The Makings of a Champion

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy celebrates the Lonhorns' 45-35

upset over top-ranked Oklahoma (photos: ESPN.com).

Rivalries. They’re where top teams are tested, Heisman hopefuls are harassed, and champions are chiseled.

As the Red River Rivalry was renewed in the Lone Star State, there was anything but a shortage of stars on the field. Quarterbacks Sam Bradford of top-ranked Oklahoma and Colt McCoy of fifth-ranked Texas both delivered strong performances on a national stage, and their supporting casts didn’t disappoint. But in the end, one star shone the brightest. McCoy cemented himself as the best quarterback in the Big 12 and likely the nation in the Longhorns’ 45-35 upset over the Sooners.

In a game that saw more twists and turns than a Hollywood murder mystery, it all came down to execution. While Bradford finished with superior numbers – throwing for 110 yards more than McCoy and tossing 5 touchdowns to McCoy’s one – it was McCoy who got it done down the stretch. Texas’ final four meaningful possessions produced three touchdowns and a field goal, which allowed the Longhorns to erase a five-point fourth-quarter deficit and seize control.

If the Heisman Trophy truly goes to the best player in college football, McCoy has to be at the top of the list. The best player, in my mind, is the one who comes through in pressure situations, makes his teammates better, and WINS BIG GAMES. Forget the numbers; any of these Heisman candidates will tell you that their primary goal is to win the national championship. As of right now – and we know how transient college football supremacy can be – Colt McCoy has all the makings of a champion.

Up until Saturday, it looked as if Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel did, too. However, the third-ranked Tigers’ first big test of the season resulted in their first loss, a 28-23 heartbreaker to #17 Oklahoma State. After throwing just one interception through his first five games, Daniel threw three – all in the second half – in the Tigers’ loss. But Missouri still had a chance to win the game with two minutes left, and Daniel had the perfect scenario for a Heisman-deserving, game-winning drive. As a college football fan, it was disappointing to see Daniel end the game with his third interception; Missouri was playing for not only a potential #1 ranking, but also a possible 1-2 matchup against Texas next week.

In the end, three of the top five teams lost in the same weekend for the second time this year. And considering #2 Alabama was idle and someone had to win the #1 Oklahoma/#5 Texas slugfest, the pinnacle of the college football world experienced the biggest possible shakeup. As a result, several one-loss teams now find themselves back in the middle of the national title hunt. Most notable among these schools is Florida, which vaulted from #11 into the #5 spot following their win over fourth-ranked LSU. Even Oklahoma dropped just three spots to #4 after their first loss of the season.

Some top performers form Week 7…

Jordan Shipley (WR), Texas. Shipley came up huge in the Longhorns’ upset victory, finishing with 11 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Did I mention he also returned an Oklahoma kickoff 96 yards for another score?

Percy Harvin (WR), Florida. Tim Tebow’s favorite target eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark….in the FIRST QUARTER. Harvin also caught both of Tebow’s touchdown passes in the Gators’ 51-21 blowout win over #4 LSU.

Tyrrell Herbert (S), Toledo. Herbert intercepted a Michigan pass and returned it 100 yards for Toledo’s only touchdown, but it was just enough to hand the Wolverines their FIRST LOSS EVER to a MAC team. The Rockets 13-10 victory wasn’t decided until Michigan missed a 26-yard field goal with 4 seconds left.

And my current Heisman frontrunners after this weekend’s action…

1) Colt McCoy (QB), Texas. While he finished with fewer yards and touchdowns than counterpart Sam Bradford, McCoy led the Longhorns to victory and the #1 ranking by playing efficient, mistake-free football (28-35, 277 yards, one touchdown).

2) Sam Bradford (QB), Oklahoma. Bradford is still in a virtual lead for the Heisman, as he was brilliant in defeat (28-39, 387 yards, 5 touchdowns) other than a few slip-ups (2 interceptions).

3) Javon Ringer (RB), Michigan State. With his fifth 100-yard game of the season (35 carries, 124 yards, 2 touchdowns), Ringer surpassed 1,000 yards for the second straight year while helping the Spartans knock Northwestern from the ranks of the unbeaten.

4) Chase Daniel (QB), Missouri. Despite throwing for 390 yards, his three second-half interceptions prevented a Tiger comeback and dropped Daniel from second to fourth.

5) Tim Tebow (QB), Florida. Last year’s Heisman winner fought his way back into the race, looking comfortable both inside and outside of the pocket (14-21, 210 yards, 2 touchdowns, one rushing touchdown) in a huge win over LSU.