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LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma and Clemson Win Key Games
'College Football Monday'
Frank Coyle's Weekly Blog Column
Players of the Week
Offense
WR Mohamed Sanu of Rutgers
Defense
CB Tyrann Mathieu of LSU
Photo – WR Mohamed Sanu
Everything is right in the world after this weekend – Notre Dame wins, the GMen exorcise the Eagles’ demon and the Yankees ass whip the Red Sox again. Staying with college football, the top clubs solidified their position with Oklahoma beating Missouri, LSU wearing down West Virginia and Alabama drilling Arkansas. All were key matchups vs top 25 caliber clubs and contests that earn top five status in this week’s top 25 rankings.
A number of teams hold a 4-0 record that demands national attention. Teams like Nebraska, Oklahoma St., Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Michigan, South Florida, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Florida and South Carolina have all pushed themselves into the top 25 team picture.
Key games this week saw Clemson defeat Florida St in another wild ACC game. Clemson had beaten Auburn the previous week that ended the nation’s longest winning streak. In another crazy ACC matchup, Georgia Tech edge North Carolina 35-28 in a game that has become annually a must watch for college fans. Oklahoma St. made a dramatic comeback vs Texas A&M that
The #1 top ranked team changes with the AP anointing LSU the leader after another dominant type performance at West Virginia. The polls split this week with the Sooners holding the top spot in the Coaches poll after their solid win vs Missouri.
This week Florida faces the acid test with Alabama traveling to Gainesville in a SEC contest of unbeatens. Clemson faces another tough matchup vs Virginia Tech in an ACC battle of perfect clubs. Both games will have a huge impact on the top ten after Saturday.
One of the best performances of the young season was turned in by Rutgers wideout Mohamed Sanu this week who set a school- and Big East Conference-record with 16 catches for 176 yards and 2 TDs. Rutgers (2-1) knocked error-prone Ohio from the unbeaten ranks with a 38-26 victory on Saturday. Sanu defied double coverage to set new Big East and school records for receptions.
His total catches broke the Rutgers record of 13 that he tied two weeks ago vs North Carolina. It also broke the single-game mark of 13 for a Big East receiver. Sanu has 36 catches for 363 yards and four TDs this season. This was his first game with two receiving touchdowns.
"Mohamed is a freak," one NFL scout oper said. "He is an athlete, a freak athlete. Just covering him gets you better. You always have to have your A game when covering him.
Oklahoma St. made a thrilling comeback to beat Texas A& M for their first loss on Saturday. The Cowboys won a wild 30-29 games over then-No. 8 Texas A&M. Oklahoma St's Brandon Weeden has been named the Davey O'Brien Quarterback of the Week. The senior threw for a school-record 438 yards in the win.
The Cowboys faced a 20-3 deficit at halftime and Weeden helped the Cowboys to 27-straight points, including a pair of TD passes in the 3rd quarter to give Oklahoma St the lead. He connected on 47-of-60 passes to finish the day, setting school marks for both completions and pass attempts in a game.
South Carolina senior DE Melvin Ingram was selected as the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Saturday’s 21-3 win over previously undefeated Vanderbilt.
Ingram, a 6-2, 276-pounder scored his third TD of the season, this time falling on a fumble in the end zone in the second quarter for the Gamecocks’ first points in the victory. He was also credited with four tackles on the night, three for losses that accounted for 24 yards, and a pair of sacks. He also broke up one pass.
Ingram led a stellar SC defense that limited the Commodores to just five first downs and 77 total yards on 48 plays, an average of 1.6 yards per play. Only two of Vandy’s 14 drives lasted longer than four plays and only one gained more than 10 yards.
New Weekly Top 25 Polls Posted every Tuesday
Frank Coyle writes ‘College Football Monday’ weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He is also a member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards
Auburn Beats Oregon in Final Minute for BCS National Title
RB Michael Dyer - Auburn
The BCS title game lived up to all expectations in one of the most thrilling championship games in recent memory. When it was all over, #1 Auburn edged out #2 Oregon, 22-19 with a last second short FG deciding the outcome.
