BCS Postgame Central

Get all the postgame quotes from the BCS Championship game, including both head coaches, as well as the offensive and defensive MVPs.

Alabama Crimson Tide:

Nick Saban talks about winning his second BCS Championship and more.

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Mark Ingram speaks after winning Offensive MVP.

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Marcell Dareus speaks after winning Offensive MVP.

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Texas Longhorns:

Losing Head Coach Mack Brown speaks to the media.

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Senior speaks after posting a game-high receptions and yards.

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Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Q&A: Marcell Dareus Postgame

Alabama sophomore defensive end Marcell Dareus, a rising star and a key cog to Nick Saban's 3-4 defense, spoke to the media following Alabama's victory in the BCS Championship. He made the pivotal play of the game when he returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 24-6 lead heading into halftime earning him defensive MVP honors.

I just wondered if you could talk about the big plays you had, the one where you did knock out Colt McCoy when you hit him, if you knew he was hurt, and then obviously the interception return, as well.

When it came to the first play of McCoy, I really didn't try to hit him that hard. I didn't want to hurt him. It was a part of the game. You don't think, you just react, and I just reacted to what I saw. It is a part of the game. I didn't really try to hurt him.

But they tried to shuffle pass and Brandon Deaderick caught the running back while he was fumbling it, and my first reaction was grab the ball, and then after that I blanked out, and all I was thinking about is Mark Ingram and Javier (Arenas) and just doing moves I didn't think I could do. I was like, I can't believe I pulled off that screen. I saw that lineman coming for my legs, and my first reaction was to spin. I looked to my left and I saw Eryk Anders, I knew it was a touchdown. I could not wait to get to the end zone.

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?

Coach always talked about working hard. It's always good to bring it back. We worked all year for it, and we put in the time, we put in the sweat, and we all hurt. As you can see, I have a knee brace and an elbow brace on the left side of my body. It was pretty hard, but we pushed through it.

Coach always told us work hard. If you're hurt, sit down. If you feel like you can play, go out there and play and give it your all. Don't go out there and half step because you think you're hurt. Give it your all, and we just went out there and played our best, not taking anything from Texas.

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 would say last year when me and Mark were freshmen, and we saw a lot of the seniors and upperclassmen bought into the system. They had the same team we had the year before and bought into the system and turned our whole program around. We will always be remembered as the team that turned the University of Alabama program around. As they bought into the system, we were like we were going to make it our thing to buy into the system, and it took a little bit of – now we won the National Championship. We got our first Heisman Trophy winner, and me, I can't believe I got Defensive MVP. We just came so far and worked so hard, and that's why we bought into the system, and we knew it was going to work.

When Colt went out of the game and you're facing the opponent, are you seeing, are you smelling fear, or did you see more determination in them?

I really didn't know that Colt was hurt. He wasn't playing anymore until I got to the sideline a couple plays after. It wasn't about seeing the fear, I saw determination. They were like, man, we're not going down without a fight. Just because our leader is down, we're still going to play hard, we're still going to give them a fight.

I mean, I saw more determination in them. They weren't going to give up. I knew they weren't going to give up. The quarterback just had to work his way – when he got in, he warmed up, and he started doing better. He did hurt us and stuff like that, but we fought through that. I knew he wasn't going to stop, so we couldn't stop ourselves.

Marcell, coming from the Birmingham area, do you have anything you want to tell your friends and family back home watching the game, and the second part of that is, when you came out of Huffman High School are these the things that you envisioned?

Of course not. You know, I came out of Birmingham, I was a mediocre recruit. I felt like I was always better, but I mean, it is what it is. I didn't think I was going to work hard and get to where I am today, where I am now, and accomplish the things that I have accomplished.

I mean, my coaches always told me hard work isn’t going to hurt nobody, and I always worked hard for everything. I knew it wouldn't come easy and I knew what it was going to take to get it.

And so as for everybody back home watching the game, Roll, Tide, Roll, and I'll be back in the house before this weekend.

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

Click Here to Download.

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 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

SEC Football Individual Awards Announced

Tebow, McClain, Arenas, Norman, Black and Saban given league’s top honors

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain and Alabama return specialist Javier Arenas were voted as the Southeastern Conference’s top offensive player, top defensive player and top special teams player, respectively, in a vote of the league’s coaches, it was announced on Wednesday.

The league’s coaches also selected Tebow and Vanderbilt return specialist/running back Warren Norman as the league’s scholar-athlete of the year and top freshman performer, respectively. It was the second straight year for Tebow to receive the academic honor.

LSU offensive lineman Ciron Black was selected as the recipient of the Jacobs Trophy, given to the league’s top blocker. Alabama’s Nick Saban was voted by his peers as the SEC Coach of the Year.

All of this year’s individual award winners were named first-team All-SEC in voting by the league’s coaches that was announced on Tuesday, outside of Norman, who was second team. There were no unanimous selections to this year’s individual award winners.

The 2009 first-team All-SEC quarterback from the Associated Press and SEC, Tebow leads the SEC in completion percentage (65.2), is second in passing efficiency (155.6), lowest interception percentage (1.8) and rushing touchdowns (13) in the league. He is the only player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season, with 32 passing and 23 rushing scores in 2007, and ranks first in the SEC’s record book for the most career rushing touchdowns.

