Colt McCoy

Tide’s Tarnished Trophy?

/ Dennis Griffith / 2 Comments

Hats off to Alabama’s Crimson Tide. A dominating defense carried them to their eighth NCAA Football Championship – the first in nearly 20 years.  Two 100 yard rushers on offense not only drained the clock, but in the end also drained what was left of the spirit of the out manned Texas Longhorns.  Texas played a commendable second half, but the outcome was almost completely in the books before the first quarter ended.

Despite the Tide’s dominating performance Thursday night, more than one headline I have seen since has declared Alabama’s undisputed National Championship “mysterious”.  What was the mystery?  People can only wonder what would have been had Texas All American QB Colt McCoy not suffered a game ending shoulder injury during the first drive. 

I think specualtion is good, though.  Taking nothing away from Alabama, this game will be far longer remembered because of the “What If” than for any other reason.  It lends an element of specualtion to non-Alabama supporters.  It promotes enjoyable arguments about who was really best that will go on until the ball is teed-up next September – and maybe longer than that for Longhorns left wanting.

It also shows that college football does NOT need a playoff.

Despite the TV commentators and executives who are crying for a championship, what would that prove? If the argument is that the championship should be settled on the field because any other way leaves a shred of doubt as to who is the actual champ, this game shows that even if a game is played the outcome can still be shrouded in doubts.  What will a series of such games prove – other than the networks can make a few more dollars?

But I think this “controversy” is good for the game, and for the sports fan.  It gives people something to talk about.  I don’t think a playoff would add anything. In fact I will hate to see it when it eventually comes to be.

Alabama is the champion. They earned it.

BUT what if…?

2009 Heisman Trophy

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

 

For the first time in years there is no clear cut candidate who will win the Heisman Trophy. For that reason alone the race is interesting. And for the first time in years I may be seeing glimmers of hope restored in my attitude. 

Like other sports fans, I have my opinions each year.  Sometimes my opinion matches that of the “experts”. But even then it is not enough to override the disappoitments of years when the results seem to be a sham; when it appears the fix is in; when networks like ESPN have more to do with choosing the winner than players’ performances on the field do. 

But I am hopeful this year will be different.

Below are my top 5 picks, with number 1 being who I would have voted for had I been given a vote.  I know that some of my choices can’t win – not all were even invited to the party in New York. But that doesn’t matter. These are my slections:

1. Ndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska – Senior

A dominant player in the trenches; the best player in the country this year. PERIOD.  And in this year when there is no clear cut QB or RB, a defensive lineman can win.  (I know a defensive player was once given the trophy, but this time Suh should legitimately “win” it.)

Watch the video: Suh

2. Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford – Senior

It was tough not voting for Gerhart. He is equally deserving for both his stats and his style.

3. Mark Ingram – RB – Alabama – Sophomore

It is hard to believe no Tide player has ever won the Heisman.  Ingram may go home with it. If he does, there is no injustice, he is a great back.  But I wouldn’t give it to him this year.

4. Tony Pike – QB – Cincinnati – Senior

While it is over used hyperbole, Pike is the driving force behind the Bearcats’ undefeated season.  His backup played well in periods Pike was injured, but without Pike Cincinnati would be good but not great. 

5. Colt McCoy – QB – Texas – Senior

The Maxwell Award winner should have won the Heisman last year.  His numbers were down a little, but McCoy’s performances still shined.  He has Texas playing again for the National Championship.