It was one of the most memorable title games in recent memory that began with a moment of silence to remember the six victims of the weekend assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson.
It was the 5th straight BCS titles for the SEC in a game that featured big plays on both sides of the ball. In the end, it was Auburn freshman running back Michael Dyer making the difference with a strong performance especially over the 2nd half of the game.
Dyer finished with 143 yards rushing and was chosen Offensive Player of the Game. In the Draft Insiders’ title game Preview yesterday, we felt Dyer would be the key performer who changed the outcome of the game despite the presence of teammate Newton and the Ducks’ James. Newton threw for 265 yards and two TDs while adding 64 yards rushing.
It was Dyer who controlled the second half with his power runner that kept the Oregon offense on the sidelines. He also made the big plays during the critical last drive. With his 37-yard run in the late 4th quarter, the powerful tailback all but sealed the fate of the tough Oregon team. Dyer stole the limelight from his teammate and Heisman-winning QB Cam Newton.
"All I knew was the whistle wasn't blowing and my coach was saying 'Go!'" Dyer said.
On the next series, Dyer ran 16 yards to put the ball to the 1 yardline that set up Wes Byrum's 19-yard field goal with no time left. Byrum delivered his sixth career game-winning field goal that capped a perfect, 14-0 season. It gave Auburn its first title since the 1957 season. and left the Southeastern Conference on top for the fifth straight year.
"Fifty-three years, baby!" coach Gene Chizik said to the cheering crowd. "This is for you. War Eagle!"
Dyer outplayed the highly publicized Oregon tailback, LaMichael James who was held to only 49 yards rushing. The Oregon much hyped offense that had been held to under 37 points only once all year, managed just two TDs by the Tigers physical defense. Nick Fairley, Auburn's junior 300 lb defensive tackle, had a dominant performance that disrupted the Ducks potent offense the entire game. Fairley played up to his elite status with three TFL that includes a sack despite special attention much of the game. He ranks among the premier blue chip prospects if he declares this week for the NFL Draft 2011.
Newton was a catalyst in helping Auburn to its 9th comeback win of this magical season. Newton has now won the national title three straight years — in 2008 as a backup to Tim Tebow at Florida, last year in junior college at Blinn Junior College (Tx) and now with the Auburn Tigers.
He may turn pro this week that would end his turbulent stay with the Tigers that includes an NCAA investigation into his failed recruitment by Mississippi St. The NCAA governing body cleared him to play in the SEC and national championship games.
The SEC improved to 7-0 in BCS title games. Four different teams from the conference have won it in this latest five-year run. Alabama, LSU and Florida twice earned national titles as SEC representatives.
Auburn Meets Oregon in BCS National Title Game
Cam Newton Wins Player of the Year
Photo - The Oregon 'Duck'
The much anticipated BCS title matchup tonight between Auburn vs Oregon highlights the close of the college football season. Most fans have talked about this matchup since midseason with both teams undefeated in strong conferences that earned them the BCS title game as the nation’s #1 and #2 teams. Draft Insiders’ ranked Auburn in the Top 15 in August and rated them as the most underrated team in the nation. Neither Auburn or Oregon was ranked in the top ten of any poll in the preseason.
It should be one of the most exciting title games after a series of wild games over the bizarre 2010 season. Three teams finished the season undefeated with only Texas Christian omitted from the title game. Despite going undefeated for the second regular season in a row, the Horned Frogs could not gather national support to overcome the powers from the SEC and Pac 10 Conferences. The SEC has won five consecutive national titles, an unprecedented run over the past 75 years. The SEC is seeking its 9th national tile over the past 19 years, an impressive run. NFL front offices and scouts are the less surprised of the SEC’s success that annually plays out in the early rounds of the NFL Draft.
Auburn and Oregon were both impressive this season especially late in the 2010 campaign. Overall, this is a terrific matchup that features two explosive offenses but each team fields only average defensive units.
