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In 1985 Bo Jackson won the Heisman Trophy by rushing for 1,657 yards and 15 touchdowns. Twenty-four years later, no SEC running back has won the award again. Not Emmitt Smith, not Darren McFadden, not Knowshon Moreno, not Jamal Lewis, not Fred Taylor, not Garrison Hearst not Terrell Davis -- okay, he wasn't that good in college. None of them. And it's not like there hasn't been an awful lot of talented player, by my review of first-round draft picks, the SEC has had 15 running backs taken in the first round since Bo Jackson won the Heisman.

For over a generation, Jackson has stood alone. But now, in the absence of any overwhelming favorite, Alabama running back Mark Ingram seems to be atop many Heisman lists. Is it justified? How do his numbers stack up compared to past winners? And what do those past winners at running back -- there have only been seven since Bo Jackson in 1985 -- tell us about the current state of college football. Proceed, fearless reader.

Barry Sanders' 1988 season is the gold standard for college football rushers. In fact, it may be the gold standard for college football players period. In that year Sanders rushed for 2,628 yards in just 11 games. He had 37 regular season touchdowns. (All stats are pre-bowls, since the Heisman is handed out in advance of bowl season.) But you don't need to hear it from me. Go look at his game stats from that season. In four of the 11 regular season games he went over 300 yards. Four times. He averaged 238.9 yards per game.

I think we can safely call this the greatest season for a running back in the history of college football. Not surprisingly, Sanders won the Heisman Trophy.

Next came Rashaan Salaam at Colorado in 1994. Salaam broke the elusive 2,000-yard plane and scored 21 touchdowns. The next season, 1995, Eddie Georgia notched 1,927 yards rushing, 24 touchdowns, and an average of 152.2 yards per game. In 1998 Ricky Williams broke 2,000 yards and finished the regular season with 2,124 yards and 27 touchdowns. In 1999 Ron Dayne went for 1,834 yards and 19 touchdowns en route to the award. Finally, for the only time for a running back this decade, Reggie Bush won the Heisman in 2005 with 1,658 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Bush also had 383 receiving yards.

What does all of this tell us? In the past two decades, you have to put up huge numbers to be considered for the Heisman Trophy as a running back. That's because the Heisman has become a quarterback's trophy. Indeed, every winner this decade has played quarterback except for Bush. Four of the past seven winners have soared over 2,000 yards rushing, Eddie George and Ron Dayne came tantalizingly close. And Reggie Bush ascended the Heisman plateau on the strength of his running, receiving, and punt returning prowess.
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Now the question remains, does Mark Ingram have what it takes to chalk up the first Heisman Trophy for Alabama? I've already cast my lot with Boise State's Kellen Moore, but Ingram's candidacy is an intriguing one. Let's go pro and con.

1. Pro: Ingram is averaging 6.7 yards per carry which is tops among major college backs. It's also better than the per carry averages that Bo Jackson, Darren McFadden, Cadillac Williams, Jamal Lewis, and other SEC tailback luminaries have put together in their best campaigns.

For whatever reason, Ingram doesn't have a reputation as a breakaway back. but his per carry average is better than just about everyone in major college football. In fact, the only two BCS backs that have a higher per carry average among the nation's top 100 rushers are Oregon's LaMichael James and Florida's Jeff Demps.

2. Con: Presently Mark Ingram has 1, 297 yards rushing, 225 yards receiving, and he has 13 total touchdowns. That's good for fifth in the nation in rushing.

While those stats are impressive, it's important to note that Jackson, Sanders, Salaam, George, and Dayne will all finish with more yards than Ingram even though Ingram will gain two extra games on those men--the additional 12th game added to the schedule as well as the SEC championship game. Statistically, if he wins, Ingram is likely to have the lowest rushing average per game than every Heisman Trophy winning running back since Archie Griffin ran for 1,357 yards in 1975.

3. Pro: Ingram has played against rugged SEC defenses, five of which are presently ranked in the top 25 of the nation's defenses. Three of the backs that are ranked above him in total yardage, play outside the BCS at Fresno State, UTEP, and Temple.

4. Con: Stanford running back Toby Gerhart is the only BCS back with more yards than Ingram, and he's also scored 19 rushing touchdowns to Ingram's 10.

Given that Gerhart has recently led Stanford to back-to-back top 10 wins, why isn't Gerhart considered the Heisman favorite if a running back is to be selected?

5. Pro: The only quarterback that can justifiably be selected over Ingram or Gerhart is Boise State's Kellen Moore.

Given the relatively mediocre seasons, at least relative to their past standards, of Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow, both of these men should be eliminated from Heisman contention. Meaning that effectively, this should be a three-horse race, Moore, Gerhart, or Ingram down the stretch.

6. Con: If Mark Ingram played for a team that wasn't ranked in the top five in the country, he would not be a major candidate.

Consider, last season Georgia's Moreno rushed for 1,400 yards, 16 touchdowns, and caught 33 passes for 392 yards.

No one even mentioned him as a Heisman candidate. Isn't Ingram being hyped solely because Alabama is having a good season and there is such a weak field of contenders?

7. Pro: Alabama plays Chattanooga this weekend and Ingram could roll up 200 yards pretty easily if Nick Saban elects to keep him in the game.

Following this game, Alabama has the national stage to themselves for a Friday game at Auburn. As if that weren't enough, the SEC Championship game has a shot at becoming the most highly watched college football game, in terms of viewers, in CBS history.

So Ingram has a better opportunity for a strong close than any other Heisman contender not named Tim Tebow.

8. Con: Mark Ingram is in the same voting region as Tim Tebow.

How much will he be hurt by those who reflexively vote for Tebow and cut into his support base? Does someone like Gerhart have a geographic advantage when it comes to support?

9. Pro: Ingram has performed the best against SEC opponents and has not, thus far, padded his stats against weaker competition.

In fact, in the two easiest games on Alabama's schedule, FIU and North Texas, Ingram carried the ball just 25 times for 142 yards. His best running has come in conference.

10. Con: Ingram, a sophomore back, has come out of nowhere this season and his numbers aren't overwhelming.

There's nothing eye-catching about what Ingram has done. He won't come near breaking 2,000 yards, there's no singular play that anyone can point to, yet, that defines his candidacy. He's a hard-working, grueling, runner. Typically those types of runners aren't rewarded.

Plus, he hasn't built up a profile with the Heisman voters, he's come out of nowhere. That relative anonymity works against him when it comes to garnering a national award. I'd wager that one month ago, prior to the South Carolina performance, most voters didn't even have Ingram on their radar screens.

11. Pro: Being a sophomore doesn't matter anymore.

Remember two years ago when the debate was about whether or not a sophomore could win the Heisman? Tebow won the award after much hand-ringing. Raise your hand if you've even heard a single person mention the fact that Ingram is a sophomore when they analyze his candidacy this fall.

12. Con: Auburn can ruin Ingram's chances at the award.

Ingram has a chance to become Alabama's own Bo Jackson. Something that, I'd imagine, won't sit very well with Auburn's Ben Tate or the War Eagles. Can you imagine how raucous Jordan-Hare will be in two weeks when Ingram comes to town seeking to buttress his campaign?

Would you put it past Auburn to stack the line and absolutely refuse to allow Ingram to run the football against them?

I wouldn't at all.

Especially when you consider that keeping Ingram from winning the Heisman by stuffing him on the Friday after Thanksgiving may be the only victory that Auburn can grab in this game.

There is still an awful lot of football left to be played, but right now, Mark Ingram has the national stage to himself.

To Bo or not to Bo, that is the question.

Ingram's Heisman Hopes, Bo and Con originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Clay TravisWed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST Say Good Knight to Keenum, Houstonhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/say-good-knight-to-keenum-houston/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/say-good-knight-to-keenum-houston/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/14/say-good-knight-to-keenum-houston/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Case KeenumORLANDO, Fla. - Good Knight, Case.

Case Keenum's late-game dramatics -- not to mention his Heisman Trophy consideration -- wilted under a brilliant Florida sun and an inspired Central Florida defense Saturday afternoon. Despite throwing two touchdowns in the closing minutes, Keenum and 13th-ranked Houston ran out of time in their 37-32 defeat to a band of merry Knights who clinched the program's first win over a nationally-ranked team.

"Whether it was making mistakes or them playing really hard ... they did a good job of covering down field and putting pressure on me," said Keenum, who had led Houston to consecutive victories over Southern Miss and Tulsa last week on last-minute scoring drives.


"We could never get it going."

The game pitted Houston's strength (No. 1 in the nation in pass offense and scoring) against UCF's biggest weakness (No. 114 in the nation against the pass). Advantage, Knights, who helped a small but boisterous crowd of 34,437 celebrate homecoming in sunny, 75-degree style at Bright House Networks Stadium.

Certainly not forgotten in the equation was that UCF (6-4) entered leading Conference USA in total defense and fewest points allowed despite its struggles against the pass.

And let's also not forget crafty veteran Knights coach George O'Leary, whose team is bowl eligible for the third time in four years and remains in Conference USA contention.

On Friday night, O'Leary showed his team highlight clips of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, explaining how the three-time World Heavyweight champion could throw a punch, take a punch and overcome adversity. The Cougars (8-2), who no longer control their destiny in Conference USA's West Division, ended up on their haunches.


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Keenum, ranked a close second in three of four Heisman straw polls conducted by ESPN, USA Today Scripps Howard and CBSSports.com and fourth in USA Today's version, finished 33 of 56 for 377 yards and three scores.

Keenum, who had more than 500 yards in each of the previous two games, threw for 325 of his 377 yards in the first and fourth quarters.

"Give them credit for knowing their stuff and playing hard against us," Keenum said, pushing back a faded,worn Houston cap.

Actually, that was an oft-repeated theme from the Cougars.

Frustrated players credited the Knights, dressed in new black jerseys, for playing with more effort and emotion.

UCF trailed 10-0 and 17-3 midway in the second quarter before it scored 20 unanswered points and played keep away with the Cougars' normally quick-strike offense. The Knights held a huge advantage in time of possession (39:30 to 20:30, and Houston only ran four plays in the second quarter) and committed just one penalty.

"They were flying around to the ball," said Houston receiver Tyron Carrier, who had nine receptions for 149 yards and two scores.

"They acted like they wanted it, and we couldn't hold them back. They were rushing our quarterback, getting to our screens. They did a good job of preparing for us. We were fired up to play; we kind of started laying down a little bit. A good team sees a team laying down, they are going to come back and pull out the win, and that's what they did."

Carrier sighed, and continued.

"I really don't know what it was," he said. "If a team wanted it more than the other team, the team that wants it the most is going to get it. That's what they did. The game plan was great; it's just on us as a team. We didn't execute. You don't want to give any team at home something to cheer."

The Knights had plenty to cheer.

Knights running back Brynn Harvey rushed for 139 yards -- his fourth career 100-yard game -- and a career-high three rushing touchdowns.

Quarterback Brett Hodges, a transfer from Wake Forest and a Florida native, completed 21 of 25 passes and tossed 12 consecutive completions at one point. He recorded the highest completion percentage in a game for his career (84.0) and out-played the Heisman hopeful in the process.

"That was the plan going in, and it really just came down to execution," Hodges said.

"We controlled the ball because we executed."

And let's not forget about UCF's defense, anchored by a small but athletic line and a young secondary that refused to blink. The unit was torched last week by Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, who threw for 470 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-7 non-conference romp.