McClain was named the 2009 SEC Defensive Player of the Year after leading one of the nation's top defensive units with 101 tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss (-58 yards) and four sacks (-36 yards). He also added 14 quarterback pressures, three pass breakups, two interceptions (21 return yards) and forced one fumble. He anchors a defense that leads the nation in scoring defense (11.0 ppg) and pass efficiency defense (88.81 rating) while ranking second in rushing defense (77.9 ypg) and total defense (241.69 ypg). The Tide are also seventh nationally in pass defense (177.82 ypg).

Arenas was a first-team All-SEC selection at two positions. He was selected at cornerback after recording 66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups and three interceptions this season. He was also honored as a return specialist, where he accumulated more than 1,000 return yards and one touchdown this season. The Tampa, Fla., native is also the SEC's all-time leader with 1,733 career punt return yards, which leaves him 28 yards shy of Wes Welker's NCAA career punt return record.

Norman broke several SEC and Vanderbilt marks in his first Commodore season. He amassed 1,941 all-purpose yards, breaking a 29-year-old SEC freshman record set by legendary Georgia back Herschel Walker in addition to the all-time Vanderbilt record. Norman also topped the SEC with an average of 161.8 all-purpose yards, becoming the first freshman to lead the league in that stat category since Walker. Norman became just the second SEC player ever to return three kickoffs for touchdowns.

Boasting a 3.66 grade point average as a Family, Youth & Community Sciences major, Tebow has twice been named the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year. Based on his combined scholastic achievement and campus involvement, Tebow also recently earned induction into the University's Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to students by the Division of Student Affairs at Florida.

Black, who was named to the All-SEC first team, has started 52 straight games at left tackle, which tied the school record of consecutive starts set by Andrew Whitworth. With one more start in the Capital One Bowl, Black will become the school’s record holder in that category. Black was a second-team All-SEC selection last season.

Saban has guided the Crimson Tide to a No. 1 BCS ranking and berth in the BCS National Championship Game after compiling a 13-0 record this season and securing the school's 22nd SEC Championship. Alabama will face No. 2 Texas on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. In three years at Alabama, Saban has compiled a 32-8 (.800) overall record and has led the Tide to back-to-back SEC Western Division titles. The Crimson Tide has won 26 of its last 28 games, dating back to the 2007 season.

2009 SEC FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Offensive Player of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Defensive Player of the Year: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Special Teams Player of the Year: Javier Arenas, RS, Alabama
Freshman of the Year: Warren Norman, RS/RB, Vanderbilt
Jacobs Blocking Trophy: Ciron Black, OL, LSU

Rolando McClain Named Butkus Award Winner

Tuscaloosa, Ala. (December 8, 2009) – The 25th annual Butkus Award® honoring the nation’s top collegiate linebacker was presented today to Rolando McClain from the University of Alabama. Pro Football Hall of Fame legend and the Award’s namesake Dick Butkus, and his son Matt, surprised McClain during a campus visit today.

McClain, a 6’4” 258 lb. junior from Decatur, Ala., received 66 total points (15 first-place votes). He finished ahead of Brandon Spikes of Florida (47 points, 8 first place), Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri (30 points, 5 first place), Sergio Kindle of Texas (30 points, 1 first place) and Eric Norwood of South Carolina (10 points).

A three-year starter, McClain leads the Alabama defense which is ranked second nationally in total defense and rush defense. He finished the regular season with 101 tackles, including 51 unassisted, 12.5 for a loss, four sacks and two interceptions. He produced at least five tackles in 12 of the Tide’s 13 games this season and was responsible for making all defensive calls and audibles. McClain was a Butkus Award finalist as a sophomore in 2008.

"The feedback from our voters was that this may have been the toughest choice ever with all five of our finalists and a few more young men who didn't make the cut all having incredible years,” said Hub Arkush, who coordinated the prestigious 51-person panel of selectors.

“In the end the combination of McClain's All American individual performances, his leadership on the No. 1 team in the country, and his outstanding character on and off the field made him a most deserving winner."

McClain is the second Alabama player and third Southeastern Conference player to win the Butkus Award. The late Derrick Thomas, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009 after an 11-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, won the Butkus Award following the 1988 season. Patrick Willis of Mississippi, who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers, won the Butkus Award following the 2006 season.

In addition to the collegiate honor, a Butkus Award will be presented to the top linebacker at the high school and professional levels. A reception honoring all three winners is expected in late February 2010. Details will be posted at www.thebutkusaward.com.

Last year’s Butkus Award winners included: Professional - DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys; Collegiate – Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (now Seattle Seahawks); High School – Manti Te’o, Punahou High School, Hawaii (now Notre Dame).

The Butkus Award is selected by a 51-person panel comprised mostly of scouts, coaches and journalists, and coordinated by Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly. Selectors follow all rules of their leagues. Individual votes remain completely confidential.

The Butkus Award is part of the National College Football Awards Association, a coalition of the major collegiate awards. More information is available at www.NCFAA.org.

