Posted by copan07 on November 18, 2007 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good article John. I was thinking the exact same thing.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on November 18, 2007 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's a Heisman? And who cares? This so-called award means less than nothing to this Vol fan. Ever since they stiffed Peyton, it's clear that this award is almost as BS-loaded as the Nobel Peace Prize.

Can't believe KNS is wasting space and newsprint on this.

Posted by thevol on November 18, 2007 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, I thought this article was going to be about Tebow coming out of the closet.

Posted by Plasticman on November 18, 2007 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WHo cares about Tebow and the "Heist-man"?? It is a joke of an award. What I do care about is why some former UT players in the NFL do not say they are from Tennessee when they play on TV?? Last year it was Eric Parker with the Chargers, tonight Donte' Stallworth said the name of his High School when he was introduced. I think that is a slap in the face to all UT players and fans. Maybe it's because he was too stupid to graduate and get a degree(and Parker too)

Posted by tngeoff on November 18, 2007 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John.

You're right. But...with no Big Ten guys on the scene...it should be a lock for Tebow. Still...maybe a Big Ten guy will come out of the shadows again.

Posted by mdvol on November 18, 2007 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmmm, Adams writing an aricle about bias. Definitely the wackiest year in College Football now.

Posted by utvols1 on November 18, 2007 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm still not over Woodson deal. That thug had like 7 picks for the season and he gets the statue over Manning. I stopped watching - or carring about the stupid award 10yrs ago.

Posted by TommyJack on November 18, 2007 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Never has John Adams been more on the mark.

Posted by vol52 on November 18, 2007 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The heisman is a hoax or better a joke. The way the votes are counted ensures a southern player has less chances. So I pay ZERO attention to it.

Posted by eefor10c on November 18, 2007 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wonder how many trophies have gone to ND players. The most undeserved one was Paul Hourning who played for a 4-6 ND team and was awarded the trophy over Johnny Majors of Tennessee who was the tailback of a 10-0 team. That's part of my hatred of Notre Dame, so I'm enjoying their 2-10 season.

Posted by daddyaxe on November 18, 2007 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good article... no doubt the best college football player today...just be thankful we don't play him again until next year

Posted by docflatt on November 18, 2007 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe Jerod Mayo can spy Tebow all night long next year, and contain him to less than 3 TD's total. He definitely deserves the Heisman. It doesn't matter that he's a sophomore.

Posted by andy112382 on November 18, 2007 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who cares about the heis(t)man........back to beating Kentucky and going to the SEC championship game! Only bad thing is, my dad has two tickets reserved if we go, I just have to hope someone will switch with me at work, I am suppose to work that day! AHHH!!!

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by 1974Vol on November 18, 2007 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John have you just now figured out there is a bias against the SEC? Every SEC team that has gone to the title game since there really was one (BCS)has won. All were underdogs. The 13-0 Auburn team would have drilled the posers who played in "the game". I know Spurrier used to love to rub it in by saying you couldn't spell Citrus Bowl without and UT, but hey it was another chance to drill a Big Ten loser.

Posted by brokebackvol on November 18, 2007 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't forget the bias also goes back to include the player on a losing team at Notre Dame that beat out Johnny Majors. The bias against the SEC is not a new trend.

Posted by BluetickBlues on November 18, 2007 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice one John. Nice to see you put what we all feel in print.

Posted by FWBVol on November 19, 2007 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee has had four players finish second in the Heisman race; Hank Lauricella (1951 when UT won the National Championship), Johnny Majors (1956 when UT was 10-1 and finished 4th in the country), Heath Shuler and Peyton Manning. My dad has told me about how good Lauricella and Johnny were. I saw Heath and Peyton. The only legit No. 2 in the bunch is Heath Shuler. Charlie Ward had a great year for FSU that year and led the Seminoles to their first National Title. The other three guys were robbed.

Here's something to think about, the two winningest programs in the history of the SEC, Alabama and Tennessee have never produced a Heisman winner. Georgia has two, Auburn two, Florida two and LSU one.

I'm not a Gator fan, but I like Tebow. He's a good kid and a class act. I live in Florida and my best friend (who played at Auburn) has a son at UF and has met Tebow and told me he's a class act. That's enough for me. Too bad he's coached by a jerk, but I won't hold that against him. I hope TT wins the Heisman even if it does mean Florida will have three HT winners.

Posted by bricker865 on November 19, 2007 at 2:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think Tebow is a class act. I hate his antics on the field. I'm sure he is a nice guy in person and I think he's great from that aspect, but I can't stand that hip hooray stuff after he gets like a 2 year carry for a first down (throwing his arms up in the air like a little girl).