When Justin Boddie picked off Keenum in the fourth quarter, it ended his streak of 123 straight passes without an interception.

"They out-played us; flat out-played us," said disgruntled Houston right guard Chris Thompson.

"Mostly, they just gave good effort at what they did. They were pretty good up front -- we knew that coming in. They threw a couple blitzes in, a couple slants -- but that wasn't the problem -- they out-played us out front. Had a real good plan coming into the game.

"When we turn on film Monday ... the team that played harder than the other team ... and it seemed like they played off the crowd and emotion and had things going their way."





Houston also suffered three turnovers in the game, and not even Keenum's late-game dramatics were enough to save the day.

"I thought they did some things physically ... they turned it into a physical game and we didn't respond the way we should have," Houston coach Kevin Sumlin said.

"I didn't see anyone quit or anything like that, that's not it. In a game like that, where there's a contrast of styles, turnovers become important with ball-possession offense. When it's a physical game you have to match that play, I didn't think we matched it consistently all day."

Say Good Knight to Keenum, Houston originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Case KeenumCaseKeenumJim HenrySat, 14 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST At Boise, Kellen Is Moore of a Heisman Candidate Than Tebow, McCoyhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/at-boise-kellen-is-moore-of-a-heisman-candidate-than-tebow-mcc/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/at-boise-kellen-is-moore-of-a-heisman-candidate-than-tebow-mcc/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/at-boise-kellen-is-moore-of-a-heisman-candidate-than-tebow-mcc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kellen MooreI've heard your Tebow talk and your McCoy blather, I've even read your outlandish suggestions that Alabama running back Mark Ingram should win the award. Please, Ingram isn't even as good as Temple's Bernard Pierce and Stanford's Toby Gerhart statistically, and I haven't heard a single one of you mention him. Already, we've made Case's case, and I don't agree with that either.

There is still one player is lurking out there without much national recognition despite the fact that he has the best profile of any Heisman contender.

Why is he being ignored? Because he plays for Boise State and because, you might have noticed, Boise State is off the national radar despite being undefeated. That means most of us have missed what Kellen Moore has managed so far this fall. Thus far,Moore has completed over 67 percent of his passes with many more touchdowns than interceptions. Along the way he's led his team to a 9-0 record, kicked a huge dent in the BCS superiority, and burnished his Heisman credentials. Don't believe me, please step inside for a discussion.
More Heisman Hopefuls: Houston's Consistent Keenum
Stanford's Gerhart Battering Opposition | Nebraska's Dominant DT Suh
Can you pick out Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow's statistics from the list of quarterbacks below?

A. 1,948 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, one rushing touchdown

B. 1,531 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions, nine rushing touchdowns

C. 2,259 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, three interceptions, one rushing touchdown

D. 2,447 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, nine interceptions, one rushing touchdown

E. 2,189 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, five interceptions, 13 rushing touchdowns

Go ahead and take your guess.

Ready for the revelation?

A.. Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee'

B. Tebow, Florida

C. Moore, Boise State

D. Colt McCoy, Texas

E. Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan

As if that weren't enough, tossing the two leading contenders into a bunch and showing how pedestrian their stats truly are in relation to other quarterbacks having good seasons, Tebow and McCoy are both having worse statistical seasons than they had last year. You know, last year, when neither man won the Heisman Trophy. Don't get me wrong, last year I thought Tebow deserved the Heisman, I would have voted for him. But this year, I think he's been average at best, a mortal man.
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Put it this way, if Tim Tebow was a first-year starting quarterback and no one had ever heard of him before, would he be a legitimate Heisman contender this year?

The answer is no, right?

What about McCoy?

It's possible he's going to have his worst statistics in four years as a starter at Texas. And if it's not his worst year, then at least it's his second-worst year. Definitely two other seasons, and potentially three other years, he's had better results on the field and the Heisman hasn't been his. Why does he deserve it in the midst of the worst year of his career? And it's not as though he's barely missing last year's numbers with a downgraded receivers corp, the disparity from last year is immense. Were he not a solid candidate last year, McCoy would hardly be a frontrunner this year.

Especially when Kellen Moore is currently, wait for it, the nation's passing efficiency leader. Tebow ranks eighth in the country while McCoy is 13th. That's the second most important stat for quarterbacks. What's the most important?

Wins and losses.

Where, guess what, Moore, Tebow, and McCoy are all tied in wins thanks to leading their teams to an undefeated season.

In fact, what if you replaced Tebow and McCoy from their respective squads. Do you really think there would be much of a drop-off? Would Florida have lost a game starting Brantley this season?

Maybe.

Would Florida have lost several games?

No.

Both of these teams would still be top-ten caliber.

Where would Boise be without Moore? I don't think they'd be in the top ten.

And I don't want to hear that Tebow and McCoy both have intangible leadership qualities that make them deserve to win.

Big deal.

You don't think Kellen Moore has intangible leadership qualities as well?

Ultimately, if we seriously consider Tebow and McCoy for the Heisman, aren't we tacitly rewarding them for simply being the favorites coming into the season? In fact, aren't we doing exactly what many fans decry that the polls do, rewarding teams based more on where they begin than what they accomplish?

Why yes, I think that's exactly what we're doing. Because if you consider the players based entirely on the merits of their play this season, you can only come to one actual conclusion, Kellen Moore should win the Heisman Trophy.

At Boise, Kellen Is Moore of a Heisman Candidate Than Tebow, McCoy originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Clay TravisFri, 13 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST Best Player? Most Valuable? Answer to Both Is Man Named Suhhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/best-player-most-valuable-answer-to-both-is-man-named-suh/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/best-player-most-valuable-answer-to-both-is-man-named-suh/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/13/best-player-most-valuable-answer-to-both-is-man-named-suh/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ndamukong SuhDepending on who is debating, the Heisman Trophy is awarded to either the best college football player in the country or the one who simply means the most to his team.

Whichever side of the coin you fall on, you have to come back to Nebraska senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Certainly playing in the trenches of the defensive line isn't the sexiest place to find the nation's most preeminent player.

Watching Suh defy double- and triple-teams the last two seasons has been every bit as exciting as a running back spinning out of the arms of several tacklers or a receiver blazing past the secondary or a quarterback dodging tacklers until he spots a receiver downfield for a critical touchdown.
More Heisman Hopefuls: Boise State's Kellen Is 'Moore'
Houston's Consistent Keenum | Stanford's Gerhart Battering Opposition

Suh has become the consummate defensive tackle who has embodied the definition of Nebraska's storied Blackshirt tradition. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder can fill up a box score like no other college defensive tackle in recent memory. In Nebraska's 27-12 win over Missouri last month, Suh registered six tackles, had one tackle for a loss, forced a fumble, intercepted a pass, broke up a pass and recorded a sack.

Without question he is unstoppable and is the single-most dominant force in college football this season. That's why Suh would have been an early first rounder in the NFL Draft in April had he decided to leave after his junior season. Don't be surprised if he's the No.1 player taken this time around.

In modern football, it's rare for an interior defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles, but that is exactly what Suh did last season. He's second on the team this season with 53 tackles, which includes 29 solo stops, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, eight pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble and three blocked kicks in nine games.

Suh's dominance has opened opportunities for the rest of the Cornhuskers' defensive front as evidenced by sophomore defensive tackle Jared Crick, who leads the team in tackles because opponents are scheming away from Suh. Now that's impact.

As a tribute to his outstanding play, Suh is the favorite to take all the prestigious defensive awards this season like the Lombardi Award and Lott Trophy.

Winning the Heisman Trophy for a defensive player -- a defensive tackle at that -- is much more than a long shot. It's an almost impossible dream.

Only one non-offensive skill person has ever taken home the prestigious award and that was Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson in 1997.

"I really don't have a set opinion on the Heisman," Suh said in a recent live ESPN chat with fans. "Obviously, all the players up for it are great athletes and players and help their teams, so they're all deserving players. I do think that more defensive players should be up there, not just because I'm one myself, but the saying is that defense weighs championships. If you can't stop an offense, you won't win.

"I think they should have more recognition, but I don't have a problem with it and I can see why more offensive guys are up in the limelight. You have stats that are out there and easy to find -- rushing yards, TDs, completion rating, and the like."

Best Player? Most Valuable? Answer to Both Is Man Named Suh originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Charles WoodsonCharlesWoodsonJared CrickJaredCrickndamukong suhNdamukongSuhNebraskaFootballTerrance HarrisFri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST Stanford's Gerhart Battering Oppositionhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/stanfords-gerhart-battering-opposition/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/stanfords-gerhart-battering-opposition/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/stanfords-gerhart-battering-opposition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Toby Gerhart spent so much time submerged in the cold tub Sunday that a Stanford athletic trainer joked Gerhart needed a snorkel. Thirty-eight carries and a school-record 223 rushing yards a day earlier against Oregon left Gerhart beaten and bruised.

He couldn't have been happier.
More Heisman Hopefuls: Boise State's Kellen Is 'Moore'
Houston's Consistent Keenum | Nebraska's Dominant DT Suh

Gerhart's physical style has set the tone and pace for the surprising Cardinal, who are back in the national rankings and need a victory at USC Saturday to likely end one of the great runs in the history of college football -- the Trojans' seven years atop the Pac-10. But there's so much more to this story.

Bowl eligible for the first time since 2001, beating the Trojans could thrust the Cardinal into the Rose Bowl hunt. And Gerhart, raised in Southern California, will also get his Heisman Trophy stage in the Coliseum against Tailback U, a program that recruited him as a blocking back and frowned on him playing baseball.

"So I told them I wasn't interested," Gerhart said.

All eyes are certainly on Gerhart and the Cardinal following last Saturday's 51-42 win over then-No. 7 Oregon.

Gerhart's old-school, hammering running style set a school single-game rushing record and it has also put together one of the best seasons in the country. The senior has rushed for 1,217 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns, placing him second in the nation in both.

Considering Stanford has scored 84 points the past two games against two of the nation's better defenses in Oregon and Arizona State, it could be an interesting afternoon for the Trojans. And let's not forget what happened last time Stanford waltzed into Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2007. The 40-point underdog beat USC 24-23.

Talk to us, Pete.

"[Gerhart] would be like playing the Bus [Jerome Bettis] the old days at Pittsburgh where you just knew you had a big war daddy coming back there at you down after down after down," said USC coach Pete Carroll, whose team has won six of the last seven games in the series after the Cardinal posted three consecutive wins from 1999-2001.

"Gerhart would be like playing [Jerome Bettis], where you just knew you had a big war daddy coming back there at you."
-- Pete Carroll, USC coach "There is a certain style to his running and all that and certain things you want to do to try to defend against that. I don't think there are many guys that had that kind of presence off-hand other than going all the way back to him [Bettis]."

Thick and sturdy at 6-foot-1 and 237 pounds, Gerhart has had an enormous impact on the Cardinal's success. He might not be a household name nationally and is considered a Heisman long shot, but he's not a secret on the West Coast. When Gerhart receives more than 20 carries, Stanford is 6-1. When he doesn't? Stanford is 0-2.

"They have a real obvious core of their offense in Toby Gerhart, just a hammer back there running the football," said Carroll. "They've built their style around his physical nature, and it's working very well for them."

Gerhart is just the second player in Stanford history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, and he has pushed his career total to 2,868 yards, good for third place on the program's all-time career rushing list.