The Butkus Award is named after Dick Butkus, who is considered one of the greatest football players in history. Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, following an illustrious career with the Chicago Bears, University of Illinois and Chicago Vocational School. Butkus and his son Matt want the Butkus Award to draw attention to the I Play Clean™ campaign, which aims to end steroid use in organized sports. More information is available at www.iplayclean.org.

The other finalists were Florida's Brandon Spikes, Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon, South Carolina's Eric Norwood and Texas' Sergio Kindle.

The only other Tide player to win the Butkus was Derrick Thomas in 1988.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Heisman Ballot: Week 14

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford Cardinal

Last Game: 29 rushes for 205 yards and three touchdowns; one reception for 33 yards; 1-of-1 passing for 18 yards and one touchdown in a 45-38 victory over Notre Dame.

Analysis: Gerhart was dominant once again in Stanford’s victory over the Fighting Irish. Gerhart's final touchdown run came when Notre Dame allowed Stanford to score in order to save time. Of course, this play resembled Gerhart’s 28 other rushes when Notre Dame had no answer for his physicality and toughness. Gerhart is now the nation’s rushing leader by more than 100 yards.

2. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 24-of-40 passing for 304 yards and four touchdowns; 18 rushes for 175 yards and one touchdown in a 49-39 victory over Texas A&M.

Analysis: McCoy had his best all-around game of the year as Texas completed an undefeated (12-0) regular season. His 175 rushing yards were a career high. McCoy is peaking at the right time and has put himself square in the middle of the Heisman discussion while others (Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller) have fallen off. He has a great opportunity to claim votes from Gerhart this weekend as Texas plays Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship Game, while Stanford is idle.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 16 rushes for 30 yards; three receptions for 21 yards in a 26-21 victory over Auburn.

Analysis: Ingram struggled to establish himself as Alabama evaded disaster in an exciting Iron Bowl victory over Auburn. True freshman Trent Richardson was actually more effective than Ingram, rushing for 51 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. To add injury to insult, Ingram suffered a hip pointer in the second half.

It was not the first time this season that Ingram has been neutralized by an opponent. He was limited to just 50 and 99 yards against Tennessee and Arkansas respectively. Nonetheless, Ingram has a shot to claim the Heisman Trophy this weekend in the year’s most anticipated match-up, the SEC Championship game against Florida.

4. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: Nine rushes for 18 yards; three receptions for 19 yards; 2 kick returns for 102 yards and one kick return for touchdown in a 34-17 loss to South Carolina.

Analysis: Spiller exploded out of the gates against the in-state rival Gamecocks, returning the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. With the score, he set a NCAA record with seven career kickoff returns for touchdowns. However, his star faded the rest of the game as Clemson could not keep up with the Gamecocks. Spiller needs a huge performance against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game to catapult himself into the top spot.

5. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 25-of-31 passing for 323 yards and two touchdowns in Houston’s 73-14 victory over Rice.

Analysis: Keenum continued his ridiculous statistical season leading Houston, as the Cougars scored a whopping 73 points over Rice. His stats for the game may look pedestrian compared to the rest of his body of work this year, but one has to remember--Keenum did not play in the second half.

Outside Looking In: DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame), QB Tim Tebow (Florida)

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Bowl Projections

Breaking down the bowl schedule and potential match-ups.

THE TITLE GAME:

1.7.10 - Citi BCS Championship Game (BCS #1 vs. BCS #2) Texas vs. Alabama

THE BCS BOWLS:

1.1.10 - Rose Bowl presented by Citi (BCS/Big Ten Champ If Available vs. BCS/Pac-10 Champ If Available) Ohio State vs. Oregon

1.1.10 - Allstate Sugar Bowl (BCS/SEC Champ If Available vs. BCS) Florida vs. TCU

1.4.10 - Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (BCS/Big 12 Champ If Available vs. BCS) Boise State vs. Cincinnati

1.5.10 - FedEx Orange Bowl (BCS/ACC Champ If Available vs. BCS) Georgia Tech vs. Iowa

THE REST OF THE BOWL SCHEDULE:

12.19.09 - New Mexico Bowl (WAC vs. Mountain West) Nevada vs. Wyoming

12.20.09 - R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (C-USA vs. Sun Belt) Marshall vs. Troy

12.19.09 - St. Petersburg Bowl (Big East vs. C-USA) South Florida vs. Central Florida

12.22.09 - Las Vegas Bowl (Mountain West vs. Pac-10) BYU vs. Oregon State

12.23.09 - San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (Mountain West vs. Pac-10 or WAC) Utah vs. Arizona

12.24.09 - Sheraton Hawaii Bowl (WAC vs. C-USA) Fresno State vs. SMU

12.26.09 - Meineke Car Care Bowl (Big East vs. ACC) West Virginia vs. Clemson

12.26.09 - Little Caesars Bowl (MAC vs. Big Ten) Central Michigan vs. UCLA

12.26.09 - Emerald Bowl (Pac-10 vs. ACC) California vs. North Carolina

12.27.09- Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (ACC vs. SEC) Boston College vs. Georgia

