ESPN must have missed the memo informing Heisman Trophy voters that Wednesday was the deadline for ballots to be submitted.
Because ESPN, also known by some these days as TTN (Tim Tebow Network) turned its Thursday night telecast of the College Football Awards Show into what amounted to one final promotion of Tebow before the Heisman is awarded Saturday night.
The other two Heisman finalists were there. But Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Texas's Colt McCoy were given short shrift, as were those who won one of the nine trophies handed out during the show.
At least a third (it seemed longer) of the 90-minute telecast centered on something related to Tebow. We met his brothers and sister and had to endure Lee Corso's fawning interview with his parents.
None of it was a surprise. After all, some of the carnival barkers ESPN employs as "analysts" told us this season that Tebow was the greatest college quarterback ever, and possibly the greatest college player ever.
Really? Wonder what Jim Thorpe and Red Grange would think of that? Of course, the carnival barkers have probably never heard of Thorpe, Grange or anyone who played before 1995.
Hey, I sincerely admire Tebow's accomplishments on and off the field. He's a stud. And the Florida quarterback certainly can't dictate what the ESPN spin doctors decide to telecast.
But enough already of the self-proclaimed "Worldwide Leader" in sports attempting to rule the college football world and play kingmaker.
A critical problem with ESPN's domination of the sport is the network's various agendas. That becomes a concern when a whole lot of media members who should know better start buying into everything the carnival barkers are selling.
Judging by some recent stories, that seems to be happening in the Heisman race.
One popular ESPN theory is that Texas would miss McCoy more than OU would miss Bradford. In that scenario, one journalist wrote, the Longhorns would have finished 9-3 instead of 12-1 and OU would still be 12-1 and Big 12 Conference champions with someone else playing quarterback.
What? That writer apparently didn't see how the Sooners totally fell apart at Texas Tech last season when Bradford was lost with a concussion on OU's third series.
Freshman Landry Jones may develop into a star someday. And senior Joey Halzle is a good soldier who has loyally backed up Bradford the past two seasons. But with either of them directing this OU team, the Sooners would be no better than 8-4.
Another theory the analysts are barking and some writers are swallowing is that neither Tebow nor McCoy have the amount of weapons to work with as Bradford. They insist the Sooners' sophomore posted his incredible statistics because he plays behind an awesome offensive line, has a boatload of receivers and an excellent running attack.
Again, what? Where were those critics earlier this season when the Sooners' O-line was getting ripped for being "overrated" when the running game was getting stuffed? The only reason the Sooners survived those early struggles was Bradford's ability to carry the offense with his bullseye accuracy.
OU's receiver corps proved it's loaded with talent. But many questioned it when junior All-American Malcolm Kelly left early for this year's NFL Draft. And Manny Johnson, one of Bradford's key long-ball threats, was hindered most of the season with an elbow injury.
Yes, he has a lot of weapons. But they can't go off without Bradford pulling the trigger.
OU's loss wasn't because of anything Bradford failed to do. He threw five touchdown passes against Texas and outplayed McCoy, but the defense fell totally apart when middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds was lost with a knee injury suffered when the Sooners were leading in the third quarter.
Another writer said he voted for Tebow because the junior quarterback can carry the team on his back. As previously mentioned, Bradford carried the Sooners when both the running game and O-line were MIA, and he nearly toted OU to a win in the Red River Shootout by himself.
Another rap against Bradford is that he doesn't have to prove his toughness like Tebow and McCoy because he isn't required to run the ball.
All together now one more time: What?
Granted, he doesn't run as often as his two Heisman competitors. But even ESPN has acknowledged his toughness and scrambling ability by constantly showing Bradford's remarkable run against Oklahoma State, which ended with a headlong flip in Bradford's determined bid to find the end zone.
Overlooked in that spectacular play is Bradford's grit to attempt it even though he was nursing a painful injury to his non-throwing hand. Although the ligament damage happened early in the Bedlam Bowl, Bradford ignored it to lead the Sooners to a critical road win.
ESPN has also reminded viewers repeatedly that OU and Bradford shouldn't have been in the Big 12 title game. Ditto, they say, for next month's BCS title contest. Texas and McCoy should have played for the league title and should be taking on Tebow and Florida for the national championship.
Perhaps ESPN's brainwashing of America won't work tonight and Bradford will become the fifth OU player to win the Heisman Trophy.
But it certainly won't be an upset if he loses to either Tebow or McCoy. You can find out by tuning in at 7 p.m. Guess which cable network will telecast the Heisman ceremony?
Think worldwide leader in barking out bullbleep.
THE HEISMAN CONTENDERS
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Sophomore quarterback led his team to the Big 12 championship and BCS national title game. Leads the country in passing efficiency and touchdown passes (48). His TD passes are a single season school record, as are his 4,464 passing yards.
Tim Tebow, Florida
Junior quarterback led Florida to the SEC championship and a berth in the BCS title game. Ranks fifth in the country in passer efficiency and is a fearless runner. Won the Heisman last year, becoming first sophomore to win award. Tries to become only second player to win two Heismans (Ohio State’s Archie Griffin, 1974, ’75).