Gerhart has carried the ball an astounding 233 times in nine games this season (about 26 carries per game), which is easily the most in the country and more than some entire teams.

Not bad for a California dude who might have more potential as a professional baseball prospect. The outfielder from Norco, Ca., southeast of L.A. off I-15, has hit .275 with 16 home runs, 24 doubles and 68 RBI over three seasons.

"Toby's been our shining star all year," Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh said.

"He's a man. He's a true warrior."

He's a team player, too.

The affable Gerhart might be slow when he lugs himself off the ground after a carry, but he's quick to spread praise to his offense line. The unit is a big reason why Stanford is averaging 520.6 yards (1,562 total) a game in total offense over its last three games against Arizona (584), Arizona State (473) and Oregon (505).

The Cardinal currently rank second in the Pac-10 and 14th nationally in total offense, averaging 443.0 yards per game.

"They do everything, and if it wasn't for those guys I wouldn't have any yards and any of this publicity," Gerhart said.

"Those guys just get after it -- the 'Tunnel Workers Union' as they call themselves. They all have their beanies or skull caps and their motto is they go to work every day and make holes. They get after it week in and week out, no matter how many guys are in the box trying to stop us or what kind of scheme the defense is throwing at us. They play physical and move people.

"They are solely responsible for the success we've had in the running game these last two years."

After stumbling to the finish line in past seasons, Stanford is determined (6-3, 5-2 Pac-10) to sprint across it this year. The Cardinal are ranked 25th in this week's Associated Press Top 25 poll, marking the program's first national ranking since the end of the 2001 season when it was 16th.

Stanford is also 3-2 in its last five games against ranked opponents, including 2-0 this season after wins over No. 24 Washington and No. 7 Oregon.
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"There wasn't that feeling after the Oregon game, 'Oh my gosh I cant believe we won, this is one of the most exciting wins we've ever had.' It was more of a feeling that this is what we expected to do, it was just another win out of our last four, and this week is just another huge opportunity," Gerhart said.

"I didn't sense any extra sort of satisfaction in beating Oregon and being bowl eligible. The Pac-10 race is there and in our sights. If we win these next two and some teams beat up one each other, we could be in the Rose Bowl."

Gerhart also received an insider's tip on the Trojans from his brother Garth, a center at Arizona State. USC escaped from Tempe, Ariz., last Saturday with a 14-9 victory.

"He said they should have beaten them," said Gerhart, who hails from an athletic family. (Dad was an all-conference running back at Cal State Fullerton and played professional football, while Teagan and Kelsey, a pair of triplet sisters, are freshman softball players at Stanford).

"He said, 'their defensive lineman get off the ball pretty quick but I think you guys are going to be able to pound the rock on them, you'll be able to have your way running the ball.' "

That's just the way Gerhart wants it.

In fact, as he spent last Sunday submerged in a cold tub, Gerhart remembered one of his carries last season when he was stopped cold at the line of scrimmage by USC's Rey Maualuga and Taylor Mays.

"It was the first time my momentum was completely stopped, and put backwards on my butt," Gerhart said.

"I was, 'All right, this is what these guys are supposed to do.' It kind of got me excited. They were whoopin' and hollering. It makes it more exciting, I want to get back at them.

"It gets me fired up."

Stanford's Gerhart Battering Opposition originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jim harbaughJimHarbaughPete CarrollPeteCarrollToby GerhartTobyGerhartJim HenryThu, 12 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST Heisman Hopefuls Getting Stiff-Armedhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/heisman-hopefuls-getting-stiff-armed/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/heisman-hopefuls-getting-stiff-armed/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/12/heisman-hopefuls-getting-stiff-armed/#commentsFiled under:

Heisman TophyThe official line on college football's most famous trophy is that the Heisman Trophy is given out to the most "outstanding college football player."

Even Bernie Madoff is wondering why their noses aren't growing.

If it ever was dedicated to the best player in football, that practice has long since ceased, instead going to college football's best publicized player. Year after year, the award is bestowed upon a quarterback or running back for one the nation's 10 best teams, the most visible positions on the most visible teams. Partially it's due to the insular nature of college football. How exactly the Heisman committee expects beat writers who spend all Saturday in a cocoon around the team they cover, to vote confidently on players they see only in highlights, is a mystery.

Partly it's due to the self-selecting nature of the positions. The best athletes tend to wind up at quarterback and running back.

But surely not every year.

So, to be sure we miss no one, here are four other candidates our writers think should be stiff-arm suggestions.





Heisman Hopefuls: Houston's Consistent Keenum | Boise's Kellen Moore
Stanford's Gerhart Battering Opposition | Nebraska's Dominant DT Suh

The Rest

C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson

C'mon, what other candidate has a six-foot, life-sized poster of himself taped to the living room wall? After Clemson rolled out 4,000 posters for fans and the media prior to the season, Spiller's Heisman campaign came to life following his 310-yard, all-purpose effort against Miami in October. It was a school record for less than a month as he broke it against FSU with 312 yards last Saturday. Spiller even briefly made what he called a baby Heisman pose after scoring a late touchdown against the 'Noles. Let's be honest. There probably isn't a more explosive player in college football than Spiller, who has 739 rushing yards with five TDs, 334 receiving yards with three TDs and has returned one punt and three kickoffs for touchdowns.
-- Jim Henry


Ryan Matthews, RB Fresno State

If I have to choose a Heisman favorite from outside the established group of players, I'll go with Fresno State tailback Ryan Matthews who is far and away the nation's rushing leader and has a scintillating 7.1 yards/carry average to go with 14 touchdowns and almost 1,500 rush yards. For a long stretch the Heisman was primarily a tailback's award, something we've gotten away from as the game shifted to the quarterbacks but Matthews reminds of the Heisman legends of old with his ability to gobble up yards. His lowest output was 106 yards (on just 11 carries) in the opener against UC Davis. He shredded Boise State for 234 yards and three touchdowns, posted 145 on Cincinnati and 143 on resurgent Idaho so his work hasn't been entirely against the tomato cans out there.
-- Brian Grummell


Mardy Gilyard, WR Cincinnati

Here's a sleeper Heisman Trophy candidate: Cincinnati wide receiver Mardy Gilyard. The Bearcats' senior is, quite simply, the most electrifying player in the Big East. While Clemson's C.J. Spiller is the latest hot candidate, Gilyard's all-purpose yards are nearly identical to Spiller and Gilyard doesn't have the benefit of rushing yards. Despite not having starting QB Tony Pike the past 3½ games, Gilyard has maintained his 100.89 yards receiving per game average. He also ranks fifth in the nation in all-purpose yards and 11th in receiving yards and is Big East's top kickoff/punt returner. "He's one of the best in the country," Louisville coach Steve Kragthorpe said. "I don't think there's any doubt."
-- Brett McMurphy


AJ Green, WR Georgia

What qualifies as outstanding? How about scaling a defensive back like he had a ladder on his back, a move that should've beaten LSU and definitely defeated Isaac Newton. He's Georgia's most impactful player, even though he's dependent on Joe Cox, the eight-ranked quarterback in pass efficiency in the SEC. Green all but single-handedly beat Arizona State when he blocked a go-ahead field goal then caught a 36-yard touchdown on the game-clinching drive. A pulmonary contusion kept Green out last week and Georgia's three losses in its last four FBS games have cooled his candidacy, but expect a performance Saturday that can be summed up in a single word. Outstanding.
- Ray Holloman

Heisman Hopefuls Getting Stiff-Armed originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ray HollomanThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:34:00 EST Keenum's Heisman Campaign Heats Uphttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/keenums-heisman-campaign-to-heat-up-at-central-florida/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/keenums-heisman-campaign-to-heat-up-at-central-florida/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/11/keenums-heisman-campaign-to-heat-up-at-central-florida/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Case KeenumIf Central Florida's maligned pass defense is looking for motivation, well, here it is: The last time Case Keenum did not throw a touchdown pass was on Nov. 10, 2007, in a 56-7 defeat at Tulsa.

So it can be done.

Keenum's aerial show visits the Sunshine State on Saturday, when No. 12 Houston meets UCF in a key Conference USA showdown in Orlando. Better yet, it's also another great opportunity for Keenum, who has thrown for more than 1,000 yards in his past two games alone, to impress Heisman Trophy voters. That's if Keenum cares.

"I don't know what the Heisman voters are thinking," Keenum said.

"My goal right now is to beat UCF. My goal is not to win the Heisman or break records. Any individual award is a team award. If you're not being successful and winning games, those team accolades are not going to come your way."
More Heisman Hopefuls: Boise State's Kellen Is 'Moore'
Stanford's Gerhart Battering Opposition | Nebraska's Dominant DT Suh
For the poor Knights, who were carved like a Thanksgiving turkey by another Heisman hopeful last week -- Texas quarterback Colt McCoy threw for 470 yards -- it might be a case of jumping out of the roasting pan into the fire.

The game pits Houston's strength (No. 1 in the nation in pass offense and scoring) against UCF's biggest weakness (No. 114 in the nation against the pass).

The Knights are surrendering 267.6 passing yards per game -- a mark that Keenum usually reaches, and surpasses, by the third quarter.

Keenum's on pace to break almost every Cougar passing and total offense record, and he's the runaway national passing leader while directing the Cougars to their best start (8-1) since 1990 and highest national ranking since 1991.

And remember, this is a program that produced Kevin Kolb, David Klingler and 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware.

"They have a very dynamic offense, but we feel like we're up for the challenge," UCF safety Derrick Hallman said. "It's a big opportunity and I can't really explain how excited I am to be facing a team that throws the ball 50 or 60 times a game."

Keenum's heroics last Saturday helped Houston avoid a major upset on the final play against Tulsa. Keenum led the offense to nine points in the final 21 seconds, and completed 40-of-60 passes for 522 yards and three touchdowns in the 46-45 victory.

It marked the third time -- and second in a row -- that Keenum led the Cougars on a last-minute scoring drive in the fourth quarter to win the game.

"His character -- he is the same on and off the field. A great leader and I know he will lead us to victory," senior receiver Tim Monroe said when asked to describe Keenum's best attributes.

"The past game he didn't show any feelings. He had it in his head and believed we were going to win that game. Now we are winning games, with his numbers, there shouldn't be any reason why he shouldn't win the Heisman Trophy this year."

Houston and Conference USA have begun trying to drum up publicity for Keenum in what has turned out to be a wide-open Heisman race.

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In ESPN's weekly Heisman Watch, Keenum ranked second this week behind Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who has rushed for 1,148 yards this season, 719 coming against four ranked opponents.

Ingram had 144 yards on 22 carries, 16 in the second half, in the Tide's 24-15 home win over LSU last Saturday that clinched the SEC West.

Keenum was listed fourth behind Ingram, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska and running back C.J. Spiller of Clemson in SI.com's weekly countdown.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is trying to become the only player other than Archie Griffin (Ohio State 1974 and 1975) to win two Heismans, while McCoy is trying to win his first in his final season.

Keenum, who is a one pass-at-a-time and one-game-at-a-time player, says he's more worried about the big picture than an invitation to the Nokia Theater Times Square, home to the Heisman presentation in New York City next month.

Don't worry that he has had at least 359 yards passing in every game but one, he's topped 500 yards three times and he's thrown at least three touchdowns in six games this season.

At this rate, he's on pace to throw for 5,087 yards (just under three miles) and 37 touchdowns.