Auburn is led by Heisman Trophy QB Cam Newton after they buried South Carolina in the SEC title that put an explanation mark on the season. The BCS title game has all the makings of an exciting high scoring game that would be a fitting conclusion to a wild season.
Oregon finished with a dominant 2010 performance behind a wacky spread offense that was virtually unstoppable over the regular season. They scored 37 points or more in 11 of their 12 games, an incredible display of offense. The offense is led by running back LaMichael James who had over 1600 yards on the ground and a main weapon in the Ducks explosive attack
With both Auburn’s Newton and Oregon’s James getting most of the limelight after great 2010 performances, this outcome could be decided by other offensive weapons. The Tigers’ dynamic freshman tailback Michael Dyer is primed for a huge game after rushing for 950 yards in 2010. While operating behind a massive Auburn offensive line, Dyer and Newton can keep the high powered Oregon offense on the sidelines. Dyer combines speed and power and should benefit behind the line that has a huge size advantage over the small Oregon front seven. The Ducks rely on fine speed on defense, though the Auburn offense can match that at every position. Dyer is well rested and could be the key catalyst for another SEC national title.
The Ducks ranked #1 in most polls until late in the year when Auburn overtook them for the top ranking. The Draft Insiders’ poll had TCU in the top spot in the BCS at the end of the regular season. The BCS title will still be debated after TCU beat a tough Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl that creates an imaginary game with the Auburn-Oregon winner. The BCS snub of the Horned Frogs was the main reason TCU joined the Big East last week. As a Big East member the conference receives an automatic BCS bid that gives teams a chance at the national title annually.
Prediction: Auburn 37 Oregon 17
The Numbers
Oregon is #1 in the nation in scoring and in total offense. Auburn is #4 in scoring and #7 in total offense. Auburn has already shattered school records with 555 points scored and 6,470 yards of offense gained. The Tigers are ranked fourth nationally in scoring (42.7 points per game), fifth in rushing (287.2 yards per game) and seventh in total offense (497.7 yards). Oregon is a dominant running team with a 304 yards per game average, in addition to 29 TD passes that ranks #16 in the nation in passing efficiency.
Newton produced 29 runs of 15-plus yards this season, tops in the nation. He averaged 10.3 yards on 30 quarterback draws this season and 9.5 yards on 39 scrambles. Over the 2nd half of the season, receiver Darvin Adams had 5 TDs receptions averaging over 30 yards per catch.
For the season, LaMichael James had 281 rushing attempts for 1682 yards and 21 TDs. Over the past two seasons, he had 36 runs of more than 20 yards. That's the most in the nation. Nine Ducks who've caught TD passes. Furthermore, the Ducks rushing attack isn't only about James. Four other Ducks rushed for more than 200 yards. Thomas and backup running back Kenjon Barner combined for more than 1,000 yards and 11 TDs with seven different Ducks scored rushing TDs.
Count on plenty of big plays. Auburn produced 58 plays of 25-plus yards, including 25 TDs. Oregon produced 53 plays of 25-plus yards, including 27 TDs. The TD counts rank first and second in the nation.
Bush Surrenders Heisman award
Heisman Trophy Trust Leaves 2005 Award Vacant
After several years of allegations about taking illegal money from agents as an amateur during his Southern Cal career, Reggie Bush finally relinquished the Heisman Trophy award this week. This was long overdue and a situation that hurt all involved, the Heisman Trophy Trust, Reggie Bush, Southern Cal and amateur sports in general..
Bush surrendered the prestigious Trophy before any action was taken by the Heisman Trophy Trust. The Heisman Trust was scheduled to meet this week and indications were they were talking seriously about stripping Bush of this award. Trust President William Dockery said the eight Heisman trustees never decided to take the award from Bush.