12.28.09 - AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (SEC vs. Big 12) South Carolina vs. Missouri

12.29.09 - EagleBank Bowl (ACC vs. Army/Conference USA) Southern Mississippi vs. Northern Illinois

12.29.09 - Champs Sports Bowl - (ACC vs. Big Ten) Florida State vs. Michigan State

12.30.09 - Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl (WAC vs. Mountain West) Idaho vs. Bowling Green

12.30.09 - Texas Bowl (Big XII vs. Navy) Iowa State vs. Navy

12.30.09 - Pacific Life Holiday Bowl (Pac-10 vs. Big XII) USC vs. Nebraska

12.31.09 - Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Mountain West vs. C-USA) Air Force vs. East Carolina

12.31.09 - Burt Sun Bowl (Pac-10 vs. Big 12/Big East/Notre Dame) Stanford vs. Oklahoma

12.31.09 - Insight Bowl (Big 12 vs. Big Ten) Texas A&M vs. Minnesota

12.31.09 - Chick-Fil-A Bowl (SEC vs. ACC) Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech

1.1.10 - Outback Bowl (Big Ten vs. SEC) Wisconsin vs. Auburn

1.1.10 - Capital One Bowl (SEC vs. Big Ten) LSU vs. Penn State

1.1.10 - Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (ACC vs. Big 12/Big East/Notre Dame) Miami (FL) vs. Pittsburgh

1.2.10 - International Bowl (Big East vs. MAC) Connecticut vs. Temple

1.2.10 - Papa John.com Bowl (Big East vs. SEC) Rutgers vs. Kentucky

1.2.10 - AT&T Cotton Bowl (Big 12 - SEC) Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss

1.2.10 - AutoZone Liberty Bowl (C-USA vs. SEC) Houston vs. Arkansas

1.2.10 - Valero Alamo Bowl (Big Ten vs. Big 12) Northwestern vs. Texas Tech

1.6.10 - GMAC Bowl (ACC or WAC) Middle Tennessee State vs. Ohio

Photos Courtesy of College Press Box, University of California, OU Athletics Department

College Football Insiders Radio - Week 14

The voice of college football is here as CFI Founder Daniel Mogollon brings you coast-to-coast coverage of all the football action from across the nation, every Thursday at 5:00pm ET. 60 min.

Special Guests:

* Editor Kirk McNair of 'Bama Magazine & 'BamaMag.com

* Columnist Kirk Bohls of the Austin-American Statesman

* Florida Beat Writer Jeremy Folwer of the Orlando Sentinel

* NFL Draft Bible Super Scout & Former Oregon State Beaver Kelron Sykes

* Join us as we break down the SEC Championship, Big XII Championship, ACC Championship, Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh, Oregon State @ Oregon and more in this week's edition of College Football Insiders Radio.

CLICK TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD (30 Minutes After Show's Completion)

Call-in Number: (347) 945-6275

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Heisman Ballot: Week 12

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 18 rushes for 97 yards, one touchdown; 3 receptions for 48 yards, one touchdown; 1-of-1 passing, 17 yards, 1 touchdown in a 43-22 victory over NC State.

Analysis: Spiller showcased his versatility against the Wolfpack on Saturday. He found the end zone in three different ways: rushing, receiving, and even throwing a touchdown pass in the second quarter. Spiller is the most dynamic running back college football has seen since Reggie Bush.

2. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 33-of-56 passing, 377 yards, three touchdowns, one interception in a 37-32 loss to UCF.

Analysis: Keenum’s Heisman chances took a big hit on Saturday when the Cougars fell to Central Florida. Houston had a 17-3 lead in the second quarter, but Central Florida rallied, building a 37-20 lead in the fourth quarter. If not for two late touchdown throws by Keenum, the game wouldn’t have been close. Despite his incredible statistics, Keenum will likely have to settle for an invitation to New York without actually winning the trophy.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 19 rushes for 149 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-3 victory over Mississippi State

Analysis: Ingram continues to put up great numbers in the country’s best defensive conference. The SEC’s leading rusher is the most consistent and potent offensive weapon on the nation’s second ranked team. Ingram’s 70-yard touchdown run on Saturday was his longest of the season.

4. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford Cardinal

Last Game: 29 rushes for 178 yards and three touchdowns in Stanford’s 55-21 victory over USC.

Analysis: The newest entry to the ballot could very well be the eventual winner. Gerhart had quietly put together a very solid season before Saturday’s victory over Southern Cal. However Gerhart will no longer lurk behind the scenes. Stanford’s big, physical rusher played a huge role in Stanford’s dominant performance over USC. The Cardinal finished with 55 points, more than any opponent has ever scored on the Trojans in the history of USC football. Gerhart is third in the nation in rushing with 1395 yards.

5. Golden Tate, Receiver, Notre Dame

Last Game: Nine receptions for 113 yards, one touchdown, two punt returns for 101 yards, one touchdown in a 27-22 loss to Pittsburgh.

Analysis: Tate will likely not be a Heisman finalist. Regardless he is one of the nation’s most electrifying and impressive players. Tate continued a season of clutch performances with two fourth quarter touchdowns that almost single-handedly allowed Notre Dame to earn a comback victory over Pittsburgh.

