The best players don't just change games. They change minds.
Florida quarterback Tim Tebow did both in leading Florida to a come-from-behind victory over Alabama in the SEC championship game.
Afterwards, one media-type said he was changing his Heisman Trophy ballot.
The voter originally had Texas quarterback Colt McCoy No. 1. He said he was dropping McCoy and moving Tebow to No. 1.
After watching the same game, another voter said he might change his ballot as well. Again, the beneficiary would be Tebow.
Still, I would be surprised if Tebow repeated as the Heisman winner. When the winner is announced Saturday night, I expect it to be Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, based on those stunning statistics he has compiled: .683 completion percentage, 4,464 passing yards, 48 touchdown passes, and only six interceptions.
Never mind those numbers. Bradford didn't make my top three. In fact, my ballot was the same - though decided independently - as that of colleague Mike Strange.
We both had Tebow, No. 1; McCoy, No. 2; and Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin, No. 3.
Sure, it's a bit provincial, but I'm not apologizing. In fact, I would have added UT strong safety Eric Berry if the ballot had been five deep.
I'm not dismissing Bradford's numbers. I marvel at them.
But the award should go to the best player, not the player with the best statistics. And Tebow is the best player.
Ironically, he probably won the award last year based on his numbers. He ran for 23 touchdowns and passed for 32.
His numbers are down this season. His game isn't.
You don't need statistics to appreciate him. You just need to watch him.
On one play, he's a drop-back passer. On another, he's running the option. And when you desperately need a few precious yards for a first down, he's your power back.
He could run a wishbone offense or a pro-style passing game. He also probably could be a fullback, tight end or linebacker.
It's not just what Tebow does. It's that he does it in the best defensive conference in college football.
And Saturday night, he did it against one of the nation's best defensive teams.
He passed for three touchdowns, pitched to Jeffrey Demps for another on the option and scrambled for key gains against a defense that made him its No. 1 priority.
Yards mean more when you make them against a defense that's as smart and physical as the Tide's. They also mean more when they come in the fourth quarter with a championship on the line and your team behind.
The biggest games bring out the best in the game's best players. That's why it would make more sense if the Heisman were awarded after the bowl games. And it would make more sense than ever this season when you would have two Heisman candidates playing in the national championship game.
Then, either one would have a chance to change your mind.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 33
ncvol17 writes:
Sounds lke that guy is coming back for his senior season. dang it
ctexorange writes:
wow, with all the newspaper layoffs, maybe we will be blessed With Adams on the new UT staff.
VOLS85 writes:
Did you keep Timmy's bed warm last night john?
VolinCalif writes:
Don't like Fl, don't like Tebow. But it's all jealously on my part. Good art. John, and yes Tebow should repeat.
blitzshoot writes:
I like Tebow, don't love him. One article a week is nuff.
yeavols#228407 writes:
I don't know if it would be a good idea to keep Tebow for his senior season. Anything can happen, a broken leg, arm, elbow, torn ACL, and even a down year for the team. I wouldn't risk it. He's a great QB with a lot of star power in the NFL. I would take it to the next level, play in the NFL, do missionary work, be a philanthropist, go back and finish the degree, and do whatever else he feels compelled to do. He has already earned on the field what he is going to finish in life. I would normally say stay in school and finish your degree, but he has too much talent at this point in his life to risk any injury in his senior season.
TommyJack writes:
Oh, hello Naffy.
BuckFama writes:
Tim Tebow can kill two stones with one bird.
DekanGator writes:
Here in Gainesville a scout had some Issues with Timbo. Slow release, not enough snaps from behind center, and Not sure he has the "throws to make in the NFL."
The scout said another year would be good for him.(I hope he's right)
I's say it's about 60% chance hes is staying. but for some reason they did not ask me what he should do.
BuckFama writes:
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Tebow has 72... and each one is loved deeply and sweetly by John Adams.
That agenda alert is sounding, John.
Cash writes:
his type of play won't work in the NF of L. he'll be slaughtered. mebbe a coach will change that.
uh, can't really remember the last UF QB that really made it in the NF of L. please correct me if I'm wrong, cuz I'm not a big fan of pro sports.