As a long time Heisman Trophy voter, I was relieved that Bush forfeited his replica of the 2005 Heisman Trophy, though it came several years late that tarnished the nation’s most coveted amateur award. The decision was disturbing, but certainly necessary after Bush knowingly compromised his amateur status with financial compensation as a collegian. Bush received in excess of $300,000 in illegal benefits from potential agents while a member of the Trojan football program. His denial of any involvement has been consistent over the past five years that drew this sad Heisman story out unnecessarily for years.
Bush said “I find solace in knowing that the award was made possible by the support and love of so many. Those are gifts that can never be taken away" in a short statement this week. He stated that he surrendered the Trophy in respect to the Heisman Trophy Trust and other Heisman winners.
Bush won the Heisman Trophy in a landslide vote over Texas QB Vince Young. In fact, the first place votes were about 10 to 1 in favor of Bush in one of the biggest margins in voting history. I voted for Bush off his electrifying performance that included over 2800 all-purpose yards during the 2005 season. He averaged an incredible 8.7 yards per rushing attempt. His brilliance over that season is indisputable, but his off the field action is a gross violation of the NCAA rules. The NCAA committee ruled in June 2010 that Bush was ineligible for the 2005 season for receiving the benefits.
The Heisman Trophy Trust announced shortly after Bush returned the trophy that the Heisman award would remain vacant. The trust never asked members to vote related to taking the award away from Bush or if the runner up Texas QB Vince Young should be awarded the trophy. I concur with the Heisman Trust decision on both issues. The Heisman Trust is a charitable organization that does nationwide charity work and made sound decisions to protect the integrity of the award.
Southern Cal also returned its copy of Bush's Heisman while currently dealing with sanctions levied on the Trojans football program related to this and other violations. The stiff sanctions were a result of the NCAA finding Bush had received in the neighborhood of $300,000 in illegal benefits from agents during his Trojan career. Bush was declared ineligible for the Trojans' 2004 bowl game plus his Heisman-winning season 2005 season for being found to have accepted the illegal benefits. The Heisman Trophy's bylaws state that a student-athlete must be in good standing in order to qualify for the award. Bush's decision to voluntarily relinquish the trophy spared him further embarrassment of the Heisman Trust seeking a vote on the issue.
Bush declared for the NFL Draft 2006 after his outstanding junior season and went on to be a #1 draft selection of the New Orleans Saints. He developed into a key part of their Super Bowl championship season last year.
Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.
OSU Ranked #1 by Draft Insiders
Draft Insiders' Frank Coyle Blog begins with the Top 25 College teams for the 2010 season. Frank Coyle will write a regular Blog beginning with the college and NFL season through the NFL Draft 2011.
Photo – Mark Ingram - Alabama
This season Draft Insiders predicts Ohio St. will win the national title, not a popular choice by every major media outlet or publication. Nevertheless, I feel Ohio St. can get to the title game behind a top performance by talented junior QB Terrelle Pryor who is also be the leading Heisman Trophy candidate this fall. Pryor is our choice to win the Heisman Trophy with a strong 2010 performance
Alabama has been picked by virtually every other College poll off an undefeated 2009 season. They certainly have the talent to repeat and make a run at the national title again, though the tough SEC may be their stumbling block this fall. They have gone through the SEC undefeated the past two season and that is unlikely to three peat.
Notre Dame is not on Draft Insiders Top 25 rankings. The Irish begin the Brian Kelly era that should produce fine clubs in time, but probably not initially in South Bend. He begins with a new starting QB and a new 3-4 defense after several seasons struggling on that side of the ball.
You can respond to the Frank Coyle Blog by emailing your comments to nfo@draftinsiders.com We will post your comments shortly.
Draft Insiders - Top 25 Teams
1. Ohio St (11-2) – The Buckeyes and Terrelle Pryor are poised for a Heisman Trophy and national title run with the ability to win both this fall.
2. Alabama (14-0) – The Crimson Tide comes off their first national title since ’92 and have the talent to compete for the BCS and SEC titles again. They have swept the SEC the past two seasons.
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3. Texas Christian (12-1) – The Horned Frogs have the talent to compete for the national title with many key performers back from a 12-1 club. They are one of the nation’s elite programs this season.