Overall, Keenum has thrown at least one touchdown in 30 of 32 career games. If UCF is counting, the only other game, besides the Tulsa contest, that Keenum didn't throw a scoring pass was in a 56-48 win over Rice in October 2007.

Keenum cares more about wins than numbers.

"We have to be careful about patting ourselves on the back and getting a big head," said Keenum, who is averaging 434.44 yards of total offense per game, 423.89 of it passing.

"It's nothing if we don't win on Saturday. UCF is a tough football team, so we have our work cut out."

Houston coach Kevin Sumlin agrees, pointing to a UCF defense that actually ranks first in Conference USA in total defense and is one of the country's top units in delivering pressure.

"It means something to me, but they're also sixth in the country in sacks and total tackles per loss," Sumlin said in reference to UCF's struggling pass defense.

"Some people aren't getting the ball off, so there are some other issues too. If you can get it off, maybe those statistics mean something. They're one of the top teams in the country in pressuring the quarterback.

"That ought to tell you a little something about their philosophy. When you start looking at total defense and averaging out those numbers, they're still top in our league."

Keenum's Heisman Campaign Heats Up originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Case KeenumCaseKeenumJim HenryWed, 11 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST Rank Truth, Heisman Heavily Favors Pollshttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/the-rank-truth-heisman-favors-polls/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/the-rank-truth-heisman-favors-polls/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/the-rank-truth-heisman-favors-polls/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Noel DevineGentlemen, start your hype engines.

We're just past the halfway mark of the college football season and, forget the battle for who will play for the BCS title, the most intriguing campaign is for the Heisman Trophy.

The latest flavor of the month is Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who has been touted by several TV talking heads and is the top candidate at HeismanPundit.com.

That's understandable, but why has there been hardly no Heisman mention for West Virginia's Noel Devine and Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis, who are the nation's third and fourth leading rushers?

"Dion's been very consistent," Pittsburgh coach Dave Wannstedt said. "You expect a freshman running back like him to perform that way maybe like three or four games a year, not eight games in a row."

Ingram obviously deserves consideration for the award, but is it not so much for what he's done, but who he plays for? After all, he has the No. 1 requirement to win the Heisman - he plays on a team that's ranked in the top five

Devine and Lewis have comparable -- if not better numbers -- than Ingram and have put up their numbers against tougher rush defenses than Alabama has faced (More on that later). Yet, Devine and Lewis likely won't make the Heisman ceremonies without buying a ticket because of one reason: their teams are not ranked high enough.

Since 1991, 16 of the past 18 Heisman Trophy winners all had one thing in common -- they played for top five ranked teams. Five of the last six winners were on either the nation's No. 1 or No. 2 ranked team.

Only Florida's Tim Tebow in 2007 and Texas' Ricky Williams in 1998 won the Heisman playing for teams that were not ranked on an Associated Press top five team entering the bowl games when the Heisman is awarded. In 2007, Florida was No. 12 and in 1998, Texas was No. 20.

Apparently Heisman voters -- and yes, I have a ballot -- vote for the most outstanding player in college football based on who the best player is on one of the best teams in the nation and not the overall best player period.

Ingram currently is the nation's fifth-leading rusher, averaging 125.5 yards per game. Devine is third (130.3 yards per game) and Lewis is fourth (128.6 yards), yet they are getting little Heisman mention.

Even HeismanPundit.com, called by Sports Illustrated as the Heisman's "foremost authority," does not have Devine or Lewis among its top 10 candidates, which includes Ingram and Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers, the nation's 10th-leading rusher, averaging 115.7 yards per game.

Did we mention Devine and Lewis have posted better numbers against tougher run defenses than Ingram?

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Ingram, who has eight rushing TDs, is averaging 6.56 yards per carry. Devine, with 10 rushing TDs, is averaging 6.66 yards per carry. Lewis, with 11 rushing TDs, is averaging 5.56 yards per carry.

The average ranking of the opposing rush defenses Alabama has faced this season is 78th out of 120, compared to West Virginia's opponents (57th) and Pittsburgh's opponents (50th).

Ingram has faced only one Top 50 rush defense (Tennessee, 33rd), while Devine has faced three (Syracuse, 6th; East Carolina, 29th; and UConn, 50th) and Lewis four (N.C. State, 13th; Rutgers, 27th; Navy, 42nd; and UConn, 50th).

"It's tough for the head coach to stand up and start screaming for his players to be a Heisman Trophy candidate," Wannstedt said. "Dion's numbers speak for themselves. When you look around at other running backs in the country, no one's been as productive as him. He's done it against very good competition."

West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said he doesn't ever want to single out one player, but Devine is a one of a kind back.

"Noel's special," Stewart said. "Our players know he's special. I've had our linemen tell me 'give the ball to [No.] 7 coach.' Our players know it's still a team game. He would be the first to tell you.

"If people don't watch him, see him, read about him, know about him, they're living in a cave somewhere."

Hopefully Heisman voters will emerge from their caves and consider more than a team's ranking when voting this season.

Rank Truth, Heisman Heavily Favors Polls originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>dion lewismark ingramnoel devineBrett McMurphyTue, 27 Oct 2009 11:14:00 EST Bradford Calls Off Press Conference to Address Injury, Futurehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/bradford-to-give-update-on-shoulder-future/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/bradford-to-give-update-on-shoulder-future/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/bradford-to-give-update-on-shoulder-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sam BradfordIt's the great mystery in Norman, Okla., right now.

Is quarterback Sam Bradford's career over at Oklahoma? Will the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner opt for surgery to repair the sprained AC joint in his right shoulder? Could he play again this season or next?

Those are all burning questions that Sam Bradford was supposed to address following Wednesday's Oklahoma Sooners practice, but he called off a scheduled press conference. Oklahoma associate athletic director for media relations Kenny Mossman told FanHouse that Bradford wants to gather more information. There is no rescheduled date set and that Bob Stoops will not be taking any questions on Bradford after practice.

Speculation is rampant Bradford, a junior, will elect to have season-ending surgery. His decision to call off the press conference seems to support that theory.

What this all means for his OU career is very much up in the air. Coming into the season, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Bradford would leave early for the NFL following this season after turning down a chance to be an early first-round selection in last spring's NFL draft.

The injury and the need to prove to NFL brass he's fully healed after surgery may force Bradford to come back to school for another season to re-elevate his stock.

Bradford originally injured the shoulder during the season-opening loss to BYU. He missed the next three Sooner games while rehabbing the injury and consulting with a specialist in Alabama. He returned to the playing field two weeks ago against Baylor, but last week was knocked out of the game when the shoulder was re-injured during the second offensive series of the Red River Rivalry against Texas.

Stoops said earlier this week that there was no further damage done to Bradford's shoulder but expected to make an announcement about his future at some point this week. Bradford has been ruled out of playing in Saturday's game at Kansas since Monday.

It seems to make sense Bradford will opt to have the surgery to repair the shoulder because the 3-3 Sooners are definitely out of the BCS national championship picture and are even in an uphill battle to win their fourth straight Big 12 title. One of the reasons Bradford returned to school this year after getting beat by Florida in last season's national championship game was to help OU take home the national title.
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Bradford Calls Off Press Conference to Address Injury, Future originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bob StoopsBobStoopsSam BradfordTerrance HarrisWed, 21 Oct 2009 17:01:00 EST Stoops Silent on Bradford's Futurehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/stoops-silent-on-bradfords-future/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/stoops-silent-on-bradfords-future/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/stoops-silent-on-bradfords-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Whether or not Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford returns to the Sooners this season, or if he has indeed played his last college game, seems to be anybody's guess.

The only thing that was certain Monday is no decision has been made on the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner or his injured right shoulder aside from the fact he will not play in Saturday's game at Kansas. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said during the Big 12 coaches' conference call Monday the medical team was still in the fact-finding mode after Bradford reinjured the shoulder Saturday. He suffered a third-degree sprain of the AC Joint during the season opener.

Other than that, the Oklahoma Sooners coach had little to say about his quarterback's status.

"They will have a lot for the doctors to look at and visit with here in the next day or two," Stoops said. "I'm not going to have anything to say until at least Wednesday."

Bradford was knocked out of Saturday's 16-13 loss to No.3 Texas during the second offensive series of the first quarter when got hit hard on a corner blitz. Some reports Sunday said tests have shown no additional damage to the shoulder, though that is unconfirmed. So far this season, Bradford has played in just one complete game for the 3-3 Sooners.

But Stoops, whose team has also been hit hard with injuries to All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham and star receiver Ryan Broyles, wasn't in any mood Monday to feel sorry for himself or the tough luck the Sooners have had so far this season.
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Oklahoma came into the season as a top three team with an eye toward returning to the BCS national championship season, but after suffering their third overall loss and a key defeat to Big 12 South foe Texas even a fourth straight conference title seems in doubt.

The Sooners have lost the three games by a total of just five points.

"There are challenges, of course. Injuries are still an issue," Stoops said. "But I still feel we obviously played a great football team in Texas the other night and we are there with them toe-to-toe until the end.

"It's easy to see like any other one-point losses, we can be better in a play or two on either side of the ball. In certain circumstances we could be and we have an opportunity to be in a lot better situation. So it isn't like we aren't competing, it isn't like we are out of it. So their confidence level, they see they are not far off in making a play or two to be with these other teams that are ranked really high."

Stoops also cautioned against any notion the 25th-ranked Sooners are out contention for the Big 12 title. The Sooners lost to UT during last year's Red River Rivalry, yet they still ended up representing the South division in the Big 12 championship game after finishing out the remainder of the regular-season schedule undefeated.

Pulling off another similar run might prove difficult against a slate that includes a tough road game this week against No. 24 Kansas followed by back-to-back rival games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State to end the regular season. Also throw in the uncertainty at quarterback with Bradford's injury and the youth of redshirt freshman Landry Jones and it might be near impossible for the Sooners to duplicate last season.

But Stoops offered his own spin Monday.

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Police vehicles are parked at the crime scene where University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard was stabbed and killed early Sunday morning, in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
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    Texas head football coach Mack Brown calls on a questioner during an NCAA football media opportunity Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, in Austin, Texas. With the Oklahoma Sooners behind them, the Texas Longhorns look ahead to a two-game road swing at Missouri and at No. 14 Oklahoma State. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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    Texas head football coach Mack Brown speaks during an NCAA football media opportunity Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, in Austin, Texas. With the Oklahoma Sooners game behind them, the Texas Longhorns look ahead to a two-game road swing at Missouri and at No. 14 Oklahoma State. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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    Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy is shown during an NCAA football media opportunity Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, in Austin, Texas. With the Oklahoma Sooners game behind them, the Texas Longhorns look ahead to a two-game road swing at Missouri and at No. 14 Oklahoma State. McCoy says he'll probably lose his the nail on his bruised right thumb, but the injury won't keep him from playing this week against Missouri. McCoy hurt the thumb on his throwing hand in the second quarter of No. 3 Texas' 16-13 win Saturday over No. 25 Oklahoma. He struggled through one of the worst passing games of his career, completing 21 of 40 for 127 yards with one touchdown and one interception. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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    In this undated photo provided by the University of Connecticut, Jasper Howard is seen. Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sponsored dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut) **NO SALES**

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    In this undated photo provided by the University of Connecticut, Jasper Howard is seen. Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a fight after a fire alarm was pulled during a university sponsored dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. (AP Photo/University of Connecticut) **NO SALES**

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    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall speaks during a news conference about the stabbing death of playerJasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, speaks at a news conference about the stabbing death of player Jasper Howard as university president Michael J. Hogan, second from left, Major Ron Blichter of UConn Police, center, UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway, second from right, and player Desi Cullen, right, listen in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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    A student walks by yellow tape marking the crime scene where University of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard was stabbed and killed early Sunday morning, in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Twenty-year-old Howard, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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    Connecticut football head coach Randy Edsall, left, comforts senior captain Desi Cullen, right, during a news conference about the stabbing death of teammate Jasper Howard in Storrs, Conn., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. Howard, 20, of Miami, a junior and starting cornerback, and a second person were stabbed during a fight early Sunday after someone pulled a fire alarm during a dance at the UConn Student Union, police said. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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"We've only lost one Big 12 game," he said. "A lot was said going into our game that Texas had won three of the last four matchups of ours, but we have won three of the last four Big 12 championships. So obviously that game isn't the end all. It's what you do through the whole year and a lot can happen in this conference with other teams and other injuries. You've got to keep playing and you never know what can happen by the end of the year."

