So the Heisman … McFadden or Tebow?
Uncategorized November 24th. 2007, 7:38pm
Watching Tim Tebow roll over the Seminoles and we’re wondering … what exactly does he need to do to win the Heisman? Did Arkansas RB Darren McFadden win the award Friday afternoon in Baton Rouge with his 298-yard, four TD performance in the upset of No. 1 LSU? There’s a healthy debate to be had here, but we thought we’d toss this post up now for threee reasons: 1) WVU QB Pat White clowned UConn a few hours ago with 186 rushing yards and two scores in a 66-21 drubbing, 2) Tebow has thrown for two TDs and rushed for two more as the Gators lead the ‘Noles 31-12 late in the third quarter, and 3) You have to assume the winning QB from the Missouri/Kansas game tonight probably finishes third or fourth.
We’ll obviously revist all of this Monday morning with a Top 5 ballot, but we’ll leave you with one thing to keep in mind – it’s an honor for the most outstanding college player this season.
35 Responses to “So the Heisman … McFadden or Tebow?”
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November 24th, 2007 at 7:42 pm
i still have jimmy claussen leading my ballot
November 24th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
colt brennan should be in the discussion.
seriously.
November 24th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
I know you have a love affair with McFadden, but he should not be in the running for this award. If your team is not great, you must be having a STATISTICALLY ASTOUNDING season to really be a Heisman frontrunner. You need to have a historically good season if your team isn’t in the national championship hunt. And while 1700 yards and 15 TDs is impressive, its a good season for a great runningback but not Heisman worthy.
Tebow,on the other hand, has had that statistically ASTOUNDING season, and his team is much, much better than Arkansas (even though not really in the natty hunt). 3000 yards passing and almost 30 TDs to go along with almost 1000 rushing and 20 TDs is an incredible year. As much as I don’t like the guy, McFadden’s talent shouldn’t win the award, the season Tebow’s had should.
Unfortunately, this only happened because Dixon got hurt. Its incredible to see how far they’ve fallen offensively without him. I feel like he should at least get an invite, but he won’t. The QB who wins the KU, Mizzou game (especially if its Chase), as well as Pat White will round out the four.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Yes, Jim, Colt Brennan is in the mix. Even though Woodson had 6 TD passes today, and Ryan has BC in the ACC title game … Brennan has probably passed them both.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
It’s Tebow, and it’s not close.
Just took Mizzou +1. TBL, any action this weekend?
November 24th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
0-2 in parlays so far, Mike. No thanks to LSU and Connecticut (+19.5).
Just added a third … Auburn to win and Kansas -1.5.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Parlays are tough. I think MU takes this one, though.
I like STL and HOU tomorrow.
November 24th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Brady Leaf, although that injury may have hurt his chances.
November 24th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Ryan will no longer be a candidate for the Heisman after VT atones for their loss a month ago to BC. VT will hit Ryan so hard his mom wont be able to walk the next day.
November 24th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
I think you have to take a serious look at Osaar Rasshan, after his incredible play against Oregon today.
November 24th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
KU is moving the ball plenty; college kickers just so unpredictable.
November 24th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
There is only 1 thing that you need to know about his debate, Tim Tebow has accounted for 51 Touchdowns this year….please read that number again and again and again…
November 24th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I’d be happy with an invite for Pat White. I am a homer though.
November 24th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Mcfadden will win to make up for last year, Tebow will get it next year to make up for this year. Either way, at least the next heisman winner will actually have an NFL career worth noting.
November 24th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Tebow will most certainly not have an NFL career. Well, maybe at safety,
November 24th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
I’ll say that McFadden is the best (most talented) college player I have seen all year, but Tebow will get it based on his numbers and his team having a better season. Then DMac will laugh all the way to the bank when he is tearing up NFL defenses next year.
November 24th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
If it’s ever possible to watch someone run for over 200 yds, 3+ TDs, and think he shouldn’t win the Heisman, McFadden certainly made me think that watching him against LSU. Yeah, he had a great game and great stats, but he was often on the sidelines in critical situations and his backup came through time and again. That speaks more about the greatness of Arkansas’ offensive line than it does about McFadden. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a great player, but certainly not enough to win the Heisman.