4. Florida (13-1) - The Gators begin the post Tim Tebow era with a fine squad that will challenge for the SEC title and national title behind a savvy HC Urban Meyer.
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5. Iowa (11-2) – The Hawkeyes are a blue collar and well coached team that knows how to win close games. They have key leaders at important positions that give them an advantage in critical games.
6. Oklahoma (9-4) – Sooners are capable of sneaking up on teams this season and rank as the best club in the Big 12 here.
7. Boise St (14-0) - The Broncos are a gritty group who finished a perfect 2009 season and look to run the table again. They will need to win in big late season matchups to warrant national title consideration.
8. Nebraska (10-4) – Huskers return 17 starters after a tough Big 12 title loss vs Texas and solid win vs Arizona in Holiday Bowl. They are the strong favorite to win the Big 12 North division.
9. LSU (9-4) – Tigers have a deep and talented club but are not getting a lot of consideration off a subpar ’09 performance. They must get better play from QB Jordan Jefferson to warrant this top ten rankings.
10. Texas (13-1) – Longhorns are preparing for life without Colt McCoy. They usually reload the cannon but will face strong competition this fall from Oklahoma and A&M in the Big 12 South division.
11. Wisconsin (10-3) - Badgers are always a sound club and will push Ohio St for the Big Ten title.
12. Miami (9-4) - The Canes hope to return to former glory with huge early matchups with Ohio St. among others. The early contests will determine if they are a top ten club or an 8 win team.
13. Virginia Tech (10-3) – Va Tech has another strong club that will press for the ACC Coastal crown. They face a tough opener vs Boise St. that could dictate their overall direction this season.
14. Pittsburgh (10-3) - The Panthers are the class of the Big East and could threaten the top ten with early wins over Utah and Miami.
15. North Carolina (8-5) - The Tar Heels have one of the most talented clubs in the nation, but have yet to put it all together in critical big games.
16. Auburn (8-5) - The Tigers are the most underrated club in the nation and an early win over Clemson could have them undefeated into late season.
17. Georgia Tech (11-3) – The ACC champs are loaded again. How high they go in the polls will be decided on their ACC road games at NC, Clemson and Virginia Tech.
18. Oregon (10-3) - The Ducks must overcome loss of QB Jeremiah Masoli, but they have a talented club that will challenge for the Pac 19 title.
19. Arkansas (8-5) - The Hogs will light it up behind gifted passer Ryan Mallett, but the defense will determine if they can produce a 10 win season.
20. Penn St (11-2) – Nittany Lions retool their roster at several critical positions and face major challenges at both Alabama and Iowa in the early season with a first year starting QB.
21. USC (9-4) – Trojans begin the post Pete Carroll era behind developing QB Matt Barkley who flashed big time talent at times as a true freshman last season. .
22. Houston (10-4) – The Cougars return virtually their entire offense and QB Case Keenum should produce huge numbers and points in the defensively soft CUSA.
23. West Virginia (9-4) - WV returns 18 starters but their fortunes may depend on first year starting QB Geno Smith.
24. Florida State (7-6) - The Seminoles will find out what life is without Bobby Bowden is after the legendary HC retired after an amazing 34-year coaching career.
25. Georgia (8-5) - The Bulldogs return most of their offense this fall, but only improvement from their battered defense will move them higher in the rankings.
Responses to this Blog - Email info@draftinsiders.com and it will be posted shortly.
Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.
Frank - Texas Christian belongs this high. They can run the table if they win their opener vs Oregon St.
Your the only analyst with Oklahoma and LSU this high. Jerry R - Hog Frog fan
Frank - Buckeyes are a great call. Hope they're holding the trophy in January. Gary - Buckeyes fan.
Frank - Picking against the Tide is dangerous territory. They rule the SEC and are the champs until someone beats them. Boomer - Tide country.