The Sooners are strong defensively, but a lot will depend on what happens at quarterback. There is a good chance Jones could finish out the remainder of the season as Bradford and his family figures what is best for his full recovery. Jones is 2-1 in starts this season, but the two wins came against the likes of Idaho State and Tulsa.

The competition will be much stiffer the rest of the way.

Stoops Silent on Bradford's Future originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>BCS National ChampionshipBcsNationalChampionshipBob StoopsBobStoopsJermaine GreshamJermaineGreshamLandry JonesLandryJonesOklahoma SoonersOklahomaSoonersRed River RivalryRedRiverRivalryRyan BroylesRyanBroylesSam BradfordSamBradfordTerrance HarrisMon, 19 Oct 2009 19:12:00 EST McCoy, Bradford Friendship Bridges Tense Red River Rivalryhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/mccoy-bradford-find-friendship-in-rivalry/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/mccoy-bradford-find-friendship-in-rivalry/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/mccoy-bradford-find-friendship-in-rivalry/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


DALLAS -- Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford's emotions were sprawled all over the place on the night of Sept. 5 as uncertainty about his injured shoulder weighed on him, when a text message of inspiration popped onto his cell phone.

"I'm praying for you and I hope you can get back as soon as possible."
More Coverage: Red River Too Early | Big 12 Notebook
Daily Domer | Clausen Almost Great

Under most circumstances this would be wholly unspectacular, a friend reaching out with support and a few words of inspiration.

But what made this message special was that it came from a friend. And a rival. It came from Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy.

Texas and Oklahoma football players normally don't inspire each. They live to cause each other despair. But for the Heisman-winning signal-caller and the Heisman runner-up, a little rivalry -- OK, a massive rivalry -- can't come between their friendship.

"Colt's a great guy," said Bradford, a junior. "Him sending me a text message after I got hurt telling me he was praying for me and to stay with it and keep my head up just says a lot about the type of guy he is.

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"I think a lot of people seeing us going to rival schools probably wouldn't have done that. For him to do something like that and to keep encouraging me says a lot about who he is."

Bigger than that, it says something about the most unlikely friendship that has been formed these last several months between McCoy and Bradford, one that surely transcends the rivalry that will be renewed during the annual Red River Rivalry Saturday morning at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Making the postseason awards circuit last December, the two quarterbacks who had worked hard to beat each other the previous two seasons figured out they had far more in common than they had difference. They were two small town boys, who had played every sport in high school and were now the two most popular people at their respective state flagship schools.

They both have become college football legends at their respective state flagship schools as well, and both made the unpopular decision last offseason to bypass NFL riches as high draft choices to return to school.

"We've kind of grown up the same way," McCoy said. "So we do have some things in common."

The two talked frequently during the summer, and while the conversations have been limited to primarily text messaging during the season, the two still find reasons and ways to reach out to each other.

Their relationship and the oddity of it will be the subject of conversation and in-depth interviews in the days leading up to Saturday's showdown.

"Even though it might be unpopular for some fans and some players, the fact that Colt and Sam Bradford have tremendous respect for each other and like each other and are friends and can laugh and still compete on Saturday," said Texas coach Mack Brown. "They can go into the game not angry and putting down the other team and all that is a great message for sportsmanship."

McCoy stayed in contact with Bradford as the Oklahoma quarterback went through a trying rehabilitation after spraining the AC joint in his right shoulder during the Sept. 5 season opener against BYU. Bradford missed three games and four weeks away before returning to action during last Saturday's Big 12 opener against Baylor.

McCoy, who battled through some injuries early in career, empathized with what Bradford went through.

"He's such a competitor, such a leader and to know something is [preventing] you from being able to play, that's a hard pill to swallow," said McCoy, a four-year starter for the Longhorns. "I know how hard he's worked to get back out on the field. I'm definitely happy for him."

But both quarterbacks agree that their friendship is one thing. This game and the rivalry are another. Like most years, the Red River Rivalry carries great implications for both programs. The third-ranked Longhorns (5-0) are looking to unseat the three-time Big 12 South champion Sooners, while also staying on track for a bid for the BCS national championship.

No. 2 Oklahoma, which has lost two games in non-conference, might be out of the national title picture but the South division championship and a BCS bowl berth are within reach with a win Saturday.

So it's to see how friendships will have to take a backseat come Saturday's 11AM CT neutral site kickoff.

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TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Tony Pike #15 of the Cincinnati Bearcats watches play from the sidelines after an injury against the University of South Florida Bulls October 15, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tony Pike
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    TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Tony Pike #15 of the Cincinnati Bearcats watches play from the sidelines after an injury against the University of South Florida Bulls October 15, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tony Pike

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"It is a big game, but I think from a fans' perspective and people outside of the game think that it's crazy that I can be friends with Sam or that Sam could be friends with me," said McCoy, who is 2-1 in the Red River Rivalry game. "But we are and he's a great guy and we have a lot in common, but we both understand this is a huge game. We are going to go out there and play the best we can.

"We know what we have to do to go out there and win. We understand we have to go out there and compete and play hard and be the best for our team. We have a good friendship."

McCoy, Bradford Friendship Bridges Tense Red River Rivalry originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>colt mccoyColtMccoyMack BrownMackBrownRed River RivalryRedRiverRivalrySam BradfordSamBradfordTerrance HarrisFri, 16 Oct 2009 11:53:00 EST Bradford Returns to Lead Okie Routhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/10/bradford-returns-to-lead-okie-rout/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/10/bradford-returns-to-lead-okie-rout/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/10/bradford-returns-to-lead-okie-rout/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sam Bradford at times looked a little rusty, and he and his receivers seemed out of synch, but the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback returned after a nearly one-month layoff to lead the 19th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners to a 33-7 win over Baylor on Saturday in Norman, Okla.

Bradford, who had missed three games after spraining the AC joint in his (right) throwing shoulder in the first half of the season opener, passed for 389 yards and a touchdown in a relatively easy Big 12 opener. The real test comes next Saturday when the Sooners take on No. 2 Texas in the annual Red River Rivalry in Dallas.

"It's extremely gratifying just to get back out on the field," Bradford said. "Just to be out there with the guys that I have put in so much work with in the offseason and just the simple things like handoffs. Everything out there, it's just exciting to be back."

But if there were any doubts Saturday about the stamina of Bradford's shoulder after such an injury and lengthy rehab process, they were quickly erased when he attempted 49 passes -- the second-most of his career -- against the Bears. Bradford completed 27 of those passes while not throwing an interception.

"It feels good," Bradford said when asked about how his shoulder felt. "It's felt a lot better this week compared to last week."

All was not smooth as several of Bradford's passes were dropped by receivers, while on at least a few other occasions the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was off the mark, either overthrowing or underthrowing his receivers.

"He played really well. To have been off as much as he has and to go out there for his first go at it and to play as well as he did, I thought he played great," said OU coach Bob Stoops, whose team improved to 3-2 overall, 1-0 in the Big 12. "He stays away from the negative plays, the bad plays. He had a great night with seven, eight or nine drops. You can cut that and say there were five legitimate drops that were in their hands, he had an incredible night. He is a great competitor and talking to him in the locker afterwards,

"I asked him how if felt and he said it felt great. Right now, he doesn't have any discomfort and that is encouraging. He will only get better from this. In practicing, he will trust it more and I think in another week he will get stronger with his throws and he will continue to get better."

There was a scary moment early in the first quarter when Bradford appeared to tweak his knee while throwing an incomplete pass. He was seem grimacing on the sideline immediately after and backup Landry Jones, who started the previous three games in his absence, began to warm up on the sideline.

Bradford, however, did not miss a snap until being pulled from the game in the fourth quarter with the outcome all but decided.

The Sooners' offense produced 592 yards of total offense and had 34 first downs and no turnovers in Bradford's return.

"Obviously, like Coach (Stoops) said, it was important to get back but at the same time I wanted to make sure I was ready," Bradford said. "Going through the week, I felt like I had a good week of preparation and I felt like I was ready. To get out there and make some of the throws that I made today, it really does give me confidence."
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Bradford Returns to Lead Okie Rout originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>heisman trophyHeismanTrophyLandry JonesLandryJonesOklahoma SoonersOklahomaSoonersSam BradfordSamBradfordTerrance HarrisSat, 10 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST Sam Bradford's Return Still Up in Airhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/sam-bradfords-return-still-up-in-air/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/sam-bradfords-return-still-up-in-air/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/sam-bradfords-return-still-up-in-air/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sam BradfordOklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford seems like he wants to return to the field with the Sooners after being sidelined since the season opener with a Grade 3 sprain of the A-C joint in his throwing shoulder.

The burning question is when?

Bradford began throwing with the team for the first time last week, leading to speculation he might return in time for last Saturday's non-conference showdown at Miami. Soreness in his shoulder as the week progressed caused the coaching staff and Bradford to nix that plan even after doctors cleared him to play.

Now there is speculation the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback will give it a shot during Saturday's Big 12 opener against Baylor if all goes well in practice this week. That would seem most ideal with the rivalry game with Texas coming up on Oct. 17 in Dallas.

Bradford, who talked with reporters in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday for the first time in a few weeks, said he feels much better but was still not sure when or if his return would be officially announced.

"I don't know as far as a day," Bradford said. "I think that's up to our coaches. I'm assuming it's probably going to be Thursday or Friday."

Coach Bob Stoops also said he isn't sure when announcement will come, though the speculation is it will be Thursday. Stoops says he wants to see how Bradford handles practice this week and how his shoulder responds before announcing Bradford will either assume his starting job or split time this week with redshirt freshman Landry Jones.

"It's making all the throws, making them comfortably, being able to execute the offense and make the throws he needs to be to throw," Stoops said. "He needs to be able to do them in a precise way and a way that he feels comfortable that he is not aggravating it."

When pressed on if there was a chance Bradford could play this week, Stoops responded, "Yeah there is a chance. There was a chance he could have played last week. That doesn't mean a lot. There are a lot of percentages you could put on it.

"Everyone wants me to give an answer that you can't give. Don't know."

One of the reasons there is so much attention being placed on his return is because of growing speculation Bradford's college playing career could be over. Thought to be an early first-round NFL draft pick when he decided last winter to return to school, Bradford's stock could drop considerably if he is injured again or if his shoulder hasn't healed properly. Bradford and his family have also consulted with a private doctor in Alabama.