Posted by shaymous on November 19, 2007 at 2:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FWBVOL

Glad to hear a fellow vol fan, being able to recognize a talent and a good man, I too like Tebow, as a player and a young man, he loves the Lord and does missionary work overseas and in his community. Like I said, I like him and admire him, but I definately want to beat him, have a good day all.

Posted by Germany_Vol on November 19, 2007 at 5:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The only thing the Heisman is good for is a boat anchor.

Posted by volhooch on November 19, 2007 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If Tebow wins this thing, maybe it'll shut the Brent Musberger's & the Keith Jackson's of the world up for awhile.(Or at least until next season) Like a post above, this award has been a joke ever since the Peyton debacle.

Posted by threehundredbowler on November 19, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bricker,he is only showing emotion.If it was someone from Tennessee,you would try to jump through the tv screen to high five him.Unless you know the real character of anybody,you should not slam them.Thevol,that goes double for you.You know nothing about TT,especially his sexual preference.How would you like it if someone said the same about you or your son?Some people just need to get a life.

Posted by mbradshaw1 on November 19, 2007 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Hype-man trophy is a joke in my opinion. It only goes to the best player, (usually) at Notre Dame , USC,Mishigan,THE O-State U., and it is presented in the collage football capitol of the world NEW YORK CITY!! A bunch of old men in a snooty club.

Posted by mtnvol on November 19, 2007 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No Tennessee fan worth his/her salt pays any attention to the "hype-man" anymore. It has more to do with media bias than football.

As CR wouls say...."yawn." Who cares? Not me!

Posted by tennisvol on November 19, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Your're right on the Big Ten. Tebow deserves it, but just like Manning lost to a player in the Big Ten, it will probably be the same this year. Maybe they need to change the name to the Big Ten MVP.

Posted by lempga on November 19, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Heisman is a farce!

Posted by lempga on November 19, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Heisman is a farce!

Posted by inquiry on November 19, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I"d agree with this one.. a one man wrecking machine doesn't come by too often.. Tebow for Heisman

Posted by seaplane on November 19, 2007 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good analysis of why Manning didn't win the Heisman. It's too bad a clean cut image would eliminate you, but it did. Couldn't have anything to do with the team record because Spurrier won it the year Florida lost 3 games.
If you were picking a football team, who would you take? Peyton Manning or Charles (Big Ten) Woodson.

Posted by txsvol on November 19, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Adams! My memory goes even farther back, when Paul Hornung, QB for a 2-8 Notre Dame team, beat out our all purpose tailback, Johnny Majors, from our 10-0 team, for the Heisman trophy. By those standards, with Notre Dame's 2007 team approaching the futility of the 1956 team, maybe Jimmy Clausen would be favored over Erik Ainge? After all, Erik managed to play poorly enough two years ago to be benched in favor of Jimmy's older brother, Rick. I haven't seen Tebow walk on water yet, but I did see him kissing his roommate, Joiner, on national TV. Liked Mark Richt's kissing his wife much better. Go Vols!

Posted by pdhuff on November 19, 2007 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Heisman, are they still doing that?

Posted by sjt18 on November 19, 2007 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

McFadden should win it. Seldom is it ever based on one year's work. McFadden had an "off" game against UT with 117 yards. He tied the single game SEC record for rushing and as mentioned did it without the threat of a pass game... unless he was throwing it.

So you have a guy who throws it, catches it, runs it, returns it,... and could probably play corner better than Woodson in his prime.

Hopefully he'll light LSU up in the national spot light and grab the Heisman.

Tebow will unfortunately have his day... but IMO this should be #5's year.

Posted by GreeneVol on November 19, 2007 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pat White's in the Big East ... a more typical Heisman conference what with the audience demographics ... the fumble tendency may cost him - but don't count him out.

What if... the three finalists were Tebow, McFadden and Glenn Dorsey from LSU? That would have to be a first.

Posted by dfreeman on November 19, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Mcfadden has done more with less of a team than Tebow has with the gators! With that being said, I think it's those two and it ain't even close!!! Dorsey won't win it because Tennessee doesn't have a player in the race!!

Posted by douglasawilliams on November 19, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Tebow is the best player in the country. Only watched one possesion with Dixon before he hurt his knee but he would have serious consideration I am told. McFadden may very well have lost the Heisman at Neeland Stadium. He sure didn't look like the Heisman leading candidate hype against UT. I promise you that LSU is glad it doesn't have to face Tebow again. That is an interesting stat about OSU having 7 Heisman winners. Seems there is a clear bias agaist the SEC for reasons I still don't understand but they sure seem to dominate NFL ranks which is a sign of dominance for the conference.

