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NFL Power Rankings – Week 15

Team of the Week – Dallas Cowboys
Player of Week – RB Jerome Harrison - Browns
Rookie of Week - DeSean Jackson - Eagles

Photo - WR DeSean Jackson - Eagles

The Eagles’ rookie receiver DeSean Jackson had another strong performance this past Sunday that was instrumental in the Philadelphia win over the 49ers. Jackson has been a difference maker for the Eagles as both a receiver and return specialist that helped them clinch a playoff berth Sunday and has them in position to win the NFC East title. Against the 49ers, Jackson caught 6 passes for 140 yards and a first quarter TD that set the pace for the victory. Jackson went over the 1000 yard mark as a receiver during the game. For his rookie season, he has caught 56 passes for 1087 yards and 8 TDs for a league leading 19.4 yard average per catch. Of his total receptions, 36 catches have produced first downs with 10 receptions of over 40 yards, the highest total in the entire league. He ranks among the NFL’s top ten in virtually all receiving categories and is the leading rookie receiver in every area. He is a leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award with only two weeks left in the regular season.

Rank / Team / Record

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-0)
Colts have only the Jets and Bills left for a perfect season record.

2. New Orleans Saints (13-1)
The Saints fell to a fired up Cowboys club that ended their dreams of an undefeated season.

3. San Diego Chargers (11-3)
Chargers have won nine games in a row and are probably the most dangerous team in the league right now.

4. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)
Viking’s HC Brad Childress and QB Brett Farve have to work out some differences after their poor performance vs the Panthers.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)
Eagles clinched a playoff spot and now hope to claim the NFC East title with the Broncos coming to town.

6. New England Patriots (9-5)
Patriots look to clinch AFC East title with Jaguars visiting NE this week.

7. Arizona Cardinals (9-5)
Cards won NFC West title and may look to rest some veterans over final weeks.

8. Green Bay Packers (9-5)
Packers lost to the Steelers ending their five game streak that forces them to clinch playoff spot over final weeks.

9. Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
Cowboys won a huge game in New Orleans that puts them in the drivers seat for one of the final NFC playoff berths.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5)
The Bengals lost a heartbreaker vs the Chargers in their first game since their tragic loss of veteran receiver Chris Henry.

11. Baltimore Ravens (8-6)
The Ravens are taking care of business and a definite playoff sleeper going forward over next month.

12. Tennessee Titans (7-7)
The streaking Titans have won seven of their last eight games, but face the red hot Chargers in one of the pivotal games of the entire season on Christmas day.

13. New York Giants (8-6)
The Giants bombed the Redskins, but it may have come too late to claim a playoff berth.

14. Denver Broncos (8-6)
The Broncos lost a horrible game to the Raiders that have them fading form the playoff picture.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)
Steelers win a thriller vs the Packers and face their divisional nemesis the Ravens this week that may decide AFC playoff picture.

16. Atlanta Falcons (7-7)
Falcons may have ended the Jets playoff hopes last week with 4th quarter victory.

17. New York Jets (7-7)
Jets let it all get away from them by losing to the Falcons at home in December.

18. Miami Dolphins (7-7)
The Dolphins lost a wild game vs the Titans that virtually ends their playoff hopes.

19. Houston Texans (7-7)
Texans still can’t get over the .500 level and claim a playoff berth.

20 .Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7)
The Jaguars pushed the Colts to the limit, but came up short and are only a miracle to land a playoff spot.

21. San Francisco 49ers (6-8)
The 49ers lost to Eagles that ends their playoff hopes, but this club is dangerous in the coming seasons.

22. Carolina Panthers (6-8)
Panthers jumped on the Vikings in their best ’09 performance of a very disappointing season.

23. Buffalo Bills (5-9)
The Bills find a way to lose games and face some key changes this offseason.

24. Chicago Bears (5-9)
The Bears have lost eight of their last ten games that may lead to wholesale changes in front office and coaching staffs.

25. Oakland Raiders (5-9)
The Raiders have actually won three of their last five games that gives hope for next season.

26. Seattle Seahawks (5-9)
The Seahawks lost to the Bucs last week. The BUCS.

27. Washington Redskins (4-10)
The only thing that Washington can salvage from this horrible season is if they can beat the Cowboys this week.