Making things more complicated is that the Sooners are not as strong as they were a season ago with a rebuilding offensive line and no reliable receivers, with Ryan Broyles sidelined for the next four-to-six weeks with a broken shoulder and with All-America tight end Jermaine Gresham done for the season with a serious knee injury.

Oklahoma (2-2), which began the season ranked third in the nation, has dropped to 19th in the country and presumably out of the BCS national championship picture after suffering non-conference losses to BYU and Miami.

Stoops said Monday he expects Bradford to play for the Sooners at some point this season. But Bradford didn't commit fully either way Tuesday, while admitting surgery could still be an option.

"I don't know if I can give you a definite answer, but I do feel like yes, I will be back at some point this year to play," he said when asked a direct question about whether he would play this season or not.

All Bradford wants to do now is continue working and see where things are by the end of the week.

"It's always good to get back into the flow of things, get back out there with my teammates," he said. "I think these next two days are important just for the fact that this is when we get the most work against our defense during those periods. It's as close to a game-like situation as we get. Obviously me not playing in a game in a couple weeks, it's going to be important for me to get those reps."
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Sam Bradford's Return Still Up in Air originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Heisman TrophySam BradfordTerrance HarrisTue, 06 Oct 2009 20:50:00 EST Houston Has Case of Hypesman Feverhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/houston-has-case-of-hypesman-fever/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/houston-has-case-of-hypesman-fever/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/houston-has-case-of-hypesman-fever/#commentsFiled under:

Case KeenumThe Hypesman has hit a wall.

Be that a defensive end coming unblocked to hit Tim Tebow, a linebacker driving Sam Bradford into the turf, Colt McCoy playing no one of value for the month, orJahvid Best getting shut down on the road; these are the times that try a hypemaster's soul. And the Heisman, as we all realize, is nothing if not the crafty creation of diabolical minds bent on building up their own television ratings in the guise of determining who is college football's greatest player.

But with the demise of the major candidates has come a startling rise in the ranks of the unknown. Could it be that Houston, Boise State, or, wipe away the look of amazement on your face, Cincinnati represent the new founts of quarterback greatness? Yep, at least if the ClayNation analysis of surging Heisman candidacies holds any credence whatsoever. Which it does.

Read on for the top eight Hypesman candidacies and why they're surging or plummeting.

8. Eric Berry, S Tennessee

I know, I know, he's done nothing since the Florida game when CBS named him Tennessee's player of the game and briefly brought him back to the forefront.

The only reason he's alive at all is this -- he's the only defensive player with enough name recognition to get an invitation to New York. On Saturday he plays against Auburn on ESPN prime time. Berry is still 15 yards away from becoming the all-time leading interception returner in the history of college football. What if he had two picks, one for a touchdown, and broke the record? ESPN would play this highlight four billion times.

Conservatively.

Fresh off this story, the next week, Berry and the Vols take on Georgia, followed by at Alabama, South Carolina, a virtual bye against Memphis, and then at Ole Miss. Four of those games will be nationally televised on CBS or ESPN. If the Vols are struggling, which they will be, who is the only player on the team that might make you tune in to watch?

Yep, Berry.

CBS and ESPN need Berry to make plays to keep viewer interest in these games. They still need the story of a Heisman upstart and if he makes the plays, you won't be able to avoid him. Why?

Because Berry is one of the few players left who has enough national pull to help catalyze that attention.

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7. Jahvid Best, RB Cal

You're here because you're the only running back that anyone has ever heard of. Last week you would have been No. 1. This week, you're hanging on for your Hypesman life.

After your team laid an egg at Oregon, you need to blow up against USC. Do something that makes us all question how we could select anyone but you. Oh, and your team has to win as well. Lose two in a row, and no matter how gaudy your stats are, you're done.

If you win, pull a Marshawn Lynch and take the medical cart for a joyride. Something, anything, to make us push you back towards the top of the list.

6. Colt McCoy, QB Texas

With just nine touchdowns against five picks, no top 25 wins, zero Heisman standout plays, the only reason McCoy is still ranked this highly is because he hasn't won the award before and because Texas is poised to snag the national spotlight as their game against Oklahoma moves closer.

Until then, McCoy's in the Hypesman shadows for the next 16 days.

5. Tim Tebow, QB Florida

Everyone has heard of voter fatigue -- when a politician becomes tiresome due to their perceived ubiquity -- now we've entered the days of Heisman fatigue. That was even before Tebow took the hardest shot in the bluegrass since Tubby Smith's recuiting had all of Wildcat nation tossing back Four Horsemen of the Apocalypses seven nights a week.

Strangely, even though the concussion cost him part of a game and could potentially cost him another, it might actually strengthen Tebow's candidacy since it allows a new story angle to be driven into the ground. Tebow's already promised that no one will work harder and that resulted in a national championship. Now he can promise that no brain will work harder at repairing itself.

Meaning we've got a new Hypesman storyline: Can Tebow overcome the effects of his concussion and lead Florida to another championship? I can already see the gauzy interviews where Tebow talks about coming to grips with his own football mortality.

4. Tony Pike, QB Cincinnati

Raise your hand if you'd recognize Tony Pike in an uncrowded bar.

You're a liar if you're from anywhere outside Ohio. Actually, you're probably a liar if you're from Dayton too.

Despite his anonymity, Pike is surging up the Hypesman charts. He's got 11 touchdowns, only two interceptions, and has thrown for over 1,100 yards. What's more, his team just cracked the top 10 and will be favored from here on out to win every game.

He plays at Miami of Ohio this weekend. Win that game and his Hypesman status will go through the roof in preparation for the Thursday night ESPN game at South Florida. That game will be make or break for his candidacy. Win and he's got a shot to be in New York come December, lose and you'll never hear about him again.

3. A.J. Green, WR Georgia

Earlier this week, I said that Green was the only wide receiver in the country whose play was worth three individual games. Now, let me rephrase, is there any player in the country at any position who is worth three victories by himself?

Seriously, think about this.

Minus A.J. Green, Georgia might well have lost to South Carolina, Arkansas, and Arizona State. They could be 0-4. Plus, he's making Heisman worthy plays, a blocked kick to preserve a win? Are you kidding me? That thing should be getting replay time over and over again. Especially since it was followed up by a 36 yard reception to set up the eventual winning field goal.

Yep, the stirrings of an A.J. Green candidacy are just beginning. When he blows up for 150+ yards against LSU this weekend, his name will be on the tip of every talking head's tongue. Consider this the launch party.

2. Kellen Moore, QB Boise State

Write this prediction down: on Oct. 18th, Boise State will ascend to the No. 1 ranking in college football.

How's that happening? LSU is losing to Georgia this weekend. In the late afternoon of October 10th, Ole Miss is upsetting Alabama and then that evening Florida is losing to LSU. The next weekend, Oklahoma is taking down Texas Oct. 17th.

Bang, Boise is number one.

And you know what a No. 1 team is required to have? A Heisman candidate. Meet Kellen Moore, who has already thrown for almost 1,000 yards, 10 touchdowns against one interception, completed almost 70 percent of his passes, and will finish the season with over 30 touchdowns and a mere handful of interceptions.

He's surging right now, on the verge of taking off like a rocket into the Hypesman stratosphere.

1. Case Keenum, QB Houston

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In this Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, photo, Tulsa quarterback Jacob Bower, right, is tackled by Oklahoma's Jeremy Beal, center, as Adrian Taylor, left, looks on during an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
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    In this Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, photo, Tulsa quarterback Jacob Bower, right, is tackled by Oklahoma's Jeremy Beal, center, as Adrian Taylor, left, looks on during an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

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    In thies Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs pushes Indiana running back Darius Willis (28) out of bounds during an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Kovacs, a redshirt freshman, is one of a number of walk-ons who are seeing significant playing time for the Wolverines this season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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    In this Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs (32) is seen after a tackle during an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Mich. Kovacs, a redshirt freshman, is one of a number of walk-ons who are seeing significant playing time for the Wolverines this season. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

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    In this Sept. 26, 2009 photo, Virginia Tech tailback Ryan Williams, carries a flag on to the field prior to the start of the Miami-Virginia Tech NCAA college football game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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    In this Sept. 19, 2009 photo, Virginia Tech tail back Ryan Williams powers forward for extra yardage during the first half of the Nebraska Virginia Tech NCAA college football game at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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    In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark walks the sideline during the second half of an college football game against Syracuse in State College, Pa. Penn State won 28-7. Penn State takes on Illinois on Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen (7) pitches the football as guard Chris Stewart (59) and center Eric Olsen (55) block during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, Notre Dame guard Chris Stewart (59), offensive tackle Paul Duncan (72) and guard Trevor Robinson (78) react following a touchdown by Notre Dame during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame won 24-21. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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    Dan Beebe, left, Big 12 Conference commissioner, listens as John Marinatto, Big East Conference commissioner, speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The NCAA college football conferences and the New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

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    New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, center, speaks, as New York Yankees' managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner left, and Yankees' president Randy Levine, right, listen during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Big East and Big 12 NCAA college football conferences and the Yankees announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to a four-year deal to play the first bowl in the Bronx since 1962.(AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)

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On a national stage, Keenum came up big against Texas Tech, throwing for 435 yards and leading his team to a last-second victory. He now has eight touchdowns against just two interceptions and a road win against a top-five team. Something that no other player on this list has managed.

What's more, Keenum has several things working for him that is driving his Hypesman status:

A.) His team is on a quest to crash the BCS.
B.) He plays in a large media market that is obsessed with football.
C.) He gets an opportunity to play against multiple major conference foes -- he's 2-0 against the Big 12 South and gets Mississippi State in two weeks.
D.) His candidacy grows each week that the Cougars remain undefeated.

Right now he's the king of the Hypesman castle.

Houston Has Case of Hypesman Fever originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Clay TravisThu, 01 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST Bradford Won't Start Against Miamihttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/bradford-wont-start-against-miami/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/bradford-wont-start-against-miami/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/01/bradford-wont-start-against-miami/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sam BradfordOklahoma coach Bob Stoops confirmed Thursday that Landry Jones will be the starting quarterback when the No.8 Sooners take on the 17th-ranked Miami Hurricanes in Miami on Saturday.

Heisman Trophy wining quarterback Sam Bradford, who has been out since suffering a shoulder joint sprain in the season opener, had practiced with the team this week and for a while looked ready to return under center. But Stoops feels his star needs more time.

"Sam has made daily progress, but we don't feel like he's quite where he needs to be yet," Stoops said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "Our team has a lot of confidence in Landry's ability and we're looking forward to going into the game with him at quarterback. Our approach will be the same that it has been in the last two games"

Jones, a redshirt freshman, has shown he is no slouch since taking over as the starter the last two games. He set a school record in his last outing two weeks ago with six touchdown passes in a 45-0 win over Tulsa. He has completed 49-of-81 passes for 673 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in the Sooners first three games this season.

Bradford, who has been out since the end of the first half of the opening loss to BYU on Sept. 5, could be ready to return next week during the Sooners' Big 12 opener against Baylor and certainly by the Red River Showdown against rival Texas on Oct. 17 in Dallas.

Bradford was expected to be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks after sustaining a shoulder joint sprain to his right throwing shoulder.