Outside Looking In: Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Colt McCoy (Texas), Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)

Photo Courtesy of Clemson SID

College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.10

Inside College Football Insiders 3.10:

* Inside the Nation: Welcome to the "House of Spears" & Week 10 Opportunities Lost

* Between the Hashes: Roll Tide Roll (Plus Bayou Bengals Bite)

* On Location: From the Big House

* One On One with Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald

* Player Spotlight on John Clay of Wisconsin

* Game of the Week: Iowa @ Ohio State in the Battle for the Big Ten Title

* Conference Focus on the Big East - Mardy Gilyard, Noel Devine & USF DBs

* Plus...the Top 25, BCS Busters, Fans Weekend Guide & Football Fans Four-Pack

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Photo Courtesy of Northwestern: Stephen J. Carrera

CFI Heisman Ballot: Week 11

By Mark Zavodnyik

This Week’s Heisman Ballot is our determination of the five best players in college football. Here is the Heisman Trophy ballot we would submit if the season ended today.

1. Case Keenum, Quarterback, Houston Cougars

Last Game: 40-of-60 passing, 522 yards, and three touchdowns in a 46-45 victory over Tulsa.

Analysis: The nation’s leader in completions, yards, and touchdown passes led a miraculous fourth quarter comeback victory over Tulsa. The Cougars appeared finished when they failed on a two-point conversion with 21 seconds remaining in the game. However, a successful on-side kick and a 51-yard field goal later, the Cougars emerged with an amazing victory. Keenum had his second consecutive game with more than 500 passing yards.

2. C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 22 rushes for 165 yards, one touchdown; three receptions for 68 yards, one touchdown in a 40-24 victory over Florida State.

Analysis: Spiller remains one of the most electric players in college football. His 312 all-purpose yards against Florida State broke the school record of 310 he set two weeks ago. Spiller is fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 199.33. This week’s performance included a 45-yard run, a 58-yard touchdown reception and a mini-Heisman pose after his five-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last Game: 22 rushes for 144 yards; five receptions for 30 yards in a 24-15 victory over LSU.

Analysis: Ingram was stymied by LSU’s defense in the first half and gained just 36 yards. However he came to life in the second half with 106 yards to lead the Crimson Tide to victory in a tough, physical contest in Tuscaloosa. Ingram is sixth in the nation in yards per game at 127.6; pretty impressive considering he plays in the country’s best defensive conference.

4. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 33-of-42 passing, 470 yards, two touchdowns, one interception in a 35-3 victory over Central Florida.

Analysis: McCoy’s production is improving at the right time. While he may have been forcing throws earlier in the season, McCoy has settled in and appears ready for a November Heisman push. With Baylor, Kansas, and Texas A&M left on the schedule, McCoy has ample opportunities to keep putting up big numbers.

5. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame.

Last Game: 37-of-51 passing, 452 yards, two touchdowns, one interception in a 23-21 loss to Navy.

Analysis: Clausen’s Heisman hopes faded with the disastrous loss to the Midshipmen. Clausen played another great game, setting a school record for completions in a game. However, his fumble on the goal-line at the end of the third quarter was a costly error.

Outside Looking In: Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Golden Tate (Notre Dame), Tim Tebow (Florida)

Photo Courtesy of University of Houston, University of Texas Athletics

Draft Watch: LSU @ Alabama

* The Quarterbacks: Right now, neither signal caller—LSU’s Jordan Jefferson or Alabama’s Greg McElroy—is at the forefront in terms of quarterback prospects. Of the two, Jefferson (6’ 5”/19 years old) has more upside—he’s younger, bigger and faster. The true sophomore was forced into early action last year and not surprisingly has been inconsistent. Through the first six games of the season, LSU was conservative. Not that they didn’t allow their quarterback to throw the ball, they did, Jefferson attempted more than 25 passes in four straight games leading up to the Florida game. However, he wasn’t put in game-deciding situations, especially when they played Florida. Coming off a bye week, Jefferson set career-highs with his 21 completions, 31 attempts and 242 yards against Auburn. Last week against Tulane, he averaged a season-best 9.6 yards per attempt. Now, Tulane isn’t Alabama (btw…neither is Auburn), so it will be interesting to see if head coach Les Miles chooses to put the game in Jefferson’s hands or not this Saturday. How Jefferson performs against Alabama’s stout defense, could go a long way in his progress as a quarterback.

While Jefferson is progressing, McElroy appears to be regressing. In his first two games, the junior out of Texas threw for 471 yards; and in his first SEC start he torched Arkansas for 291 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) on 17-of-24 passing. In the four games since then, McElroy has failed to reach 150 yards in any single game, throwing for a season-low 92 yards with two interceptions (no touchdowns) against South Carolina. At Ole Miss he completed just 44.1 percent of his passes. In his last three games, McElroy has lead the Crimson Tide to one offensive touchdown, as Alabama has bogged down whenever they get into the red zone. Their only offensive touchdown in the last two games, saw Mark Ingram take five straight snaps from the Wildcat formation against South Carolina as he led the way to the end zone. An extra week to prepare did worlds of wonders for Jefferson, we’ll learn on Saturday if this is the answer to McElroy’s woes. Although he is a junior and 21 years old, prior to this season, McElroy attempted just 20 passes in his career. The extra practice time is an opportunity to work on some individual skills. McElroy has a solid arm and frame (6’ 3/220) and early on it appeared Alabama might actually expand their offense from a year ago. But he has struggled against tougher defenses; this is a chance for the Southlake native to turn that around.