November 25th, 2007 at 12:34 am
The thing that people need to remember is the Heisman is for the best player in the country for that particular year. I love McFadden as much as the next guy, but Tebow has by far been the best player this year. The argument that Tebow can win it next year, which I’ve heard far too much this weekend, is completely unfounded. I think everyone would say Adrian Peterson is one of the best players they have ever seen in CFB, but he wasn’t healthy a complete year after his freshman year. It’s gotta be Tebow – the 51 TDs speak for themselves.
November 25th, 2007 at 2:51 am
from heisman.com:
Heisman Trophy Balloting
While the task of designating the most outstanding college football player was daunting, a crucial decision was the group of individuals chosen to select him. It was determined that a logical choice was sports journalists from all across the country who, as informed, competent and impartial, would comprise the group of electors.
Who was the most outstanding for the whole year…not just one game…298 yards is a great game but 51 touchdowns is a season for the ages…
November 25th, 2007 at 9:33 am
I’m not saying that Tebow doesn’t deserve it- he just won’t win it. McFadden was the clear choice last year, but heisman voters don’t vote for sophomores. Hence, Troy Smith joined the Andre Ware fraternity. Just get ready for another round of “the Heisman is antiquated” articles that will use the same template as last year just with new names.
November 25th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Troy Smith had 30 touchdowns passing (1 rushing), a 65% completion percentage, and a 161 QB rating on a team that was ranked #1 the entire season and played the #2 team in the country 3 times and finally lost. How in the fuck does that invoke an Andre Ware comparison, who had gaudy stats on a shitty team in a run&shoot offense?
November 25th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Tebow has to win the Heisman this year. If he doesn’t, then they need to enact a rule a rule that you cannot be eligible for the Heisman unless you are an upperclassman.
November 25th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Well said, Mike.
November 25th, 2007 at 11:08 am
Doesn’t that Texas Tech kid have like 49 TDs total? Why is 51 a season for the ages? Its seems to me that if you need to discount crazy offenses like Hawaii (and Colt’s 58 TDs last year) and Texas Tech’s than an adjustment has to be made for an offense that runs the QB instead of a TB anytime they are within the 5 yardline.
November 25th, 2007 at 11:18 am
Nick, guess who else had those numbers in a similar situation: Jason White. Twice, actually. His heisman numbers: 3846 yards 40tds 10int. Next years: 3205 yards 35tds 9ints (65.4completion %, 159.42 qb rating). White and Smith had good teammates, and crapped the bed in the national title game…both got the heisman not for being the best player in college football, but by qb’ing the #1 team. Maybe I should’ve put down Gino Torretta fraternity instead of ware, but either way, troy smith wasn’t the best player in college football last year, but won the heisman due to being the qb on the #1 team.
November 25th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
No love for Chase Daniel?
70% Comp
3,951 yds
36(3 rush) Total TDs
His team has a chance to play for the Nat’l title.
If Missouri beat Oklahoma, Chase has a real good shot. Tebow has the stats, but as we’ve seen, Heisman voters like QBs on Championship teams.
November 25th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Daniel deserves “some love” but he isn’t the Heisman winner. Had this season not been so screwed up Mizzou would still be ranked about 6th or 7th even with that win last night. You shouldn’t have a better chance to win the Heisman becase of a bunch of upsets to other teams. He should have the same chances to win the award he would of had if that wasn’t the case.
As for McFadden it is debateable if he is even the best back on his own team. The other kid has a MUCH HIGHR yards per carry average and McFadden only had one more TD going into the last game than the back-up. McFadden is a great player, no doubt but he hasn’t been the best player in college football this season.
I think the fact that a QB from FLORIDA has more TDs than the QB that plays for the Mad Scientist is even more reason why Tebow is having a season or the ages.
I know it is popular to say Tebow is a one man show. I’m down with that if we can find ONE Florida Seminole who will back it up.
51 TDs in your first season as the starting QB for the defending national champs (think about the target this team has had on its back) in the frigging SEC. It is off the charts amazing people. Your just blind if you aren’t seeing it.
