming Knowshon Moreno leaves early for the NFL, it will open the door for King to be the man, running behind an improved offensive line.

3. Robert Griffin, Baylor, QB – If he were at a bigger school, Griffin may be at number one. He is every bit the two-way talent that TP is.

4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, QB – Bobby Petrino knows how to coach up his quarterbacks, so expect the Michigan transfer to put up some big numbers next season.

5. Jacquizz Rogers, Oregon St., RB – The “Quizz Show” is already a household name among voters and will be the returning Pac-10 rushing champ.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (University of Oklahoma), SEC Sports Media

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)

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

This Date in College Football History

December 15, 1962: Heisman Trophy winner Terry Baker (1982 College Football Hall of Fame inductee) records the longest run in bowl history with a 99-yard scamper, as Oregon State blanks Villanova 6-0 at the Liberty Bowl in Philadelphia's Municipal Stadium.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

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)

BRADFORD TO EXPLORE OPTIONS

Oklahoma red shirt sophomore Sam Bradford told an Oklahoma newspaper that he will be exploring his options for the 2009 draft in the next few weeks. Bradford said he and his father plan to consult with NFL coaches, general managers and scouts before deciding whether to return to the Sooners next season. Bradford was one of three players named as finalists for this year's Heisman Trophy after he led the nation in passing efficiency this season while throwing for a school-record 4,464 yards for the 12-1 Sooners who will play Florida in the BCS title game in January.

Ralph Mancini and Ross Mandel of the NFL Draft Bible give their take:

Mancini's Take: If you're looking for a quarterback who makes quick decisions with a good arm, size, impressive mobility and impeccable accuracy, Bradford has all that and more. The talented Sooner really sold me on his future as a pro in a recent game versus Texas Tech in which Bradford continually used his feet to evade the rush and create passing lanes--something that the less-athletic Graham Harrell did not do. This kid looks like a winner to me, Rosstradamus.

Mandel's Take: Indeed he does, Rev...Bradford has the most important tools to be successful at the next level--a quick mind, a strong arm, and an accurate delivery. He also has moxie and as the Rev said, he's a winner. Bradford's timed speed is in the 4.7-4.8 range, but he has great pocket presence and to the best of my knowledge, no one has ever put a stopwatch on a quarterback's escapability--it's a matter of instinct and know-how, not timed speed. However, Bradford still has two years of eligibility left and although he'd be the first quarterback taken in the draft this coming April, he and his family haven't made a decision yet on his future.

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

This Date in College Football History

December 13, 1997: Michigan's Charles Woodson is named the first predominately defensive player to receive the Heisman Trophy in the 63 years of the award. Woodson and the Wolverines go on to defeat Washington State in the 1998 Rose Bowl, claiming a perfect 12-0 season and a share of the National Championship.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

This Date in College Football History

December 9, 1935: Chicago's Jay Berwanger is named the first recipient of the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy for college player of the year honors. Following John Heisman's death less than a year later, the DAC Trophy was renamed the Heisman Memorial Trophy as a fitting tribute to football innovator. Ironically, Berwanger and Heisman would later be named as fellow inductees in the 1954 College Football Hall of Fame Class.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

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)