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Texas’ McCoy looks to repeat record-breaking season, add Heisman Trophy to resume
Calling the Heisman Trophy an individual award might be a little misleading.
Just a quick look at the recent recipients reveals a list littered with great players on even better teams. So as Colt McCoy embarks on his senior campaign with an eye on improving his second place finish in last year’s Heisman ballot, the biggest stat to keep watch on will be the Longhorns’ win-loss record.
But with that said, there’s still a market for good old fashioned gaudy stats. With 50 touchdown passes for the highest scoring offense in college football history, it’s no surprise Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford impressed enough voters to bring home the hardware last year.
But that was last year. With his offensive line as well as two of his favorite targets gone, Bradford’s chances at a repeat take a big hit, not to mention voters frown on repeat winners.
Into the void steps McCoy, who, along with setting an NCAA record for completion percentage last year, probably meant more to his team than any other player in the country and figures to do so again this season.
While Bradford and Tim Tebow threw to future NFL receivers and tight ends like Percy Harvin and Jermaine Gresham, McCoy made the most of a talented but limited supporting cast, going throughout the season without a featured back or pass-catching tight end. Instead, he turned Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby into the most productive receiving combo in school history as the two accounted for more than 2,000 yards and 20 scores.
Victory, in the end, is what will determine next year’s champion. If McCoy can lead Texas to the perfect season already expected of the Longhorns, while throwing up a few more gaudy stats along the way, the trophy will be his. After a year of near misses for himself and his team in which the Longhorns had to battle for respect off the field as well as wins on it, McCoy will finally get the recognition his play deserves.
“The Heisman is the ultimate team award,” McCoy says in his usual modest tone. “If the team is doing well, that means I’m playing pretty well too.”
Michael Sherfield
Daily Texan Staff
Tebow trying to win third championship, second Heisman
There is no such thing as the perfect college quarterback — but Tim Tebow is the next best thing.
It appears that the young man can do everything on the football field, and if given the opportunity he could probably kick a field goal while holding the snap.
After three seasons at Florida, Tebow has become the face of college football. His name has even been substituted for Chuck Norris’ when it comes to performing unbelievable feats.
Did you know Tim Tebow won a game of Connect Four in three moves?
Well Tebow has done something that Norris hasn’t — win two national titles in three years with a good chance of taking home a third one next January.
Tebow has a patented football move, the jump pass, which so far has been flawless.
And I almost forgot: he is pretty much a perfect human being as well.
The voters for this year’s Heisman Trophy should already have their ballots filled out and only one name can possibly be on the top — Tebow.
Barring an injury, Tebow is a lock to be in New York City in December for a third consecutive year. He will win games and score touchdowns.
Looking only at the stats, Tebow makes an unlikely frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford and Texas’ Colt McCoy will throw for more yards and touchdowns in the pass-happy Big 12.
Tebow does have the numbers though — he was the first player in college football history to throw for 20 and run for 20 touchdowns in his first Heisman-winning campaign in 2007 and threw 30 touchdowns and only four interceptions in 2008.
But he also has charisma and does more for his team than anyone else in the sport. He shares scriptures with his teammates and has even persuaded coach Urban Meyer to join one of his mission trips.
No matter how hard someone tries to hate Tebow, it is impossible to do. Tebow has done nothing wrong on or off the field. He even told the media he is a virgin and is abstaining from sex until marriage.
He visits prisons and goes to the Philippines to preach, but he lets his game do his talking for him on the field.
It is unknown if another player like Tebow will ever do what he has done. With another outstanding season on the field, the debate will begin. Is Tim Tebow the greatest college football player ever?
Tebow will do whatever he can to make sure his team succeeds. And if the trend continues, Tebow will continue to win and be unbelievable in Gainesville and carry it on to the NFL. Who know what’s next after that?
Can you say White House?
Dan Hurwitz
Daily Texan Staff
Despite winning Heisman in 2008, OU’s Bradford has a lot to improve upon’
Even as a student at the University of Texas, it is a journalist’s pervasive duty to remain fair and unbiased in the most sensitive debates; to ignore hometown favoritism and simply analyze all the facts and make an educated prediction; to forget the inborn love I have toward the Longhorns and simply call it like I see it.
So with that fair and balanced mindset, the verdict for Heisman is in, and the letters are written in crimson and cream.
Since his announcement to return for the 2009 season, Sam Bradford solidified his name in the preseason debate for the most coveted individual award in college football. And whether you like him or not, there is no doubt he is a front-runner.
Personally, the Longhorn student and fan in me cringes at the thought of an Oklahoma Sooner hoisting the trophy for the second year in a row, but it is ridiculous to ignore his talent and the astounding numbers Bradford put up last year. He is the real deal, and that is why he will win again.
The biggest reason is he has already done it.
Just as the Florida Gators sit atop the preseason polls after winning the National Championship last season, Bradford is easily the favorite for a repeat Heisman win.
As a junior, Bradford put up jaw-dropping numbers for the Sooners’ high-powered offense that scored more than 60 points in five consecutive games, demoralizing opposing defenses. Along with his 4,720 passing yards, 50 touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns, Bradford only threw eight interceptions during his march. With another year of experience, there is no doubt that he will be stronger and possibly better than last season.
Another reason he’ll win again is because he plays for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Everyone remembers the heartbreaking end to last season for the Longhorns, ousted by the Sooners in the AP polls and a month later when Colt McCoy finished second to Bradford for the Heisman. Bradford has the history and credibility from last season, and McCoy will have to be almost perfect to throw enough voters off of the Bradford bandwagon as the lone candidate from the Big 12.
Bradford also has something to prove this season.
Watching Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators celebrate after the Sooners lost their fifth straight BCS Bowl Game, Bradford has made it a mission to be better than last season.
“I have a lot to improve upon,” Bradford said during the Big 12 media days. “We lost two games last year, that is the room to improve. As a quarterback, the win-loss is on me.”
And after listening to preseason hype that have given both the Rose Bowl and Heisman to Tebow and the Gators, Bradford will have plenty of inspiration to prove he is the best player in college football — again.
Austin Ries
Daily Texan Staff
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