* Running Between the Tackles: With Charles Scott checking in at 6’ 0”/234 pounds and Ingram 5’ 10”/212 pounds, the two backs don’t physically resemble each other, but both do most of their damage between the tackles. A senior, Scott entered the season as one of the top running backs for the Draft Class of 2010. He is a big bruising back whose greatest asset is his lower body strength. Scott keeps those legs churning and does an excellent job of leaning forward to get that extra yard or two. The Louisiana native’s numbers are down significantly from a year ago—1,174 yards, 5.4 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns to 459 yards, 4.5 yards per carry and four touchdowns. A big game in Tuscaloosa and Scott can regain some lost momentum.

Conversely, Ingram has thrust him into the Heisman conversation with his play this season—1,004 yards, 6.6 yards per carry and eight touchdowns. Ingram is an extinctive runner who uses his great vision to find the wholes and when they aren’t there initially, he possesses the patience to let the wholes develop and allow his blockers to do what they have to do. Ingram is a powerful runner—low center of gravity, great leg drive and he always keeps his legs moving after contact. The Michigan native does a nice job coming out of the backfield as a receiver as well; he looks to immediately take it up-field, he doesn’t dance, but can make people miss with his moves or by running them over. He makes such quick cuts in the open field. Ingram leads the SEC with 11 total touchdowns. The only thing missing from Ingram’s game is breakaway speed, but his game speed may be underrated.

* The Pass Catchers: At 6’ 4” and 211 pounds, true sophomore Julio Jones has prototypical size for a wide receiver—the youngster already looks like an NFL wide out. He is among the most talented pass catchers in the nation despite pedestrian numbers (20 receptions, 220 yards, one touchdown), which have been curtailed this season by some nagging injuries for Jones, as well as very inconsistent play by first year starting quarterback McElroy. They are a shocking 0-for-12 when trying to hook up in the red zone. Jones is a mismatch for most defensive backs—he cannot only run away from defenders, but the kid is so physical. He’s almost like a tight end, seeking out DBs to punish when he gets the ball in his hands. Throw out the numbers…with an extra week to rest, Jones could be a ticking time bomb ready to explode. Jones is also the Tide’s backup punt returner and he has surprising quicks for a guy so big. He will be the best receiver on the field this Saturday.

LSU does not have a clear cut number one wide receiver—junior Terrance Toliver leads the team with his 38 receptions and 501 yards, not to far behind is senior Brandon LaFell who has recorded 37 receptions for 478 and a conference-high eight touchdown grabs. At 6’ 3” and 206 pounds, LaFell has an excellent combination of size and speed. He is a very natural and fluid runner with the ball in his hands; dangerous after the catch, which is why the Tigers often like to get him the ball quickly—don’t be surprised to see more than one screen pass go LaFell’s way. He is not afraid to across the middle of the field. After a disappointing sophomore season, Tolliver has finally broken out as a junior and provides the Bayou Bengals with another player who can stretch the field. At 6’ 5” Tolliver is a big target and LSU’s Jefferson will look to use that long frame. Tolliver makes his opponents pay primarily working the sidelines. He is not as polished as LaFell, but may have more upside once he reaches his full potential. He still needs to be more consistent with his route running and at only 206 pounds at his height; the Texas native could pack on a few pounds. LaFell and Tolliver give the Bayou Bengals two wide outs who will challenge Alabama’s talented secondary.

Don’t sleep on the tight ends either. Georgia Tech transfer Colin Peek has flashed the ability to make plays for Alabama. He has a solid frame at 6’ 6” and 255 pounds and he can go get the football. Senior Richard Dickson for LSU isn’t as big (6’ 3”/240 pounds) as Peek, but is probably more dangerous after the catch. Dickson projects as a potential H-Back or even fullback at the next level.

* The ‘Backers – Stud/Sleeper: Alabama’s Rolando McClain is a no-doubt NFL talent and the best overall prospect in this game of prospects. There may not be a better defender in the nation. McClain has the size (6’ 4”/258), speed, instincts and intelligence to play almost any linebacker position. Ideally, he will fit in as inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense with he bulk to take blockers head on, shed them and make the play. He is also a student of the game and seams to improve on a weekly basis, with the knowledge and leadership skills that are earning him a reputation as a coach on the field. He should be a top 10 pick when he decides he is ready for the NFL. On the other of the field, LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard is one of the most underrated linebackers in the country (bright, can play all three linebacker positions). He possesses athleticism, speed, quickness and a very good frame (6’ 3”/239). Sheppard comes in playing his best football; he’s a sure tackler who has the ability to make plays in the backfield. The junior hasn’t had the hype of previous LSU linebackers such as Ali Highsmith and Darry Beckwith, but he will play on Sundays.