JA is dying to give TT a snarlin.
blitzshoot writes:
Agree. And a damn shame the media will politic for Bradford.
I just hope your defense wears him out. Good luck.
VolinCalif writes:
Well this is the last scan for tonight. Two grand kids (7&9) live with me and they're giving Granny H... tonight. Not realy but it's time for me to help and put them to bed. WE are all Vols and right or wrong our support is one of the greatest things for our team. Well maybe not Higator and gatorzz but they are OK. I'll be up early and reading your inputs. Good night all have fun.
Cash writes:
Ms gaturss,
you missed the point of my post... nope, he won't be big time in the NF of L. NF of L qb's, for the most part, are an elite group. sure, he's a great college player, but...
your reply didn't fully comply. name the last UF QB that made it BIG in the NF of L ??????????????? or even made it for a year or 2, for that point.
you can't, cuz there's none. they are now trying to be " analysts ".
are you kin to JA ?
Cash writes:
BTW, ms gaturss
he'll make a fine OG, second string that is.
you know, I was gona pull for Fla in the big game, but because of YOUR attitude, no way.
as the nite goes along and UF gets beat, just imagine me saying CAT HAIRS. it works, wait and see. fumble, missed field goal... what else could go wrong ? hmmm...
gawd, I hate UF fans.
NoogaVol55 writes:
What did Ole' Miss have...you left them off and I was just wondering
Just messing with ya man...as bad as I hate to say it cause I can't stand that goofy grin of his...he is a hell of a player...not sure he will succeed in the pros but who knows...good luck in the NC game...make the SEC proud.
ScoobyDoo writes:
As much as I can't stand the Gators and want to hate Tebow, I just can't. He is one of the few college players I will watch a game just to see what he might do. Then you factor in the mission work, and the dude even gets good grades and has a hottie girlfriend. Get this guy in the NFL already!
dfreeman writes:
yeah, why not a new site? LOL
TommyJack writes:
looks like
txsvol#372416 writes:
1) There was an interesting article in a recent Sports Illustrated talking about the return of Single Wing football, and they didn't even mention us in it! Tim Tebow is a smart player, and I think he'd be able to adjust his game and succeed. He's the best single wing TB since Johnny Majors!
2) Rex Grossman? He started a few games for the Bears, but was beaten by Peyton in the Super Bowl a couple of years back. SAVol
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Tim could always go back into trimmin' if NFL doesn't pan out.
richvol writes:
Tebow is one of the rare athletes that are genuinely deserving of the admiration and acclaim that is bestowed upon him by the media and the public. He has an ego that is under control and just goes out every Saturday and gives everything he has for his team. He took responsibility for the loss to Ole Miss when it was the extra point that cost them an overtime. Since that game he has taken his team on his shoulders and carried it to an SEC championship and a chance for a second national championship in three years.
This young man is a role model for any kid that is watching...the kind you would want your son to emulate. I guarantee you that he will succeed in any endeavor he attempts in his professional or personal life because of it and I wish him the best.
rockytop4ever writes:
Im so tired of hearing this guys name. Watching the SEC championship game the other night I thought the anouncers were going to kneel down and start worshiping him. And NO he doesnt deserve the Heisman this year. That should go to either the OU or Texas QB.
Volgrad777 writes:
Adams and Tebow both have Mangina's
fulmerspinkslip writes:
Let's not stumble over ourselves to give this guy praise. Yeah, he's a great role model, but he will NEVER succeed in the NFL. Maybe if he put on 50 lb's he would be a decent fullback. What are you doin with those scissors in your hand Teabag?
