Heisman Watch: Don't Believe The Hype

I regularly read a few college football blogs, and most will have the inevitable “Heisman Watch” section. My feelings on the Heisman Watch have grown from a fascination of mine, to a minor pet peeve, and are now bordering on full blown hatred.

The only instructions given to voters seems to be to vote for the “most outstanding player in college football”, which is pretty vague. Still, shouldn’t be too difficult. But somehow many “experts” that I follow, seem genuinely clueless. They cling to traditions rather than judge by what is happening on Saturday afternoon.

The Heisman is, above all else, an individual award. How good a team is should not be a deciding factor. But if you look at the majority of lists out there, you’ll see Tebow, McCoy and Ingram atop of them. Coincidentally Florida, Texas and Alabama are currently ranked 1, 2 and 3.

Anyone who has actually watched college football this season would have a hard time justifying that they’ve been the three most outstanding players.

In my opinion, the most outstanding player this year has been Golden Tate, the Notre Dame wide receiver, who uses his insane leaping ability and speed to consistently get the better of double teams. Since his first couple of so/so games, where his team-mate Michael Floyd clearly outperformed him, Tate has exploded. His catch against Washington State this weekend was one of the best I’ve ever seen.



Take this into account – USC has allowed 3 passing TDs all season. 2 of them have been caught by Golden Tate. USC has allowed only one 100 yard receiver all season – Golden Tate. This is in spite of the fact that he has been double teamed all year long because of Michael Floyd’s absence. Based solely on the 2009 season, he’s been the best player.

Others who have been getting some consideration are Case Keenum, Ndamukong Suh, Jimmy Clausen and CJ Spiller. Again, based solely on the 2009 season, these are the best players.
Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy have been getting consideration because….. well, I don’t know. It’s because their teams are undefeated (thanks in large part to dominating defense) and because they both had a great 2008. But neither should matter because it’s 1) an individual award, and 2) it’s now 2009.

So (drumroll please), here is my Heisman list as of November 4th 2009.



1: Golden Tate – WR – Notre Dame
2: Ndamukong Suh – DT - Nebraska
3: Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame
4: CJ Spiller – RB - Clemson
5: Case Keenum – QB - Houston
6: Mark Ingram – RB - Alabama

There are other names which, on another day may have been included like Jacquizz Rodgers, Kellen Moore, Ryan Mathews, but I could mix and match them all day and still not be any the wiser.
I’m pretty sure most people who have Tebow and McCoy on their lists have just taken a look at the BCS standings, based their “opinion” on that, rather than actually watching games. If you see any of these lists, I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on them. Just go and read Dr. Saturday to make sure you get some common sense.