* Ranking the DBs: Where do we begin? Not only do all four starters on each team have a chance to play on Sundays, but so do some of their backups:

(1) Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – The sophomore has it all—size, speed and athleticism. It will be fun with him match-up one-on-one with Jones; Peterson more than held his own when locked up with Georgia’s A.J. Green earlier in the season. Not just a cover guy, this kid is a football player who will play against the run.

(2) Chad Jones, FS, LSU – The junior has really stepped up his game in his third season on the Bayou. Since he was a freshman we all knew the ability was there, but he was raw, more an athlete than a football player. This season it is starting to come together. Jones can fly and at 6’ 3” and 225 pounds he has prototypical size. He has also displayed the knack for making the big play at the right time.

(3) Mark Barron, SS, Alabama – The sophomore safety leads the SEC in both pass deflections with 11 and interceptions with four. Like Peterson and Jones, Barron brings both size (6’ 2”/214) and speed, and if the numbers are any indication, he possesses the ball skills. Barron waited his turn last season behind Rashad Johnson and this year he has more than lived up to the recruiting hype. Jefferson must know were he is at all times.

(4) Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama – Jackson has excellent instincts and displays an understanding of the game. He gets his hands on the ball a lot and often it appears as if he knows it’s coming, which speaks to his ability to translate the game plan to the field. Not as big as Peterson, but Jackson is not undersized by any means (6’ 0”/193).

(5) Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama – Arenas is a unique player among this group. He lacks ideal length (5’ 9”) but is built solid (195 pounds). He also plays big—his four sacks are second on the team and the senior leads the Crimson Tide with his 8.5 tackles for a loss. It’s safe to say he is very comfortable playing near the line of scrimmage and coming on a blitz—run or pass. Earlier this year he stole the ball from Shay Hodge of Ole Miss for an interception, another example of his physical play. More quick than fast, he looks like a prototypical slot cover man, who is also a special returner.

(6) Justin Woodall, FS, Alabama – Because he lacks ideal speed, Woodall doesn’t have the upside of Jones or Barron, but he is a solid football player who has excellent size (6’ 2”/221), he’s the biggest defensive back on the Crimson Tide. He is a solid tackler, who has made two interceptions and six pass deflections.

(7) Chris Hawkins, CB, LSU – The senior cornerback is an ideal number two cover man, with good speed and length (6’ 1”), but NFL scouts will probably like to see him bulk up a bit (182 pounds). Like Woodall, Hawkins can get lost in the mix with so many phenomenal athletes stealing the spotlight, but worthy of mid-round consideration.

(8) Jai Eugene, CB, LSU – Eugene probably has more upside than Hawkins, but is not quite there as a football player. The junior had some talking him up as a future number one corner, but that was before Peterson took the field. Eugene has shown flashes, but needs to more consistent. He seams to lose confidence and give too much respect to the opposition (read: cushion).

(9) Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU – You have to love Taylor’s closing speed when he attacks the line of scrimmage as he is doing a nice job of stepping into big brother Curtis Taylor’s shoes. He is undersized for a safety (191 pounds), but he is a good open field tackler. Not a big hitter, however he possesses coverage skills that many college safeties lack.

(10) Marquis Johnson, CB, Alabama – Johnson is part of a group of unheralded seniors on the Alabama defense that have surprised many with their level of contribution. The backup corner isn’t going to wow anyone with his measurables but seams to have a nose for the ball and is tied with Jackson for second in the SEC in passes defended per game (1.25) for a total of 10.

(Bonus) Harry Coleman, SAM, LSU – The Bayou Bengals’ strong-side linebacker at 6’ 2” and 206 pounds is not playing linebacker at the next level—the former defensive back projects as a strong safety. Coleman is having a great senior season with 52 tackles and five tackles for a loss, which has caused him to rise up some draft boards, however it has to cause some concern that he is having more success at linebacker than he did at safety.

* Scout’s Will Also be Watching:

In the Trenches: The Tigers’ are best on the perimeter with left tackle Ciron Black and defensive end Rahim Alem, neither of whom has helped their stock this season. For Alabama they are built inside-out with noseman Terrance Cody having an excellent seasons as the prototypical noseman for a 3-4 defense and left guard Mike Johnson their most NFL ready offensive lineman.

Boom or Bust: Senior tackle Al Woods is finally seeing consistent playing time after being an enigma in his first three seasons at LSU. He was seen as a potential first round talent, but failed to deliver on the field. Woods could significantly improve his status with a strong finish to his career.

Opportunities: LSU’s LB Perry Riley is considered a solid, not spectacular player and he can get a stock upgrade if he does a good job against Ingram and company. Junior college transfer James Carpenter is a talented left tackle for Alabama who is still learning the game and can make people take note if handles Alem. How about son of Bobby Hebert and LSU center T-Bob Hebert who will lineup across from Mount Cody? If he holds his own, the sophomore will start to garner recognition. LSU junior right tackle Joseph Barksdale is a very good prospect and will get a chance to show what he can do both in the pass and run games against the physical front seven of Alabama.