Boomer - I'm well aware the Tide is undefeated in SEC the past two seasons. Also, I go to Tide territory every January for the Senior Bowl - so I'm sure the fans will let me hear it unless of course Ohio St. or some one else wins the title. Frank
Bryant Suspended Indefinitely for Lying to NCAA
Photo - Dez Bryant - Oklahoma St
One of the top prospects at the receiver position for the NFL 2010 Draft, Oklahoma St junior wideout Dez Bryant has been ruled ineligible for violating an NCAA bylaw. The powerful 6’2” 215 lb. receiver was ruled ineligible by the school after he reportedly lied to the NCAA officials about a visit and workout at the home of former NFL star defender Deion Sanders earlier this fall. Bryant is a blue chip prospect for the NFL and is coming off a huge sophomore performance last season when he had 87 receptions with 19 TDs for over 1,500 yards while averaging over 17 yards per catch. We ranked him in the Top 20 Prospects for the NFL Draft 2010 with Top 10 potential if he declares for the pro game this January.
The NCAA interviewed Bryant twice earlier this year about allegations at which time he denied that he had visited Sanders. That was proven false, but the fact that he lied to the NCAA is a violation that led to the suspension. Oklahoma St University has already begun the process of applying to the NCAA on his behalf for reinstatement. This incident does not involve anyone associated with the OSU football or athletic department staffs, any employee of the university, alumni, donors, or any third-party affiliated with OSU.
OSU is taking this step because Bryant failed to openly disclose to the NCAA the full details of his interaction with a former NFL player Sanders who is not affiliated with OSU. Bryant will definitely sit out Saturday at Texas A&M; though he was already listed as doubtful because of a hamstring problem.
I will have exclusive interviews with key people on this matter that will be part of the October Newsletter this month.
The University issued the following statement from Bryant: “I made a mistake by not being entirely truthful when meeting with the NCAA. I sincerely regret my mistake and apologize to my teammates, coaches, OSU fans and the NCAA.”
OSU coach Mike Gundy said: “We are certainly disappointed, but we are moving forward as we would with any challenge during the season.” Due to the ongoing investigation of this matter, OSU has no additional comment at this time.
NCAA Bylaw 10.1 -- Unethical Conduct
Unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete or a current or former institutional staff member (e.g., coach, professor, tutor, teaching assistant, student manager, student trainer) may include, but is not limited to, the following: (Revised: 1/10/90, 1/9/96, 2/22/01)
(d) Knowingly furnishing the NCAA or the individual's institution false or misleading information concerning the individual's involvement in or knowledge of matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA regulation;
Welcome to Frank Coyle's new Blog. He will post here regularly with College and NFL news, updates, and insights.
College Title Chase and Heisman Trophy Award
Frank Coyle has been a Heisman Trophy voter for the past 15 years
The upcoming 2010 college season will begin the Blog this month.
This presents an interesting group of premier players rated as the top Heisman Trophy candidates. For the first time, there are two former Heisman Trophy winners in Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow returning with each hoping to become only the second player in college history to win two of the games’ most coveted award. Only riunning back Archie Griffin of Ohio St. has won two Heisman Trophy Awards during the Woody Hayes power teams of the 1970s
This year the top three vote getters return from last year, all QBs, Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy are each back at the helm with highly ranked teams that should make the both the Heisman Trophy award and national championship race highly competitive battles with the winning player and team probably claiming both trophies. Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Texas’s Colt McCoy face a key matchup in early October in the Red River Rivalry that will have a strong bearing on both the Heisman Trophy and National title races. I voted for Colt McCoy last season and felt the late loss to Texas Tech probably cost him the coveted award. If a Texas defender could have tackled TT wideout Michael Crabtree at the yard line we might be discussing Colt McCoy pursuing a second Heisman Trophy award this fall. Such is college football.