orangeinbama writes:
Im not smart enough to know if Tebow will make an NFL QB or not. Be he is the best football player in college football. Some need to shelve the hatred of all things "gator" for a moment and appreciate what you are getting to watch right now. Tebow will be the football player that you can talk to your grandkids or great grandkids about. I can tell mine about Reggie White, Peyton Manning, watching John Hannah clear a path, Hershel Walker, Bo Jackson, Roland James, (who is the best open field tackler I ever seen, IMO) just a few I've seen in person. Someday they will tell theirs about a kid named Berry. I'm a TN fan and always will be. I'm carrying the TN torch here in the land of the delusional bummers. All but the psycho's down here know that Tebow was the difference. They also admit that Tebow and Eric Berry are in a class by themselves. Thats two players that anybody would have and everybody wants. A college football purists enjoys a good crisp clean played "leave nothing on the field" game. You also have to appreciate the performance of the individuals, especially those that bring it every week, and those that stand out. Give the man his due, just as we give Eric Berry his due. Both special. That does not mean we dont want to kick his azz, and we would love to see Berry give him a "Moreno". All that said, go bring the NC back to the SEC. The SEC owns it. Bring it home gators, and Go Vols!
Volunatic writes:
Berry did a pretty good job stopping Tebow whenever he got the chance, but Eric also had the responsibility of covering his receiver, which he also did well.
Tebow is a great college player, and I think he will probably win the Heisman due to vote-splitting among Colt McCoy supporters and Sam Bradford supporters.
However, I HIGHLY doubt he will be successful in the pros, since he is an option QB. He will be the next Alex Smith, at best, but I don't think he will go as high in the draft as Alex did. (Proof only that the Niners had no clue what to do with a #1 draft pick.)
The only successful option QB's in the NFL are those who have had blazing speed.
I hate the fact that the Vols will have to face Tebow again due to this grim reality.
Colliervol writes:
Certainly no Gator fan here (although I was pulling for them against Alabama). But I am a big fan of Tim Tebow. For all the "look at me" prima donnas that populate college and pro football, he carries himself with a class that you don't see every day. (Reminds me a lot of Peyton Manning.)
Regarding his pro potential, he is getting better at throwing the ball but he would benefit from one more year. The NFL game is entirely different than college from a QB perspective. Reading defenses and a big arm are a prerequisite for a pro QB. Plenty of great college QB's have been miserable failures as pros (Heath Shuler, Ryan Leaf, Gino Torretta, Andre Ware...). One thing I do know for sure is that a pro QB cannot run the ball consistently. Those guys will kill a QB if he takes off running. Running QB's end up in the WLLL---the Won't Last Long League.
murrayvol writes:
I have no idea if he makes it in the NFL as a qb or whatever. He's not the best college qb I've ever seen but he's the best damn college "football player" I've ever seen.
And I hope he chooses the league before some big, bad, meanspirited opponent hurts him. lol
kb7398#233189 writes:
Typical Florida quarterback...great in college, destined to fail in the pros.
Or I could say typical Urban Meyer system quarterback...great in college, destined to fail in the pros.
He'll go in the first round and make all of the man-lovers harken back to Ryan Leaf, Joey Harrington, etc.
sundiver98#346449 writes:
Need to change the stadium name to Neyland-Fulmer Stadium the two coaches that have won a NC!
HELLO, this is KNOXVILLE not GAINSVILLE Johnny Boy!
crappieking writes:
Best post on this board. I am not a gator fan by no means, but we would have loved to have this guy the past three years. He is better than our three current QB'S put together. I say he will be a good Pro. May'be not great, but good. Secondly. over the past 15 years Flordia's talent level has simply been better than ours except 98 & 01. We were pretty well stacked those two years. We have got to start going into the areas of Fl,TX,LA,etc.... and convince these kids to come to to UT. I hope CLK can do this. I am from W.TN and can tell you that there is limited prospects here. It is almost the same all over the state. Any thoughts?
Bruce_Pearl_Fan writes:
Sorry, but Tebow will not be a good, let alone great, NFL QB. "System" QBs don't make it in the NFL. Alex Smith comes to mind. And didn't he play for the great Urban Meyer too? What about Colt Brennan? Tim Couch, Andre Ware, Danny Wuerffel, Vince Young. Shall I continue?
Take him for what he is. A great athlete playing QB for your school. I'll take Matt Stafford's NFL stats over Tebow's, Harrell's & McCoy's combined over the next 5 years.
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