Senior Sleepers: Alabama: OT Drew Davis, RB Roy Upchurch, DE Lorenzo Washington, DE Brandon Deadrick, OL Cory Reamer; LSU: RB Keiland Williams, RB/RT Trindon Holliday, DT Charles Alexander, LB Jack Cutrera, DB Danny McCray

Stars of Tomorrow: Alabama: RB Trent Richardson (FR), C William Vlachos (SO), OG Barrett Jones, Marquise Maze (SO), WILL Nico Johnson; LSU: WR Rueben Randle (FR), QB Russell Shepard (FR), DE Chancey Aghayere (FR)

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media, Alabama Media Relations, Steve Franz/LSU Sports Information

College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.9

In this week's issue:

• Game Of The Week: LSU @ Alabama

• An Inside Look At The Independants: Navy vs Notre Dame & Army vs Air Force

• Between The Hashes: The Big Three Look To Carry The Torch Of “Linebacker U”

• Player Spotlight: North Carolina Defensive End Robert Quinn

• One On One: Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops

• CFI Top 25 Poll, BCS Busters, Fan’s Weekend Guide, On Location Reports & More!

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Photo Courtesy of Mark Selders/Penn State Athletic Communications

College Football Insiders Radio - Week 10

The voice of college football is here as CFI Founder Daniel Mogollon brings you coast-to-coast coverage of all the football action from across the nation, every Thursday at 5:00pm ET. 60 min.

Special Guests:

* RB Jahvid Best, California - Talks about choosing California and the legacy of Golden Bear running backs.

* DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina - Talks about overcoming a brain tumor in his senior year of high school to become one of the nation's top pass rushers.

* Editor Kirk McNair of 'BAMA Magazine - Joins us LIVE to talk Alabama Crimson Tide football and preview the upcoming game against the LSU Tigers.

* Super Scout Kelron Sykes - The former Oregon State Beaver will tell us what happened to USC, how good Oregon is and preview this weekend's big games coming out of the Pac-10.

* Those topics and more in this week's edition of College Football Insiders Radio.

CLICK TO LISTEN

Call-in Number: (347) 945-6275

Photo Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations

Heisman Ballot: Week 9

By Mark J. Zavodnyik

1. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas Longhorns

Last Game: 26-of-31 passing, 269 yards, three touchdowns, one interception in a 41-7 victory over Missouri

Analysis: In a season where no one seems ready to make a strong claim for the Heisman, McCoy, the best player on a surprisingly under-appreciated Texas team, is the current leader. This year’s Heisman Trophy will likely go to the player who dominates in November and McCoy’s great game against Missouri comes at just the right time. The Longhorns face Oklahoma State this week in a game that is sure to be a display of offensive firepower. McCoy will remain in the driver’s seat if he can come close his performance in last year’s victory over the Cowboys when he threw for 391 yards and two touchdowns.

2. Jimmy Clausen, Quarterback, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Last Game: 26-of-39 passing, 246 yards, two touchdowns in a 20-16 victory over Boston College

Analysis: Not Clausen's most impressive performance from a statistical perspective, but another solid game that included two great touchdown passes to wide receiver Golden Tate. Clausen will need big games against Washington State and Navy in the coming weeks to stay in the race.

3. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide

Last game: 18 rushes for 99 yards in a 12-10 victory over Tennessee.

Analysis: In today’s SEC, it is probably impossible for a running back to continuously put up monster yardage as Ingram did in his previous performance against South Carolina (246 rushing yards). However, Ingram falls from the top spot due to a key fumble with the Crimson Tide leading Tennessee 12-3 and just over three minutes remaining in the game. The critical turnover allowed the Vols to get within a field goal of de-railing Alabama’s perfect season.

4. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida Gators

Last Game: 12-of-22 passing, 127 yards, two interceptions; 22 rushes for 88 yards, 1 touchdown in 29-19 victory over Mississippi State

Analysis: With his 26-yard scamper for a score in the second quarter, Tebow tied Herschel Walker for the most rushing touchdowns in SEC history. One the other hand, Tebow had two interceptions returned for touchdowns. His 127 passing yards are not that of a Heisman winning quarterback. Tebow is not having the same statistical year as he had in his Heisman winning campaign of 2007. Nonetheless, he still has plenty of chances to re-claim the top spot, particularly with the game-formerly-known-as-the-world’s-largest-outdoor-cocktail-party against Georgia on the horizon this Saturday.

5. CJ Spiller, Running Back, Clemson Tigers

Last Game: 14 rushes, 81 yards; 6 receptions, 104 yards, one touchdown; three kick returns 125 yards, 1 kickoff return for touchdown in a 40-37 victory over Miami.

Analysis: Spiller’s presence on the list is an indication of the fluid nature of this year’s Heisman race. Like Ingram the week before, Spiller was not on many Heisman ballots prior to his game against Miami. That all changed with an electric performance that included a 90-yard kick return for touchdown and 56-yard touchdown catch. His 310 all-purpose yards were a school record. Spiller is now the nation’s leader in all-purpose yards per game at 207.86. He will need to keep up this impressive pace to offset Clemson’s three losses which likely will hurt him in the eyes of some voters.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box