Saturday, December 12, 2009

HeIsMan

Ah, the Heisman Trophy, collegiate football's most prestigious trophy. Awarded to the most outstanding college football player in the nation. The 75th trophy had some interesting people running for it. This year we saw the first push for Heisman winner that didn't throw the ball. Running backs Mark Ingram of Alabama's Crimson Tide, Toby Gerhart of Stanford, and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska were all in the top 5 for the trophy. The other two spots being taken by returning winner Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators, and previous runner-up Colt McCoy of the Texas Longhorns. Each player put up great numbers for the year, but as always, the winner is in the hands of the voters.

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow is considered to be "The Chosen One" by almost every sports media fanatic there is. However, this year, he just wasn't putting up the numbers. After the SEC championships it was even debatable whether or not he would be in the finals for the trophy. Clemson's C.J Spiller was a strong contender for his spot. However, this is Tim Tebow we are talking about, so of course, he made it in. In his Heisman year we saw some great numbers, this year...not the same.

Ndamukong Suh

What a name for a Heisman winner that would be. Suh is considered to be the best defensive player in the nation. Able to almost singlehandedly change the game with his ability as a playmaker. At 6'4'' and 295 this man is quite the defensive tackle to mess with. McCoy can attest to that. Suh's numbers are quite amazing.

Colt McCoy

2008's Heisman Runner-Up. Considered this year's top contender for the title, Colt McCoy helped Texas find theirselves in the National Title Bowl. However, many feel as though even that is debatable due to the trouble Texas has had going up against various teams of lower caliber. Colt also saw a drop in stats from his previous year, though not too drastic.

Toby Gerhart

When you hear Stanford, you think of academics. Toby Gerhart changed what people think. 2009 turned out to be a good year for the Cardinals. Beating the Oregon Ducks and the Pac-10s powerhouse: USC. These shocking wins could not have been pulled through if it wasn't for Toby. This man leads the nation in rushing yards (1,736), rushing TDs (26), total TDs (26), and points scored (160 points). All while taking 21 credit hours. At Stanford.

Mark Ingram

The Crimson Tide's weapon. Mark Ingram found himself overwhelmed with emotion tonight. He is the 3rd straight sophomore to win the famous trophy, and the first from Alabama. A running back of impressive power, he tore apart Florida's perfect defense, with ease. His last game to prove that he was meant to win the trophy was in the SEC championships, and oh boy did he prove it. Rushing for 113 yards, 3 TDs and 76 receiving yards, he showed Florida what it meant to play for something. Winning by just 28 points tonight, Ingram squeezed out in front of senior Toby Gerhart. But a closer look at the voting map shows that Ingram won more regions than Stanford's prized running back did. Looks like Ingram can live up to expectations, and will most likely take a national title before he leaves the Crimson Tide. As said before, Roll Tide Roll.

-Vishnu

*All stats taken from espn's player cards*

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Saints 33 Redskins 30

11-1. This was the record the Saints avoided today with resiliency and a little help from the football Gods. In a game in which Jason Campbell look more like Tom Brady should have last week, the Redskins were carving up that Saints defense. They had the lead the entire game and never found themselves down. For four quarters of play both the redskins offense and defense were playing above a level most had expected them too. The first half the redskins just intercepted Drew Brees and looked like they would go into the half up 7 points, then the football Gods took control. Robert Meachem just manhandled the ball away form the Redskins corner back and took it back for a score that will be in highlight reels for years to come. Normally bad teams would have been crushed in this situation; however, the redskins came out in the 2nd half and took the lead again. Late in the 4th quarter they were up by 10 points. The Saints cut the lead to 7 and then another intervention from the football Gods. The redskins, up 7 line up for a field goal that would have extended the leave to 10. It was set up for the demise of the saints unblemished season. 23 yards to kick, and Shaun Suisham (who will be should be/will be cut by the redskins) misses the chipshot. Drew Brees does what he does best, throw Touchdowns, and Robert Meachem wasn't done with his marvelous day. Brees and Meachem hooked up for a game tying Touchdown. Then with more than a minute to go Jason Campbell drives down the redskins and then gets intercepted. The saint drive mythologically down for a long Field Goal attempt only to miss.
Then overtime started. Redskins get the ball, and as expected the Saints defense stepped up when it really had to, forced a fumble and Brees gets it down all the way to the 1 yard line for an easy go ahead Field Goal. As shaky as the Saints have been in their road games, the way they come back and win them is downright entertaining and ridiculous to watch. The Saints had luck with them today, but eventually luck runs out. If the Saints cannot perform better on the road, and happen to drop one along the course of the season, then they may have to play the Vikings at their home.

Florida 13 Alabama 32

Tim Tebow took control of his team and marvelously beat Alabama once again for another run to make history in college football. Showing poise and composure he rallied his team once again from behind and showed NFL prospects why he's so loved in the game of college football.

Well...that's what you would have expected to happen, but not quite. Alabama showed Florida what it means to play for a title in the SEC. Florida was outplayed in every component of the game, unable to move forward and produce anything useful. Ingram displayed true prowess and will most likely show the voters why this year's Heisman winner should be a runningback. He ran all over Florida and might as well run all the way up to New York to pick up his trophy.
Alabama has secured their spot in the BCS National Championship game against Texas...but after Texas's lackluster performance last night, that spot could very well be up in the air. But whoever it is that has the chance to play against the Crimson Tide, they better get ready. Alabama looks unstoppable and will be a handful for whoever tries to compete. They better have an accurate quarterback, a powerfull running back, and a staunch defense.
but for now,
Roll Tide Roll.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Florida vs. Alabama

Here it is. The game of the year in College football. This is basically the game that will decide the next National Champions. Most people think that this will just be a coronation ceremony for Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators ; however, this game is going to be one of the most physical grind out games that you will see. Mark Ingram is not going to let the Gators get the limelight this time, he is in the running for a Heisman and he will not let the Gators run him over. In fact, Alabama wants their revenge. They will not let the Gators walk away once again. Most of you will be pointing towards the Auburn game, saying that Alabama struggled. That was a rivalry game, and as witnessed in a lot of rivalry games (such as Georgia v. Georgia Tech) anything can happen, it's a game that based off of pure emotion. Alabama got a scare but they stuck with the plan and a QB that was unproven, proved himself on a game winning drive for the Crimson Tide. This will be a great game to watch, and although most people will expect Florida to win, Alabama might be the ones that give them a run for their money. Florida really has not played great teams, in fact most of the schedule was soft, this will really show them what kind of team they really are. Flash and finesse or the definition of an SEC team, one that pounds the ball all day and plays great defense.

Saints 38 Patriots 17

After watching this game, I was just sitting in front of my TV in awe. The Saints had just singlehandedly dominated one of the great franchises of the decade. The Patriots had no idea what had hit them. The aftermath left Tom Brady and Bill Belichick shaking their heads. If it wasn't evident enough that these two great football minds felt like their hands were tied the post game conference was evidence enough. The Saints are FOR REAL. Never has anyone seen a team that went 16-0 in the regular season be manhandled the way the colts could only dream of. The Saints are going a long way this season, and right here on this blog I'm stating that they should win the SuperBowl. It would be great to see them go 16-0 but as evidence points out in the past, the pressure takes a toll on a team. Once the Saints start to manhandle teams on the road. I don't even see them losing a game anytime soon. The next real tests for the Saints will be against the Falcons and the Cowboys. The Redskins have been playing well as of late, but nothing to worry the Saints. If they pass those two tests, then there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that the Saints will win the NFC and should win the SuperBowl

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