November 25th, 2007 at 3:30 pm
Tebow is playing in the same topsy turvy, upset laden season as Daniel, yet Daniel has a chance to lead his team to the Nat’l title game. I don’t think that’s a fair criticism of Daniel’s chances. If Missouri wins, Daniel will curry great favor with the Heisman voters, regardless of what teams lost to put them there.
November 25th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
I’ve been telling you dudes that Tebow was your Heisman winner from Week 1.
It’s for the best player in college football, and anybody setting new records in the sport and is the only consistent offense on his team deserves the award.
November 25th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Gangsta D, it wasn’t a critism of Daniel that he is leading the number one team in the nation. I just don’t think he deserves extra credit for the accomplisment in the Heisman race. I don’t disagree it will get him some votes. I just don’t think it should. He is same player if Mizzou is number one or if they are number 10.
The problem is that Reesling would be getting all kinds of love instead of being forgotten if his D returned two picks for scores and Kansas won. And that is stupid. He is still the same guy but he’d be getting credit for “leading” the number 1 team in the land. That is fine and even noteworth but IMO not Heisman worthy. Same with Daniel. But with Daniel I think he actually is Heisman worthy but not because he is QBing the team ranked number 1. It is because he is one of the best players in the USA.
I’m actually giving Daniel the benefit of the doubt and saying I’d still list him as a candidate even if Mizzou had lost. I actually think I would list him at number 2 behind Tebow. Daniel is doing things that I don’t recall a Mizzou QB doing. It is very impressive. Arkansas has a second back who is having an amazing season. Lets face it, you aren’t going step in and do what Tebow is doing. There isn’t anyone out there IMO who could do it. Arkansas gains more yards per carry with Jones in the game. It would be poposterous to suggest anyone could step in and score 51 TDs for the defending national champions while playing in the SEC against LSU, Tennessee, Kentucky, Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi State and South Carolina. The WORST of those teams is a a team that was as high as 6th or 7th in the country at one time.
November 25th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Any knock against Tebow is an even bigger knock for McFadden. If Tebow doesn’t win it, it’s a travesty. He has had one of the best seasons for a quarterback in NCAA history. The best season for a “modern” qb in history. Give him the award, and no, it shouldn’t be close. I’d have Daniel over McFadden by the way. McFadden is a great player. A freak of a player. But two games don’t win you the heisman.
November 25th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
I don’t want to turn into a Tebow basher, although I do dislike UF, because he’s doing his thing. But it’s crazy to say that no one could step in and do what he’s doing in that offense. He’s a one read QB that throws hitches, crosses, go routes, and flanker screens. His weapons, primarily Harvin, run sub 4.5s at worst. He gets the ball to his playmakers, in open space, who make plays. I’m not hating. That’s what he’s supposed to do. I’m a Hurricane fan. I WISH Kyle Wright could’ve done the same. But let’s not make him into a Dr. Manhattan-like super being.
November 25th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Nobody in the history of college football has done what heis doing. I don’t think it is crazy at all. Tebow gave the rest of the world a 100 year head start and nobody did it but I’m supposed to believe one of his peers could do it?
I don’t think scorng 51 TDs is that easy.
November 26th, 2007 at 9:28 am
If you don’t think Vince Young could have scored 51 TDs in ‘05, you weren’t paying attention. His backfield rushed for 43 TDs (outside of his 12). Tebow’s backfield has accounted for 15 TDs on the ground. If VY was the Longhorns option everytime they got in the redzone, he would have had a statistically more impressive season than Tebow’s this year. (Tebow’s ypc is 4.3, while Young’s was 6.8) Tebow has had am amazing season, but it is in large part because of his lack of options. With that being said, he should win the Heisman and he probably won’t.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:46 am
I’m a little confused about the Heisman where Darren McFadden is concerned.
First, he has posted a better season this year than he did last year as the runner up.
Second, I don’t know where people are getting the idea that he only had one good game. He broke the overall record for yards rushed in a season which he himself set last year. He also tied the SEC all time rushing record in the game against South Carolina.
Third, while Felix Jones (great player!) posts more yards per carry than McFadden, there is no doubt that McFadden being on the field in double coverage contributes to his, and everyone else’s average.
Finally, if the voting went against McFadden last year because he was a sophomore, it would seem like robbery to give it to a sophomore this year. He certainly deserves it for 3 consistent seasons of record-breaking play.