28. Cleveland Browns (3-11)
The Browns have won two in a row for the first time in over a year.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (3-11)
The Chiefs lost to the Browns. The BROWNS.

30. Tampa Bay Bucs (2-12)
The Bucs shocked the Seahawks for their second win of the season.

31. Detroit Lions (2-12)
Lions are one of the worst organizations in sports.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-13)
The Rams are simply terrible and a few drafts away from being competitive.

Top 25 Clubs Enter Bowl Season

Team of the Week - Rutgers
Player of the Week – WR Mohamed Sanu – Rutgers

Photo – Mark Ingram – Alabama (Heisman Trophy Winner)

Team / Ranking / Record

1. Alabama (13-0) – Tide beat their nemesis Florida in SEC title game and preps for Texas in BCS Championship matchup.
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2. Texas (13-0) – Longhorns prepping for title clash with Alabama after completing perfect ’09 season.

3. Cincinnati (12-0) - Bearcats finished a perfect regular season but lose their HC Brian Kelly for tough bowl matchup with Florida.

4. Florida (12-1)– Gators lost a tough SEC title contest with Alabama but look to fTim Tebow’s college finale vs Cincinnati to finish with big win.

5. Texas Christian (12-0) – Horned Frogs finish with a perfect regular season and face an undefeated Boise St club that will leave What If questions vwith Bama/ Texas winner.

6. Boise St (13-0) - Broncos look to TCU bowl matchup to continue to climb the charts.

7. Ohio St (10-2) – Buckeyes won the Big Ten and face a great foe in Oregon in the Rose Bowl.

8. Oregon (10-2) – Ducks win Pac 10 and may be the most exciting club in the nation to watch.

9. Georgia Tech (11-2) – Tech won the ACC title and look to tack momentum for their Orange Bowl matchup with Iowa.

10. Iowa (10-2) – The Hawkeyes face a tough matchup with Georgia Tech in one of the more interesting bowl games.

11. LSU (9-3) – Tigers hope for better than the Capital One game with Penn St but look to redeem themselves with an impressive victory.

12. Penn St (10-2) – Nittany Lions finished strong and hope to maintain that vs a tough LSU club in New Years Day matchup.

13. Virginia Tech (9-3) – Va Tech completed a fine season and get an improving Tennessee club on New Year’s eve.

14. Miami (9-3) - Canes earned Champs Sport bowl bid in Orlando vs a gritty Wisconsin club.

15. BYU (10-2) – Cougars won their finale vs Utah that earned them a bowl game with Oregon St. in one of the best matchups of the bowl season.

16. Oregon St (8-4) – Beavers lost a tough finale to Oregon and face another pass happy club in BYU in Las Vegas bowl.

17. West Virginia (9-3) - WV want bowl win to complete season with matchup vs Florida St. in Bobby Bowden’s finale as head coach.

18. Oklahoma St (9-3) – Cowboys go to Cotton Bowl in an expected shootout with Ole Miss.

19. Pittsburgh (9-3)- Panthers hope to redeem themselves in bowl game vs North Carolina after a few key late season losses.

20. Houston (10-3) - Cougars win CUSA West and face a savvy Air Force team in Armed Forces Bowl contest.

21. USC (8-4) – Trojans finish a disappointing season and go to minor bowl vs Boston College in Emerald Bowl.

22. Nebraska (9-4) – Huskers lost a tough Big 12 title game vs Texas, but look to redeem themselves vs Arizona in Holiday Bowl .

23. Stanford (8-4) –Cardinal completed a fine season and face an erratic Oklahoma club in Sun Bowl matchup.

24. Wisconsin (9-3) - Badgers face a young Miami club in Champs bowl matchup.

25. North Carolina (8-4) – Tar Heels are a talented young club who look to finish with big win vs Pittsburgh.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards.

Draft Insiders’ FCS All-American Teams

Photo – DE James Ruffin – Northern Iowa

First Team
Offense
QB Armanti Edwards - Appalachian St
RB Deji Karim - Southern Illinois
RB Pat Paschall - North Dakota St
WR Terrell Hudgins - Elon
WR Marc Mariani - Montana
TE Clay Harbor - Missouri St.

