THROWING KNIVES: ABOUT THE HEISMAN

by BD, Staff Writer

(Program Alert: From now on TK will be seen only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.)

Even as a Florida fan I find myself at a loss heading into Heisman weekend. As you all know there are at least two more guys who deserve to be heading to New York, whether they win the award or not. It seems nearly every season a different small school super star is getting the shaft because of the school name on his jersey, rather than being rewarded for his success on the field. This year, or course, is no different.

There are at least two guys this season who have a legitimate gripe, having not even been considered for the trip, let alone given a chance to actually win the damn thing. The first of these guys is UCF running back Kevin Smith. You've all heard of him by now as he's on the verge of breaking Barry Sanders single season rushing record, yet, he's not good enough to be a finalist for the Heisman (let alone the Doak Walker). This, despite the fact that he's rushed for 100+ in all but one game this season, including 149+ against Texas and NC State. He lead his team to a conference championship and a bowl match up with SEC squad Mississippi State. So what's the problem? Oh, that's right. Central Florida isn't chic enough for you media folks out there.

What about another Central...? The other Central would be Michigan where sophomore QB Dan LeFevour has put up Tebow-like numbers this season. In fact, LeFevour has actually out-rushed Tebow this season 1008 to 838. Tebow did rack up 11 more TD's and less than half as many picks (13/6) LeFevour still compares favorably to Cannon 2.0. And like Smith he led his team to a conference championship, but also like Smith missed out on even being a finalist for his positional award (Davey O'Brien). I'll grant that you almost can't argue given the other two finalists were Dennis Dixon and Chase Daniel.

I realize the act of slighting guys because of where they play isn't going to change, but you can't argue that these guys played harder schedules than Colt Brennan. Colt's managed a trip to NY with a schedule that features just one team in Texas' league (Boise State). It feels to me a lot like Colt's pre-season hype bought him his ticket as soon as the Warriors knocked off Washington last weekend. Another factor against Colt is that he was injured and it didn't cost him anything, yet Dennis Dixon will be watching the ceremony from home this weekend. It's a lot like the BCS, when you're hot and you're rocking a big time jersey everybody loves you. When your not, or your playing at a school's who's name starts with "Central" you don't have a chance. It's just another unfortunate part of collegiate athletics.

Anyhow.... seeing as I have to pick one of the four finalists (rather than Smith) I'll be throwing my hat into the Tebow ring. Not because of my fandom, but because he's been the most consistent producer throughout the season. He didn't miss any games, and he didn't turn the ball over. He is, in my opinion, the slam-dunk winner unless he gets hosed because he's a sophomore, which wouldn't shock me as what seems to make sense never happens in the land of college football.