Bradford Won't Start Against Miami originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bob stoopsBobStoopslandry jonesLandryJonessam bradfordSamBradfordTerrance HarrisThu, 01 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST Heisman Situation Suitably Uncertainhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/29/heisman-situation-suitably-uncertain/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/29/heisman-situation-suitably-uncertain/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/29/heisman-situation-suitably-uncertain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Crazy as it sounded but a few weeks ago, there is a chance neither Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford will win the 2009 Heisman Trophy. Maybe that's a good thing. Their journey of inevitability has taken on some water surprisingly early this year.

When BYU's Coleby Clawson slammed Bradford to the turf causing a shoulder injury, Bradford's repeat hopes were finished. He has still yet to play a down since then. Last Saturday against Kentucky, Tebow also sustained a concussion injury while being driven to the ground. It is unclear whether he will play Saturday against LSU in Florida's first real test this season.

Meanwhile, Colt McCoy already has five interceptions although he completed 80 percent of his passes Saturday against UTEP as the Longhorns appear to have turned a corner offensively in pouring 64 points on the Miners.

If Tebow can't go or he struggles and the Gators drop a game or two, McCoy will certainly be the clear favorite. He has the added benefit of widespread public sympathy being the only member of the fabled trio without a Heisman Trophy. Mix in a little awareness that Texas was left out of last year's BCS National Championship game and there's the data necessary to build a sympathy coalition.

All that said, neither Tebow or McCoy are inevitabilities at this point. Their cases aren't runaway trains and a field of competitors is emerging. The most obvious choice would be Cal running back Jahvid Best. Many are writing him off after he fizzled against Oregon, gaining just 55 yards as his Bears were humiliated 42-3. But he should rebound and get into that 1,500- to 2,000-yard range by the end of the year. He has a great redemption opportunity this upcoming Saturday against a USC team that while weakened, has been almost impenetrable on defense. That story writes itself if he goes off.

It is an opinion shared by Heisman Pundit, who also notes, 'Heisman sentiment is extremely fluid and will remain so until the outcome of the October schedule'. That October schedule, by the way, includes a date between McCoy's Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners who may just have Bradford behind center again. A poor McCoy performance or upset loss could do significant damage to his otherwise sparkling credentials.

A McCoy slip is unlikely but in any event it takes two to Tango, meaning other candidates have to be positioned in a manner to take advantage. Whether that is Best, or Miami quarterback Jacory Harris (who also had a rough Saturday against Virginia Tech), Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen, Houston's Case Keenum, USC's Joe McKnight, Alabama's Greg McElroy or whoever, they too have to be scintillating from here out.

A recent example that comes to mind is that of Wisconsin tailback Ron Dayne. Before the 1999 season he was expected to set the NCAA career rushing mark, but stumbled in one game early in the early going. The opportunities were there to unseat him but a reliable challenger never emerged and by the final weeks he was once again the favorite on the way to winning the award.

So we see something similar here, with Bradford out, Tebow possibly missing a game and/or playing ineffectively against a solid opponent, and McCoy possibly staring down upsets to Oklahoma or even Oklahoma State.

Bottom line is McCoy's a slightly vulnerable favorite but like his peers Tebow and Bradford not a runaway favorite. This is the best that could be asked of the Heisman race for folks bored by the seeming inevitability of the three major preseason candidates.

Heisman Situation Suitably Uncertain originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Case KeenumColt McCoyGreg McElroyJacory HarrisJahvid BestJimmy ClausenJoe McKnightRon DayneSam BradfordTim TebowBrian GrummellTue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST Bradford's Status Still in Doubthttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/28/bradfords-status-still-in-doubt/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/28/bradfords-status-still-in-doubt/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/28/bradfords-status-still-in-doubt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sam BradfordOklahoma coach Bob Stoops isn't sure yet about Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford's status this week, but he is pleased with the progress the star quarterback has made.

That could mean Bradford will be available for Saturday's game at No. 17 Miami. But then again, it could mean he still needs more time to heal the AC joint sprain in his right throwing shoulder he suffered during the first half of the Sooners' season-opening 14-13 loss to BYU on Sept 5.

"All his rehab to this point has been positive," Stoops said during Monday's Big 12 football media teleconference. "We just have to feel comfortable that he's healthy, that he feels good enough to make the throws we need to make and he's ready to do it."

As far as what his chances are of playing, Stoops snapped, "I'm not going to talk about his chances."

The time line for recovery was set at four to six weeks. If Bradford did return this week, it would be closer to the low end of the recovery period after he missed two games and the Sooners had a bye this past week. Stoops said he hoped to know later this week if Bradford is capable of returning Saturday.

"I would think we would know later in the week what Sam is able to handle and where we feel we are at with it," Stoops said. "I wouldn't think it would be earlier than that."

It's unusual for college coaches to divulge the availability of injured players prior to the game since there are no rules forcing their hands as there are in the NFL. But Stoops indicated he likely will announce Bradford's status prior to game time.

"I'm not much on being coy or evasive on stuff," Stoops said. "I pretty much usually call it as it is and when we don't know, I say we don't know just yet.

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"I'm not smart enough to deal with all of that, so I just kind of call it as it is and that's what I will (do) here. We'll just see how the week goes."

Should Bradford not be ready to go, redshirt freshman Landry Jones would remain the Sooners starting quarterback. Jones has led the eighth-ranked Sooners to two straight wins, including a 45-0 win over Tulsa in which he set a school record with six touchdown passes.

Stoops said he doesn't expect it to be much of a problem not knowing exactly who his quarterback will be until later in the week. The offense doesn't change much with either quarterback in the game.

Bradford began doing some throwing last week in practice, but Jones continued to get most of the work with the offense.

"The game plan is the same for each," he said. "It's not like one is a scrambling wildcat type of guy and you've got a whole different ballgame for him. As far as game plans go, it's not challenging in that we will have the same one for both of them.

"That's how it's been the last couple weeks and it's worked well for Landry. He's a similar thrower and style of guy. So in the end it's just getting each of them the number of snaps to be comfortable and evaluating Sam through the week."

Bradford spent the weekend in Alabama seeing a specialist, Dr. James Andrews, to further evaluate his shoulder and its progress. Stoops said Andrews has been kept in the look on all medical evaluations and rehabilitation procedures the OU medical staff have performed.

"I think our guys have been awesome in their evaluations," he said. "When it all first happened they got multiple opinions and everybody's were all pretty similar and felt our guys were definitely on the right track and doing the right things. I think that was the outcome the other day, as well."

Stoops became a little testy when asked if Bradford had visited with Andrews prior to the weekend and if the OU medical staff had been keeping Andrews informed. The Bradford family, not Oklahoma, sought Andrews for a second opinion.

"I will let Sam answer those questions," Stoops said. "Our doctors, through all the MRIs and stuff, visited with many many people in regard to it and including Dr. Andrews.

"X-rays and MRIs have been sent to multiple, multiple, multiple people."

Bradford's Status Still in Doubt originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bob stoopsBobStoopslandry jonesLandryJonessam bradfordSamBradfordTerrance HarrisMon, 28 Sep 2009 16:17:00 EST Hypesman: Bradford Crashes, Bryant Burns Georgiahttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/09/hypesman-bradford-crashes-bryant-burns-georgia/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/09/hypesman-bradford-crashes-bryant-burns-georgia/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/09/hypesman-bradford-crashes-bryant-burns-georgia/#commentsFiled under:


Three weeks ago, I wrote that the Big Three of Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy, and Sam Bradford would end up being the big two, and that the 2009 Heisman race would feature several players that were just on the periphery of the Heisman hunt in the preseason. One week in, that's already happened. Following an unfortunate shoulder sprain, Sam Bradford is out of the running. That leaves Tebow and McCoy as the leaders in the clubhouse, but guarantees that a couple of guys no one is talking about will snag invites to New York for the Heisman ceremony.

Each week during the season we're going to be ranking the top candidates in the country based on a complicated mathematical algorithm. The exact formula of this algorithm is a state secret. Although some have pointed out that at its root the algorithm is quite simple: what Clay Travis thinks the Heisman voters are thinking. I'm going to give you a top eight Hypesman count each week and count them down in reverse order. Here we go.

8. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State

Against Portland State, Rodgers ran 16 times for 103 yards and three touchdowns. I still believe Rodgers is a darkhorse. Rodgers can change that in two weeks by gouging defending Big East champ -- and stomper of Rutgers -- Cincinnati, Sept. 24. This will help with his national recognition in the Midwest and East Coast. But his real stretch run doesn't come until late October when Oregon State plays at USC, against UCLA, and at Cal in three consecutive weeks.

Until then, the oxygen is going to be in short supply for Rodgers' candidacy and he may end up subsumed by another Pac-10 runner, Jahvid Best.

7. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Let's be clear about this, no matter how much you hate Notre Dame -- and most people who aren't Notre Dame fans hate Notre Dame -- Jimmy Clausen has played better than any quarterback in America in his last two football games. Granted those performances were against Hawaii and Nevada, but the numbers speak for themselves.

Against Hawaii in last year's bowl game, Clausen went 22-of-26 for 401 yards. Against Nevada, Clausen was an astounding 15-of-18 for 315 yards. That's an average of 21 yards per completion this season. Come Saturday Clausen takes Notre Dame into the Big House. If the Fighting Irish can win and Clausen plays impressively, look for the hype meter to leap off the charts.

Why?

Because NBC needs Clausen's candidacy to leap off the charts so people watch their games. And it won't hurt ABC/ESPN to have a Notre Dame player in the running either. The real question is, has the spiky haired kid who made the understated decision to announce his college choice after arriving in a limo at the college football Hall of Fame, finally, in his junior season, grown into the expectations. We'll see.

By the way USC fans, it's okay to be skeptical. In the last regular-season game of 2008, Clausen completed 11-of-22 passes for 41 yards and two picks.
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6. Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State

Pryor's ability to contend for the Heisman comes down to this weekend against USC. If the Buckeyes pull the upset and Pryor has a couple of "Oh my God" plays, which he's definitely capable of, no one will rise faster. But if the Buckeyes lose, Pryor is out of the running for the season.

There is no player on this week's Hypesman with more at stake this weekend. And before the e-mails and comments start, Pryor is on this list despite what happened against Navy. The game against Southern California is going to loom so large on the national scene, that a win will send Pryor's Hypesman status into the stratosphere.

By the way, a couple of weeks ago, I argued that no quarterbacks outside of the Big Three were possibilities because the oxygen in the quarterback race had already been sucked up by the Big Three. Now, I'm not so sure. In fact, I'm reversing field.

Why?

Bradford's elimination from contention happened so early in the season that I think a quarterback like Clausen or Pryor can get involved in the race. Although Pryor's media savvy is severely in question right now after the Mike Vick eyeblack. Everyone has killed people?

Nice line, Jack the Ripper.

5. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Berry's stats were pedestrian Saturday, but something more impressive came out of Tennessee's game, the Vols looked capable of winning nine games, a prerequisite for serious Heisman consideration. Easy, easy, I know it was Western Kentucky, but the Vols get a chance to prove that game wasn't a fluke this weekend against a major team from a big time voting region, the West Coast.

Plus, the Berry candidacy seems to be gaining ground in the media. Even guys like Scoop Jackson at ESPN, whose column consistently begs the question of whether this guy graduated from elementary school, are taking note. With UCLA, a major West Coast opponent, rolling into town and a national television audience on ESPN, Berry has a chance to launch his candidacy with a big play mixed in with a win. Get a pick against UCLA and there's a decent chance the headlines after this game include the fact that Berry, a junior in the second game of his season, has become the all-time interception return yardage king in NCAA football.