Linemen
Benjamin Ijalana - Villanova
Vladimir Ducasse - Massachusetts
Derek Hardman - Eastern Kentucky
Matt McCraken - Richmond
Kyle Mutcher - Weber St.

All-purpose player - Matt Szczur - Villanova.
Kicker - Matt Bevins - Liberty

First Team Defense
Linemen
James Ruffin - Northern Iowa
Arthur Moats - James Madison
Austen Lane - Murray St.
Dane Fletcher - Montana St.

Linebackers
Brandin Jordan - Southern Illinois
Mike Morales - UC Davis
George Howard - Morgan St.

Defensive Backs
Terrell Whitehead - Norfolk St
Mark Legree - Appalachian St
Jeromy Miles - Massachusetts
Anthony Beck - Prairie View A&M

Punter - Jon Vanderwielen - Idaho St.

2nd Team FCS - Click on Next Page

FCS Winners - Payton, Buchanan & Robinson

Photo - Eddie Robinson - legendary Gambling Head Coach

Armanti Edwards Wins '09 Payton Award

Appalachian St University QB Armanti Edwards cemented his standing as the most decorated player in NCAA Division I FCS history when he became the first two-time winner of the Walter Payton Award this week. The Payton Award has been presented annually to the nation's top FCS player since 1987. Edwards became the first two-time winner in the 23-year history of the award in a landslide vote by national media and sports information directors. He received 55 of a possible 108 first-place votes and 431 total points to easily out-distance Elon wide receiver Terrell Hudgins, who received 16 first-place votes and 268 points. Southern Illinois running back Deji Karim placed third with 14 first-place votes and 259 points.
Edwards threw for a school-record 3,291 yards and ran for 679 more in 2009, good for an average of 330.8 yards of total offense per game, which ranked third nationally. He also ranked among the nation’s top 20 in rushing TDs (t-3rd - 18), completion percentage (4th - .680), passing yards (8th), scoring (10th - 108 pts.), passing efficiency (12th - 147.90 rating), completions (13th - 257) and TDs responsible for (16th - 30). For his career, Edwards ranks second in FCS history behind only Steve McNair with 14,753 yards of total offense (McNair amassed 16,823 at Alcorn State from 1991-94). With 10,392 passing yards and 4,361 rushing yards, he is the only player in Division I history (FCS or FBS) with at least 9,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards in a career and the only FCS player to reach the 8,000 passing/4,000 rushing plateau. He was responsible for 139 TDs in his career (74 passing, 65 rushing), highlighting his 64 ASU and 14 Southern Conference records.

2009 Walter Payton Award Voting
Name School 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total
Armanti Edwards Appalachian St - 55 16 20 13 6 431
Terrell Hudgins Elon - 16 19 16 26 12 268
Deji Karim Southern Illinois - 14 21 19 20 8 259
Matt Nichols Eastern Washington - 12 16 9 12 13 188
Dominic Randolph Holy Cross - 8 16 14 8 12 174
Ryan Perrilloux Jacksonville St - 9 9 11 5 18 142
Jeremy Moses Stephen F. Austin - 4 7 9 13 8 109

Arthur Moats of James Madison Wins Buchanan Award

2009 Buck Buchanan Award Voting
NAME (SCHOOL) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total
1. Arthur Moats, James Madison.....-........ 37..26...8..12...5...342
2. J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington..-.... 17..17..15..15...4...232
3. Danny Batten, South Dakota State....-... 8..13..20..12...7...183
4. Christian Anthony, Grambling...........-.. 19...8...5..11..11...175
5. Mark LeGree, Appalachian State......-... 2..12..16..15...5...145
6. Austen Lane, Murray State..............-... 8...3..15...7...9...120
7. Adrian Tracy, William & Mary...........-...5..13...6...5..12...117
8. Dane Fletcher, Montana State...........-.. 9...1...5...4...7....79
9. Brandin Jordan, Southern Illinois........-. 3...4...7...4...4....64
10. James Ruffin, Northern Iowa...........-... 4...3...7...3...4....63
11. Tim Kukucka, Villanova..................-. 3...5...4...5...4....61
12. Tim Knicky, Stephen F. Austin..-........3...5...2...5...6....57