Posted by eVOLution on November 19, 2007 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tebow has accounted for 2870 passing yards 68.5% completion percentage 26TDs 6INTs and 749 rushing yards and 20 tds and troy smith only had 65% completions 2542 passing yards 30tds 6 ints 204 rushing yards and 1 rushing td last season and he was the heisman winner and leader for the entire season last year. They are so bias.

Posted by murrayvol on November 19, 2007 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good piece John. And yes, I can imagine Florida without Tebow. Sweet! I wouldn't quarrel with McFadden or the Timster but they will split the southern vote and that's all either will get.

Posted by 99gator on November 19, 2007 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ironically enough...tebow and p. manning share something else in common.

i can't think of another player being more hyped coming out of high school besides tebow... other than manning. amazingly, peyton lived up to it and exceeded it and tebow is living up to it and exceeding it.

i was extremely worried before the season for the kid because he was idolized as a football god and had not really done anything yet. media members asked before the season if the guy could actually throw.

i never would have guessed he would be this good this quickly.

Posted by UT_Tim on November 19, 2007 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dixon was going to win it hands down before he got hurt.

D Mac as the locals referrer to him is a great player buy he’s stumbled three times so far this year. 43 years vs. Auburn, 61 years vs. Fla International and 88 yards vs. Miss St. He’s had good numbers on such schools as UT Chatt, Troy, North Texas but not great averaging 137 for those three games. Not Heisman like IMO

The clear pick (as much as I hate to say it) is Tim Tebow. The guy is a monster and the first 20-20 man. He’s had a rushing TD and passing TD in every game this year.

The only thing that will keep him from the Heisman is the fact he’s only a sophomore. I remember hearing the same thing about a guy named Manning. If TT doesn’t get it because someone out preformed him on the field I’m OK with it. If he doesn’t get it because he’s a sophomore, it’s a crime.

Posted by Singaporehillbilly on November 19, 2007 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think the media award will go to any member of a team in the sec. To win the award you must be in a conference that ABC and/or ESPN has a contract with to take home the award.

Posted by scvolalum on November 19, 2007 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Heisman Trophy has been a farce ever since Paul Hornung won it over Johnny Majors. I still clearly remember how pissed we all were at all those voters pulling for Notre Dame over Tennessee with their votes (2-8 vs. 10-0). Woodson's getting more votes than Peyton was no surprise at all. There's a clear-cut bias against the SEC by the press. 'Always has been. SI, like network TV, just begs for the Ohio States, SC's, Michigans and Notre Dames to have decent records so they can shove SEC teams to the side. If you'll notice, the ACC doesn't get much help either. I despise Florida just as much as I do Alabama, But Tebow IS the best player in America and McFaddon is the second best. Yet-------------the odds are stacked against them. If you're like me, you have the tendency to ignore such biased institutions like the Heisman Joke. GO VOLS--BEAT THE CATS!!!!

Posted by IPOrange on November 19, 2007 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Somebody tell me again why I should care about this so called award. Also, why is this article posted on the Vols website?

I don't get it, Big Dan.

Posted by DSaVol on November 19, 2007 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The only bias I see reading all this is that a whole lot UT fans just can't face reality - surprise! LMAO!!! Didn't see Lauricella or Majors play but neither Shuler nor Manning were robbed of anything. Woodson shouldn't have beaten Peyton but there is no way in hell anybody can say he was the best FOOTBALL PLAYER in the country that year. Best QB? Yes. Best player? Not even top 5. And for all you that claim not to care - I bet any amount of money you'd be on here hyping the hell out of someone if the Vols had anybody in the running - so don't even try to say you don't care. Wishing you had something to care about is more like it! LMAO!!!

Posted by IPOrange on November 19, 2007 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Blah, blah, blah.....

Posted by 1974Vol on November 19, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DSaVol if PM wasn't the best player why was he drafted with the first pick in the NFL draft? The Heisman Trophy is a beauty contest. When the GM's of the NFL get their checkbooks out is when you tell who really can play the game. I never cared who won the HT because the only trophies that matter are team Championship ones. PM got only one SEC and no NC's so if I'm disappointed over lack of trophies its the Vols didn't win more of those with PM under center.

Posted by DSaVol on November 20, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

1974Vol....IF PM was the best player because he was taken #1 by the NFL then Ryan Leaf must have been the 2nd best player. How'd that turn out??? Your logic is terribly flawed my friend.

