The Ole College Try

Here at We Make It Rain, we are going to change up the typical "Ole College Try". Normally I do the analysis of last week's games, and to some extent the entire college season to date, through the glorified term "Heisman Watch". For those loyal readers, that is a simple guise to highlight the great performances, and performers during the game. This week, however, I will highlight that one person who should, but won't, win the Heisman Trophy this year, at least if the season ended this week.

What characteristics make up the traditional Heisman Trophy winner? OK, now take out the fact that the player has to play quarterback (or maybe running back). Let's just look at the entire gamut of players from all positions. First, the player has to play on a contending team. Not necessarily the best team, but at least a contending team. Second, the player has to be a driving and dominant force on that team. Third, the player has to have significant enough statistics for their position. Fourth, that player has to have at least one defining moment or play that the media and public can latch onto and remember forever. (For example, Desmond Howard striking the Heisman pose after a long touchdown reception). We have all of these bases covered already this season. To date, your Heisman winner should be:



TERRENCE CODY.

Let's go through the questions I self posed above.

1. The player has to play on a contending team. Check. Alabama is undefeated, and presupposing a victory against LSU this week, on a crash course with the Gators in the BCS Championship game.

2. The player has to be a driving and dominant force on that team. Check. Between Cody and Rolando McCain, Alabama is a dominant defense, and that dominance starts with the big nose tackle.

3. The player has to have significant enough statistics for their position. Check. Admittedly harder to determine for a nose tackle, given that a nose tackles job is to simply stuff the middle, but Cody does have 17 tackles, 5 for a loss, and even 2 passes defensed. He also has, well, let's just go to the next question.

4. One defining moment or play. Check/Check. Cody's two blocked kicks, one at the buzzer, against Tennessee to seal the victory against the Volunteers. That play was topped only by his celebration seen nationally over and over again on every single replay on every sports channel nationwide.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen readers, Terrence Cody should be the Heisman Trophy winner. Nevertheless, it won't happen, as a defensive player has never won a Heisman Trophy. For those that want to argue Charles Woodson, I would posit that he only won the Heisman Trophy by virtue of his defensive play in addition to his play as a return man on special teams. Don't forget that his coach also started to play Woodson as a wide receiver late in the year as well, so Woodson was not truly, or at least not solely, a defensive player.



MY NEW FAVORITE PLAYER

Jeremiah Masoli - QB - Oregon - He absolutely eviscerated the USC Trojans for a total of 368 yards rushing and passing. He is what multi-talented (read pass/run QBs) like Tebow and Terrelle Pryor are supposed to be.

PREDICTED BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME MATCHUP

Alabama v. Texas - I have thought that Florida would be in this game. However, their offense has become entirely too predictable, and Alabama's defense is too tough for a predictable offense. I see nobody that can defeat Texas on their schedule. If Florida can start to get their offense on track, which playing Georgia definitely helped, they will be back in this game.

WHAT BOISE STATE AND CINCINNATI NEED TO OCCUR THIS WEEK

First, I am assuming that Iowa is going to lose at some point in time. Boise State and Cincinnati need LSU to defeat Alabama. (Then a one loss Alabama to defeat Florida in the BCS championship game).

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

USC was torched by Oregon on Halloween evening, October 31. Losing on Halloween allowed USC to keep one streak alive. How many consecutive games have the Trojans won in the month of November?

LAST WEEK'S TRIVIA ANSWER

Last entry's trivia question was, "South Florida's freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels led the Bulls to an upset victory over the Florida State Seminoles. From what hometown does Daniels hail?" The answer, of course, is Tallahassee, Florida, the home of the Seminoles.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH

3. Oregon State v. California - Two of the best running backs in the country matched up in this game. Jacquizz Rodgers for the Beavers and Jahvid Best for the Bears. Must see for anyone that likes to watch tough runners.

2. Oregon v. Stanford - Can Oregon follow-up their drudging of USC at a much better than expected Cardinal squad? I say a resounding "Yes", but crazy things have been happending in the Pac-10 this year.

1. LSU v. Alabama - LSU is ridiculously overrated (as is most of the SEC this year), but can make a big statement by defeating the Crimson Tide. (By overrated I mean that Florida and Alabama should be the only teams rated in any poll)