Prairie View A&M's coach Henry Frazier wins 2009 Eddie Robinson Award
Prairie View A&M coach Henry Frazier III was named the 23rd winner of the Eddie Robinson Award Thursday night at The Sports Network's Football Championship Subdivision Awards Banquet, held at the Chattanooga Convention Center on the eve of the NCAA Division I Football Championship title game.
Frazier is the first coach of a Southwestern Athletic Conference team, or a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to win the Robinson Award, which is presented annually to the top coach in FCS. Robinson, the legendary Grambling State coach, spent much of his career in the SWAC. Taking over a program best known for losing an NCAA-record 80 consecutive games from 1989-98, Frazier led the Panthers to a perfect 7-0 conference mark, the SWAC West Division title and their first-ever berth in the SWAC championship game since the title contest was introduced in 1999.
Frazier is 36-27 at Prairie View and has gone 25-5 in the past three years. Prairie View completed its season with a thrilling, 30-24 SWAC title game victory over Alabama A&M. The Panthers hadn't won a SWAC championship since 1964, and 2009 marked the team's second consecutive 9-1 season. In 2008, Prairie View also beat both Grambling and Southern in the same year for the first time in 35 seasons, and posted its first nine-win campaign since 1953, a feat also duplicated this season. The 2009 season marks the first time the Panthers have had three consecutive winning years since legendary PVAM coach W.J. Nicks ran off nine straight such seasons from 1957-65. Frazier also coached the Panthers to the No. 18 spot in the final regular season poll, the highest ranking Prairie View has ever held. PVAM was ranked 25th last season, the first time the Panthers had ever made a poll appearance.
In the second-closest balloting in Robinson Award history, Frazier received 24 first-place votes out of the 125 ballots cast by a panel of sports information directors and select media who regularly cover FCS. He picked up 237 points to edge J.C. Harper of Stephen F. Austin by two points. Jerry Moore of Appalachian State won by one point over Craig Bohl of North Dakota State in 2006. The Sports Network established the Eddie Robinson Award in 1987. Past recipients of this prestigious honor include current FCS coaches, two-time winner Mickey Matthews of James Madison, Northern Iowa skipper Mark Farley, New Hampshire's Sean McDonnell, Villanova's Andy Talley, Mike Ayers of Wofford and Elon's Pete Lembo, who won the coveted award with Lehigh.

2009 EDDIE ROBINSON AWARD VOTING

NAME (SCHOOL) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total
1. Henry Frazier III, Prairie View...-....... 24..14..13...9...4... 237
2. J.C. Harper, Stephen F. Austin...-.......21..17..13...9...5... 235
3. Andy Talley, Villanova..........-......... 16...8..15...8..11... 184
4. Dale Lennon, Southern Illinois.-.......... 13..16...7..12...7... 181
5. Bobby Hauck, Montana....................-. 10..13..12...7..10... 162
6. Mike London, Richmond...................-.. 6..10...7..12..11... 126
7. Jimmye Laycock, William & Mary...........-. 5...9...9..10...5... 113
8. Pete Lembo, Elon....................-...... 5...7...7..12..12... 110
9. John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota St..-.. .6...5...5...9...5.... 88
10. Al Bagnoli, Penn..........................- 5...6...5...6...4.... 80

NFL Power Rankings – Week 14

Photo - Adrian Peterson - Vikings

The Vikings Adrian Peterson and the Titans’ Chris Johnson had strong performances this past Sunday that was instrumental in their clubs key victories. Peterson scored 2 TDs on 97 yards rushing along with 40 yards receiving as the Vikings beat the playoff bound Bengals. Johnson scored two first quarter TDs that crushed the Rams 47-7 and kept the red hot Titans playoff hopes alive. Johnson finished with 186 yards and 3 TDs on 117 yards rushing which was his 8th consecutive 100 yard performance as a runner. He continues to lead the NFL in rushing with over 1600 yards on the ground and less than 500 yards from Eric Dickerson’s all-time NFL record for single season rushing yardage with three games remaining.

Team of the Week – San Diego Chargers
Player of the Week – RB Adrian Peterson - Vikings
Rookie of the Week – LB Brian Cushing - Texans

Rank / Team / Record

1. Indianapolis Colts (13-0)
Colts continue to roll with perfect record and face only 500 clubs the rest of the way.

2. New Orleans Saints (13-0)
The Saints remain undefeated and face just one playoff caliber team the Cowboys on schedule.

3. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
The Vikings’ and Brett Farve believe in themselves and that goes a long ways in January postseason play.

4. San Diego Chargers (10-3)
Chargers won another key game vs the Cowboys and are probably the most dangerous team in the league.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)
Eagles bombed the Giants but their defense looks terrible for tough postseason contests.

6. Green Bay Packers (9-4)
Packers have won five straight games, but must prove capable on beating top clubs on the road.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (9-4)
The Bengals missed a chance to clinch AFC North last week and now must travel to SD this Sunday.

8. New England Patriots (8-5)
Patriots and QB Tom Brady are capable of lighting up any defense, though the NE is not up to recent standards.

9. Arizona Cardinals (8-5)
Cards were bombed in San Fran, but get the soft Lions in Detroit this week.

10. Denver Broncos (8-5)
The Broncos continue to move towards mediocrity. They are capable of missing the playoffs.

11. Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
The Ravens are a tough group and capable of running the table and earn a playoff berth.

12. Tennessee Titans (6-7)
The hot Titans must run the table to make the playoffs but are capable of winning despite tough road with Dolphins and Chargers up next.

13. New York Giants (7-6)
The Giants were crushed in key matchup with Eagles with their horrible defense the main problem.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
Cowboys are losing again in December with a very difficult trip to New Orleans up next.

15. New York Jets (7-6)
Jets are winning vs soft schedule with Falcons coming to town Sunday for critical contest.

16. Miami Dolphins (7-6)
The Dolphins won a key game vs Jaguars, but must go and win in Tennessee to keep their hopes alive.

17. Houston Texans (6-7)
Texans are actually better than their record and capable of surprising with a late streak.

18 .Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6)
Jags are in a four way tie for #6 playoff spot with Colts coming to town, but their inconsistent play makes them a longshot for postseason.

19. San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
The 49ers won another big game vs Cardinals that puts them in a position to make a playoff run with soft schedule ahead.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7)
Steelers are caving in after losing to both the Raiders and Browns in back to back games.

21. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
Falcons are just a mediocre club without veterans Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.

22. Washington Redskins (4-9)
Skins continue to play hard weekly and finally put a team away in the 4th quarter.

23. Seattle Seahawks (5-8)
Seahawks are playing out the string and face big overhaul this postseason.

24. Carolina Panthers (5-8)
Panthers are struggling and probably face wholesale changes this offseason.

25. Buffalo Bills (5-8)
The Bills finally won a game late with their defense rising to the occasion.

26. Chicago Bears (5-8)
Bears have lost seven of their last nine games in a total collapse.

27. Oakland Raiders (4-9)
The Raiders will complete another horrible season and probable housecleaning this postseason.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (3-10)
Chiefs are just a bad club currently.

29. Detroit Lions (2-11)
Lions lost their 19th straight road game in Baltimore in another terrible performance.

30. Cleveland Browns (2-11)
Browns beat their arch rivals the Steelers in last game to salvage something from this nightmare season.

31. Tampa Bay Bucs (1-12)
The Bucs were totally incept vs the Jets but get the equally bad Seahawks at home this week.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-12)
The Rams are beyond awful and may not win another game this season.

Walter Payton Award Finalists

The three finalists for the Walter Payton Trophy award were announced this week. The final three candidates for the 2009 Walter Payton Award are QB Armanti Edwards of Appalachian St, WR Terrell Hudgins of Elon and running back Deji Karim of Southern Illinois. Edwards won the award as a junior last season and is a strong candidate to repeat as a senior. He would be the first two time winner of this prestigious award named after the late great Walter Payton. Payton was a college and NFL Hall of Fame runner for Jackson St before moving on to the Chicago Bears where he made a huge impact both on the field and in the community. The three Payton finalists will attend the ceremony in Chattanooga, Tenn on Dec 16th for all the FCS awards including the Eddie Robinson and Buckanan Awards. All three players are seniors and from the offensive side of the ball.

Photo – Walter Payton - Hall of Fame College and NFL running back

Walter Payton Finalists
QB Armanti Edwards of Appalachian St
WR Terrell Hudgins of Elon
RB Deji Karim of Southern Illinois.