Colt McCoy, Texas
Junior quarterback led his team to an 11-1 record and a share of Big 12 South title. Ranks third in the country in pass efficiency. Has thrown for 3,445 yards and 32 touchdowns. Is also the Longhorns’ leading rusher, with 576 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Because ESPN, also known by some these days as TTN (Tim Tebow Network) turned its Thursday night telecast of the College Football Awards Show into what amounted to one final promotion of Tebow before the Heisman is awarded Saturday night.
The other two Heisman finalists were there. But Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Texas's Colt McCoy were given short shrift, as were those who won one of the nine trophies handed out during the show.
At least a third (it seemed longer) of the 90-minute telecast centered on something related to Tebow. We met his brothers and sister and had to endure Lee Corso's fawning interview with his parents.
None of it was a surprise. After all, some of the carnival barkers ESPN employs as "analysts" told us this season that Tebow was the greatest college quarterback ever, and possibly the greatest college player ever.
Really? Wonder what Jim Thorpe and Red Grange would think of that? Of course, the carnival barkers have probably never heard of Thorpe, Grange or anyone who played before 1995.
Hey, I sincerely admire Tebow's accomplishments on and off the field. He's a stud. And the Florida quarterback certainly can't dictate what the ESPN spin doctors decide to telecast.
But enough already of the self-proclaimed "Worldwide Leader" in sports attempting to rule the college football world and play kingmaker.
A critical problem with ESPN's domination of the sport is the network's various agendas. That becomes a concern when a whole lot of media members who should know better start buying into everything the carnival barkers are selling.
Judging by some recent stories, that seems to be happening in the Heisman race.
One popular ESPN theory is that Texas would miss McCoy more than OU would miss Bradford. In that scenario, one journalist wrote, the Longhorns would have finished 9-3 instead of 12-1 and OU would still be 12-1 and Big 12 Conference champions with someone else playing quarterback.
What? That writer apparently didn't see how the Sooners totally fell apart at Texas Tech last season when Bradford was lost with a concussion on OU's third series.
Freshman Landry Jones may develop into a star someday. And senior Joey Halzle is a good soldier who has loyally backed up Bradford the past two seasons. But with either of them directing this OU team, the Sooners would be no better than 8-4.
Another theory the analysts are barking and some writers are swallowing is that neither Tebow nor McCoy have the amount of weapons to work with as Bradford. They insist the Sooners' sophomore posted his incredible statistics because he plays behind an awesome offensive line, has a boatload of receivers and an excellent running attack.
Again, what? Where were those critics earlier this season when the Sooners' O-line was getting ripped for being "overrated" when the running game was getting stuffed? The only reason the Sooners survived those early struggles was Bradford's ability to carry the offense with his bullseye accuracy.
OU's receiver corps proved it's loaded with talent. But many questioned it when junior All-American Malcolm Kelly left early for this year's NFL Draft. And Manny Johnson, one of Bradford's key long-ball threats, was hindered most of the season with an elbow injury.
Yes, he has a lot of weapons. But they can't go off without Bradford pulling the trigger.
OU's loss wasn't because of anything Bradford failed to do. He threw five touchdown passes against Texas and outplayed McCoy, but the defense fell totally apart when middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds was lost with a knee injury suffered when the Sooners were leading in the third quarter.
Another writer said he voted for Tebow because the junior quarterback can carry the team on his back. As previously mentioned, Bradford carried the Sooners when both the running game and O-line were MIA, and he nearly toted OU to a win in the Red River Shootout by himself.
Another rap against Bradford is that he doesn't have to prove his toughness like Tebow and McCoy because he isn't required to run the ball.
All together now one more time: What?
Granted, he doesn't run as often as his two Heisman competitors. But even ESPN has acknowledged his toughness and scrambling ability by constantly showing Bradford's remarkable run against Oklahoma State, which ended with a headlong flip in Bradford's determined bid to find the end zone.
Overlooked in that spectacular play is Bradford's grit to attempt it even though he was nursing a painful injury to his non-throwing hand. Although the ligament damage happened early in the Bedlam Bowl, Bradford ignored it to lead the Sooners to a critical road win.
ESPN has also reminded viewers repeatedly that OU and Bradford shouldn't have been in the Big 12 title game. Ditto, they say, for next month's BCS title contest. Texas and McCoy should have played for the league title and should be taking on Tebow and Florida for the national championship.
Perhaps ESPN's brainwashing of America won't work tonight and Bradford will become the fifth OU player to win the Heisman Trophy.
But it certainly won't be an upset if he loses to either Tebow or McCoy. You can find out by tuning in at 7 p.m. Guess which cable network will telecast the Heisman ceremony?
Think worldwide leader in barking out bullbleep.
THE HEISMAN CONTENDERS
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Sophomore quarterback led his team to the Big 12 championship and BCS national title game. Leads the country in passing efficiency and touchdown passes (48). His TD passes are a single season school record, as are his 4,464 passing yards.
Tim Tebow, Florida
Junior quarterback led Florida to the SEC championship and a berth in the BCS title game. Ranks fifth in the country in passer efficiency and is a fearless runner. Won the Heisman last year, becoming first sophomore to win award. Tries to become only second player to win two Heismans (Ohio State’s Archie Griffin, 1974, ’75).
Colt McCoy, Texas
Junior quarterback led his team to an 11-1 record and a share of Big 12 South title. Ranks third in the country in pass efficiency. Has thrown for 3,445 yards and 32 touchdowns. Is also the Longhorns’ leading rusher, with 576 yards and 10 touchdowns.