Combine that with the fact that the hype will be off the charts for Berry's match-up against Tebow the following week, and you're talking about a player who will have made himself the best Heisman candidate outside of Tebow and McCoy.

The Hypesman groundwork has been laid.

Now, he just has to make plays this weekend.

4. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

Why has McCoy fallen to four? Because Bradford's injury also weakens McCoy's candidacy. How? Because the dueling Big 12 quarterbacks story angle would have appeared everywhere for the remainder of the season. Who is better, McCoy or Bradford? Now, McCoy is left standing alone. Part of the appeal of McCoy's candidacy was that he could vanquish a really strong candidate in Bradford en route to the award. In so doing, he would strengthen his own profile, think Obama taking down Hillary in the primaries.

Instead everyone expects for McCoy and Texas to beat an ailing Bradford and Oklahoma on Oct. 17th. Where's the unexpected buzz coming from in Austin? Nowhere right now. Texas's perfect record is already built into McCoy's candidacy. Only pratfalls lie ahead.

3. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal

Best had just 10 carries in Cal's revenge beatdown of Maryland. But he put up 137 yards and two touchdowns in those carries. More importantly, he's started to attract some national attention. Cal gets USC Oct. 3. Between now and then, the Golden Bears need to win every game and Best needs to rack up the yards.

If that happens, come the first weekend in October, the national spotlight will be on Best for their home game against the rival Trojans.

He's slotted in at No. 3, because I think he's much better known than Rodgers, plays in a bigger media market, is the best running back in the country, and is well-positioned to explode on the national stage.

2. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Bryant's performance against Georgia should be getting more attention than it actually is. Granted, he only caught three passes, but two of them were for touchdowns. At least Sports Illustrated took note, Bryant is on the cover this week. But most national media figures ignored the performance.

How?

I think there's an argument to be made that Bryant was the single most important player on the field for any winning team last weekend. His 48-yard touchdown catch brought Oklahoma State out of their funk, and his second touchdown helped put the game away.

Earlier in this column, I said that Berry was the best positioned player outside of the quarterbacks. I believe that's true, but Bryant will be the best-performing big-game player in the country right now. With games upcoming against Houston, Rice, and Grambling, Bryant's stats are going to be eye-popping by the end of September.

My point? Bryant's here to stay all season as a legit Heisman contender.

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In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd heads for a second quarter touchdown against Nevada during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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    In this photo taken on Sept. 6, 2009, Mississippi running back Dexter McCluster (22)carries the balla against Memphis during an NCAA football game in Memphis, Tenn. McCluster spent Tuesday night in the hospital because of flu symptoms and nearly two dozen other Mississippi players missed practice Wednesday as the illness continued to ravage the team. McCluster, a versatile star for the sixth-ranked Rebels, was released Wednesday morning but did not attend the afternoon practice. So many players were out coaches moved practice up and shortened it. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd heads for a second quarter touchdown against Nevada during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Notre Dame's Golden Tate, right, is dragged out of bounds by Nevada cornerback Isaiah Frey during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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    In this photo taken on Sept. 5, 2009, Oklahoma's Brody Eldridge (50) is shown standing on the scrimmage line during a NCAA football game against Brigham Young, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. Questions about whether Oklahoma's offensive line would be able to protect the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback started months before the season, when coach Bob Stoops himself called the unit out as the team's "weak link." (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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    In this Sept. 9, 2009 photo, Oklahoma center Brody Eldridge (50) and Brigham Young defensive tackle Russell Tialavea (52) are shown during a NCAA football game, in Arlington, Texas. Questions about whether Oklahoma's offensive line would be able to protect the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback started months before the season, when coach Bob Stoops himself called the unit out as the team's "weak link." (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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    Tulane wide receiver Casey Robottom (19) dives into the endzone for a touchdown against Tulsa in the second half of an NCAA college football game in the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.

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    Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark's helmet flies off as he is tackled by Akron defender Sean Fobbs during the second half of their college football game, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State won 31-7.

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    Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops answers a question during a news conference in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham will have arthroscopic surgery to determine the extent of damage to his injured right knee. Coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that it's unknown whether Gresham will be able to return this season(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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    Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops answers a question during a news conference in Norman, Okla., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham will have arthroscopic surgery to determine the extent of damage to his injured right knee. Coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday that it's unknown whether Gresham will be able to return this season(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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    In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh (93), and Jared Crick (94), surround Florida Atlantic's Alfred Morris, in the first half of their NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. In his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said his team's defense against Florida Atlantic was soft.(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

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1. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Bradford's injury helped Tebow more than any player in the country. It vanquished a quarterback foe and diminished another. As a result, Tebow continues to ride high atop the Hypesman. That's despite the fact that his stats, 1 rushing touchdown and 1 passing touchdown, didn't impress against a mismatched Charleston Southern team.

With Troy coming to town this weekend, look for the Gators to hang a big number on the board. Troy won't shy away and play a ball-control game that seeks to limit Tebow's touches. They'll come out gunning. So will Tebow.

Setting the stage for the epic Hypesman tilt of the early season, Eric Berry and Tennessee at Tebow and Florida.

Hypesman: Bradford Crashes, Bryant Burns Georgia originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>colt mccoydez bryanteric berryjacquizz rodgersjahvid bestjimmy clausensam bradfordterrelle pryortim tebowClay TravisWed, 09 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST Oklahoma Begins Long Road Backhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/08/oklahoma-begins-long-road-back/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/08/oklahoma-begins-long-road-back/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/08/oklahoma-begins-long-road-back/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Oklahoma's Bob StoopsOklahoma coach Bob Stoops certainly had a different vision for the start of the season than the one he is staring at right now.

In less than a week's span Stoops has lost his two most important offensive players, was upset in the season-opener to BYU and almost certainly will see their lofty No.3 ranking take a tumble when the latest polls are released this week.

Returning to the BCS national championship game all of sudden seems a far-off goal to the Sooners.

"With all we are fighting through right now, everything is taken week to week," Stoops said Monday. "We've got a lot of improvement to do just in our own accountability of penalties and missed basic assignments that have to improve.

"To look down the road for that as well fighting through the injuries that we have to, we just need to focus on this week and getting better."

That changed outlook has to do with the recent losses of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford and All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham to injuries. Gresham missed the season opener after suffering a knee injury in practice last week.

Bradford, meanwhile, was knocked out of Saturday game when he suffered a sprained AC joint in his right throwing shoulder. Stoops said he was told by doctors that it was a Grade II or III injury and that Bradford would be evaluated over the next couple weeks.

Stoops told reporters after Monday night's practice that Bradford will miss two to three weeks, but there was no injury to the collarbone, rotator cuff or any other parts of the shoulder, which means surgery will not be required. Bradford just needs time to heal.

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Quarterback Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates victory over the Florida State Seminoles as he leaves the field at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jacory Harris
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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Tight end Jake Byrne #87 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with fans after defeating the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jake Byrne

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Quarterback Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates victory over the Florida State Seminoles as he leaves the field at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jacory Harris

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Quarterback Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes throws a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to Graig Cooper #2 against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jacory Harris

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Running back Mike James #22 of the Miami Hurricanes tries to avoid being brought down by safety Jamie Robinson #20 of the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mike James;Jamie Robinson

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Renegade and Chief Osceola prepares to bury his spear on the 50-yard line before the Miami Hurricanes take on the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Renegade;Chief Osceola

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Tight end Richard Gordon #84 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates after a fourth quarter touchdown by running back Graig Cooper #32 against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Richard Gordon

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Renegade rears up as Chief Osceola prepares to bury his spear on the 50-yard line before the Miami Hurricanes take on the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Renegade;Chief Osceola

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Running back Graig Cooper #2 of the Miami Hurricanes is brought down by linebacker Mister Alexander #16 of the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Graig Cooper;Mister Alexander

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Running back Graig Cooper #2 of the Miami Hurricanes scores the game-winning touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Graig Cooper

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    TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 07: Wide receiver Travis Benjamin #3 of the Miami Hurricanes tries to avoid a tackle attempt by cornerback Patrick Robinson #21 of the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on September 7, 2009 in Tallahassee, Florida. Miami defeated Florida State 38-34. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Travis Benjamin;Patrick Robinson

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"Everyone's different in how they heal, the soreness, how they handle it and how quickly it dissipates where he can move and be comfortable again throwing the ball," Stoops said to the Oklahoma media Monday. "Anywhere from two to four weeks is what we're anticipating."

The Sooners are still in the evaluation process with Gresham, who is expected to be their primary target and a big-time blocking presence on the offensive line. His absence due to cartilage damage in his right knee was certainly felt during Saturday night's stunning 14-13 loss to the 20th-ranked Cougars.

"It affects us in a big way," Stoops said. "There is no denying that. Jermaine is a major presence and a player and a go-to guy. So it affects our offense significantly but we'll deal with it. His injury is the same kind of thing. We'll have an idea in a few days of what the doctors and Jermaine is the best to do."

The immediate future, beginning with Saturday's home opener against Idaho State followed by a non-conference game with Tulsa, means getting along without Gresham and Bradford in the lineup. Redshirt freshman Landry Jones came off the bench in the second half for Bradford on Saturday and showed some flashes.

But more impressive than his 6-of-12 completions for 51 yards was his demeanor and resolve to help the Sooners win, which he nearly did in the end. Stoops said he doesn't anticipate changing the offense while Jones is filling in for Bradford.

"The other night I thought he handled everything really well," Stoops said. "It doesn't change, they both have very similar styles at quarterback."

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Stoops actually received a little sympathy from his primary Big 12 South rival, Texas coach Mack Brown Monday. The Longhorns coach remembers what it was like for his team when quarterback Colt McCoy was lost for a period of time a few years ago after he suffered an injury against Kansas State.

It's highly likely both Bradford and Gresham will have returned to the lineup by the time the Longhorns and Sooners meet in the annual Red River Classic at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Oct. 17.

"Bob does a great job," Brown said. "Those people have overcome more injuries than anybody in college football and bounced back and won. Oklahoma is still going to be really good."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Oklahoma Begins Long Road Back originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bob stoopsBobStoopsjermaine greshamJermaineGreshamlandry jonesLandryJonessam bradfordSamBradfordTerrance HarrisTue, 08 Sep 2009 11:20:00 EST Bob Stoops on Sam Bradford's Injury: 'It's Going to Be a While'http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/07/bob-stoops-on-sam-bradfords-injury-its-going-to-be-a-while/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/07/bob-stoops-on-sam-bradfords-injury-its-going-to-be-a-while/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/07/bob-stoops-on-sam-bradfords-injury-its-going-to-be-a-while/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sam BradfordOklahoma coach Bob Stoops said during Monday's Big 12 teleconference that quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a Grade 2 or 3 sprain in his AC joint.

Stoops also said he expects it to be a week or two before the Sooners know Bradford's availability status. Bradford, last year's Heisman Trophy winner, was knocked out of the Sooners' season-opening loss to BYU on Saturday night.

"It's going to be a fairly long process," Stoops said of Bradford's injury. "A lot depends on how he feels, how he heals. It's going to be a while."

Bob Stoops on Sam Bradford's Injury: 'It's Going to Be a While' originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bob StoopsSam BradfordTerrance HarrisMon, 07 Sep 2009 12:35:00 EST