Armanti Edwards became the first player in NCAA Division I history (FCS or FBS) to pass for 9,000 yards and rush for 4,000 yards in a career with a 461-yard effort in Appalachian’s 52-27 win at Furman on Oct. 31. In the previous week’s 52-16 win over Georgia Southern, he became the first FCS player to amass 8,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards. He became the first starting QB in the 77-year history of the SoCon to lead his team to four league championships.

Hudgins concluded his career with the Phoenix as the holder of 10 FCS records, including nine set during the 2009 season. Four of the records were held by the legendary Jerry Rice who played at Mississippi Valley St from 1981-84. Hudgins also holds numerous Elon and SoCon marks.

Voting for the award was conducted prior to the playoffs by a panel of FCS sports information directors, writers, broadcasters and other football experts. The three finalists are invited to the 23rd annual Awards banquet on December 17 in Chattanooga, Tenn., the night prior to the NCAA Division I championship game. The Buck Buchanan Award (top FCS defensive player) and Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS coach) will also be presented that night.

Alabama's Mark Ingram Wins Heisman Award

Frank Coyle's Heisman Vote

The 75th annual Heisman Trophy award was awarded to Alabama's Mark Ingram in the closest voting in the history of the prestigious award. Ingram has been the catalyst for the Crimson Tide's #1 ranking and preparing for the BCS title game vs Texas next month. Ingram was the third consecutive sophomore to win the award and the first Alabama player ever to win the most coveted trophy in college sports.

The five finalists for the 75th annual Heisman Trophy award were announced this week. The total of five players will attend the ceremony in New York City at the Downtown Athletic Club on Saturday evening. All five players hail from BCS conferences; four of the five are seniors and from the offensive side of the ball. Here is the official finish of the five finalists and Frank Coyle's vote:

Photo – Heisman Trophy

Heisman Trophy 2009 Official Finish
#1 Mark Ingram - RB - Alabama
#2 Toby Gerhart - RB - Stanford
#3 Colt McCoy – QB - Texas
#4 Ndamukong Suh - DT - Nebraska
#5 Tim Tebow - QB - Florida

Frank Coyle's Vote
#1 Toby Gerhart - RB - Stanford
#2 Mark Ingram - RB - Alabama
#3 Colt McCoy - QB - Texas
Official Ballot accepts only the Heisman voters top three selections in a point system.

#4 Ndamukong Suh - DT - Nebraska
#5 Tim Tebow - QB - Florida

Here is my reasoning in a very competitive Heisman Trophy race. RB Toby Gerhart of Stanford led the nation in rushing and scoring and had huge performances vs top ten clubs, Southern Cal and Oregon when he rushed for over 200 yards vs both Pac 10 rivals. He was consistent throughout the entire season despite defenses focusing on him in every game. He made a significant difference on a team that has struggled to play even at the .500 level over the past decade. RB Mark Ingram of Alabama also had an outstanding ‘09 season, though his numbers and big game production was clearly below Gerhart’s efforts. He was a difference maker on a Tide club that will play for the national title vs Texas next month. QB Colt McCoy was a player I voted #1 for the Heisman Trophy last season. He had another excellent performance, leading the Longhorns to an undefeated season. He could win the award outright off a consistently strong senior season. DT Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska was a dominant defensive lineman who has been rated my #! Pro Prospect since August ’09 and never moved off the top spot. We will become only the 2nd defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy along with Charles Woodson should he win the balloting. QB Tim Tebow of Florida is a former Heisman Trophy winner as a sophomore and actually earned the most #! votes for the award last December when he finished 3rd in the overall balloting. He may go down in college football history as the greatest player of all time, though I rank him no better than the 5th best player for the current Heisman Trophy race.

Frank Coyle’s Heisman vote 2008
1. QB Colt McCoy - Texas
2. QB Tim Tebow - Florida
3. QB Sam Bradford - Oklahoma

Heisman Trophy 2008 Official Finish
1. QB Sam Bradford - Oklahoma
2. QB Colt McCoy - Texas
3. QB Tim Tebow - Florida
4. QB Graham Harrell - Texas Tech
5. WR Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for weekly Team and Player Awards. He has voted in the Heisman Trophy balloting for the past 15 years.