Posted by sjt18 on November 20, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hadn't really thought about this... but if "bias" weren't a part of the Heisman then Chase Daniel would probably be the winner... and it wouldn't be all that close.

The state of Florida gets plenty of hype. Daniel is QB for a top 10 team that has been virtually unstoppable on O.

If McFadden (who is the best player in the country) doesn't get it then Daniel should.

Posted by sjt18 on November 20, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DSaVol, What 5 players would you say are better than Manning that year in CFB? Just curious.

The Heisman is a ridiculous award. There is no way you can with even the most remote sense of objectivity pick the best player in the country... in most years. McFadden is a modern day Jim Thorpe. He could probably go both ways and win defensive honors.

He is THE best college football player this year... and last for that matter.

Posted by CrankE on November 20, 2007 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Strange that no one is calling him a product of the system. I wonder which product of the system, uh, Heisman Trophy Winner he'll resemble in a few years; Eric Crouch or Danny Wuerffel?

Posted by Stumps on November 20, 2007 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Adams - I agree with your logic but not your conclusion.

Yes, it's harder to have the "Heisman" stats when you play a schedule as tough as the routine SEC sechdule - 5-6 top ranked teams a season vs. 1 or 2 at best like the Pac10, Big 12, Big 10, ACC, etc. play.

However, Tebow is not clearly the best player in the country. I hate picking up the paper and reading how a player padded his "heisman" stats when his team played a non-ranked team in a second tier conference. If Tebow wants the Heisman, he should have stepped it up against GA. JMHO.

FWIW, as a Tennessee fan, I'd rather have an SEC championship or national title shot and no heisman winner than a heisman winner leading his team to a mean-nothing bowl and then on to a worthless NFL career.

Posted by Vols37922 on November 20, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate the Gators, but it is clear that Tebow deserves the Heisman. I mean, c'mon, 20+ pass TDs and 20+ rush TDs. Those are insane numbers. But I agree with Adams, if Tebow does win it will be by a small margin (even though it shouldn't even be close) or some lesser deserving Big 10, PAC-10, or Big 12 player will get it.

Posted by why36knot on November 20, 2007 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two Columns in a row that Adams has written with out a dig at UT or Fulmer?
I must be dreaming.
I agree with his position when it come to regional bias in polling numbers.
It is the same thing that takes place in the polls by A.P./ CNN USA and the coaches polls.
They try so hard to shape the outcomes of the final polls by their voting during the weekly polls.
I don't want to disrespect any other Football Player who may be in line for consideration of the Heisman Trophy but I do believe that Tebow should win this year. No one else is even close.

Posted by mobilealvol on November 20, 2007 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree the Heisman is heavily influenced by the Big Ten-ABC connection. How else do you explain Champ Bailey the year after Woodson with better stats and no mention for the Heisman? As much as I hate to admit it, Tebow IS the BEST player of the year.

Posted by tlc429 on November 21, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good article, JA. I thougth everyone knew ESPN stood for the Extra Sucky People's Network after they overlooked Peyton, who's numbers made Wuerfful's look pitiful, who had won it the year before. Pure conspiracy. I hate I even have to watch ESPN and meely mouth Corso and Fowler. WE know how good our conference is and the calibur players in it. That's why Peyton is rewriting the record books in the NFL now. SEC FOREVER!!

Posted by Stumps on November 21, 2007 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for those of you who read USAToday, good article on the SEC in there this week. all of this would go away if we could get a playoff system and dump the rediculous, meaningless bowls.

Posted by budrhon on November 21, 2007 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Give it to Tebow, maybe he'll decide to turn Pro after this season if he can. He surely can't keep taking the pounding he receives year end and year out. Anyones thoughts on Tebow at the next level?

Posted by Hoss44 on November 21, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone see Skip Bayless plugging Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman for the Heisman 2 weeks ago. Palmer was completely dumbfounded by that argument. My vote would be for either Dorsey, or McFadden.

Posted by douglasawilliams on November 24, 2007 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

STUMPS I agree with the notion Tebow should have stepped it up against Georgia but he had a hurt shoulder. I believe that Meyer has used him far too much rushing - he doesn't run out of bounds or slide he plays full back. All those yards gained rushing did come with a price -injury. Should Dixon out at Oregon be forgotten because he couldn't finish the season? I also really hate the notion that the best player in the nation should come from a team with a winning record. What if a phenomenol DE with 24 sacks plays for a team that is 5-7 because the team's offense is terrible. That doesn't negate the fact that he is the best player in the country. Tebow won't win it because he is a sophmore and Florida will not be in a BCS bowl(and of course he is from the SEC). I honestly believe that he is the best player in the country - man I hate saying that though.