Florida’s Tim Tebow will lead the Gators in an attempt to repeat as national champions and his second Heisman award. Only two teams since the 1980s have repeated as national champions and the Gators certainly have several critical components inline to claim another title. Tebow actually received the most first place votes in the Heisman Trophy last year, but came in 3rd in the overall voting. Florida plays in the tough SEC, but faces an average schedule this fall with no Alabama, Auburn or Ole Mss on the regular schedule. A key early SEC matchup with LSU in October could have a strong bearing on both the national title and Heisman races and eventual winners in those prestigious awards
Heisman Trophy Preseason Candidates
QB Sam Bradford - 6’3” 215 lbs - Oklahoma
Athletic fourth year junior QB has had an incredible early career with the Sooners that includes winning the Heisman award last season. He is a big tough passer who has a quick compact delivery with good touch and fine accuracy. He has progressed quickly in all aspects of play and has gained valuable experience after starting the past three seasons in this premier program. His chances of repeating as the Heisman winner may hinge on his performance in the Red River Rivalry vs Texas’s Colt McCoy in a head to head classic. He is a good runner and shows the ability to throw effectively on the move as well as move quickly within the pocket. He needs to refine his game in all areas related to the NFL and will be working with many new offensive starters this fall.
QB Tim Tebow - 6’4” 220 lbs. - Florida
Savvy senior passer has developed nicely in the efficient pro style Gator. He has a good arm with a nice touch and the quick release to get the ball to receivers. He has shown fine arm strength with nice development especially in his accuracy. He won the Heisman award as a sophomore in ’07 and actually earned the most first place Heisman ballots last year when he finished 3rd in the overall balloting. He looks to compete vs Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy for both the Heisman award and national title in what looks like the winner takes all competition. He shows the ability to make the difficult throw and the quickness in the pocket to avoid a rush. His decision making is his greatest asset which has minimized mistakes throughout his early career. He is a terrific runner in the mold of Steve Young with the ability to beat you with his arm or feet.
QB Colt McCoy - 6’3” 210 lbs. - Texas
Savvy senior QB has started the past three seasons and hopes to elevate his game over his critical final season. He has made some big plays and put up fine numbers in the Longhorns balanced attack. He faces a critical October schedule that puts him head to head with Sam Bradford and Zac Robinson that could be the deciding games for both the Heisman award and Big 12 title. He is coming off a strong performance as a junior and is capable of another huge effort and leading the Longhorns the national title. He needs to impress during key matchups to be in the hunt for the elusive Heisman Trophy.
QB Terrelle Pryor - 6’5” 230 lbs. - Ohio St.
Athletic sophomore QB looks to lead the Buckeyes spread offense again and are the leaders for another Big Ten title. He is an incredible runner with tailback type skills including natural running skills and breakaway speed. He came on strong over his true freshman season gaining valuable experience vs top competition. He is exceptionally quick in the pocket and capable of making big plays with his feet and pressures a defense in a unique way. He needs further development in his throwing mechanics to be ready for the NFL game along with further work on recognizing defenses. He faces both Southern Cal and Illinois in September which could propel him into the thick of the Heisman race early. His fine athleticism makes him one of the premier athletes at the position
QB Zac Robinson - 6’3” 215 lbs. - Oklahoma St
Slick throwing senior QB looks to continue his impressive display in this wide open passing attack. He hopes to make a strong impression in head to head battles with Texas and Oklahoma QBs McCoy and Bradford. He came on strong over his sophomore and junior campaigns that make him one of the nation’s most productive passers. He has the talent to lead this explosive offense to national prominence working with talented weapons wideout Dezmon Bryant and runner Kendall Hunter. He is quick in the pocket and capable of running or spraying the ball around to a number of receivers with a nice understanding of defenses after extensive valuable playing experience.
Frank Coyle’s Heisman vote 2008
1. QB Colt McCoy - Texas
2. QB Tim Tebow - Florida
3. QB Sam Bradford - Oklahoma
Heisman Trophy 2008 Official Finish
1. QB Sam Bradford - Oklahoma
2. QB Colt McCoy - Texas
3. * QB Tim Tebow - Florida
4. QB Graham Harrell - Texas Tech
5. WR Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech
* Received the most first place votes in the Heisman voting 2008
