My Heisman Ballot

My Heisman ballot was delivered Sunday night. Yes, AFTER the SEC and Big 12 Championship games. Yes, after Colt McCoy threw three interceptions and was sacked more times than Rome was by the Vandals. So here's how I voted:

1. Colt McCoy, Texas.  I know, he was the poster boy for Heisman Hype. And he was completely shown-up by Nebraska's defense. He helped make Ndamukong Suh a household name in Nova Scotia. But he still threw for more than 3500 yards and nearly 30 touchdowns this season. He didn't have great games against Oklahoma and Nebraska, and Big 12 football isn't the model other school's defensive coordinators turn to for lessons on how to prevent touchdowns. But he still plays the toughest position in football and he still got his team into range to make Hunter Lawrence a hero. He led his team to a 13-0 record, and he will play for a national title. Oh, and he did all this without a running game. Quick, name a Texas running back. 

2. Toby Gerhart, Stanford. He put up outrageous numbers and has become the "smart" pick by many college football experts. For all the criticism the PAC-10 gets with its pourous defenses, Gerhart still faced four of the nation's top rushing defenses (all PAC-10 teams) this season. His late season surge almost swayed me.

3. Mark Ingram, Alabama. I was impressed when I saw him play against Tennessee in October and analysts will point to his play in the SEC Championship game (3 touchdowns). But I'm not even sure Ingram was the best offensive player on the field that night against Florida. It might have been Greg McElroy. I thought Tennessee's Montrario Hardesty matched Ingram's toughness this season, and nearly matched his yardage total. And for what it's worth, I thought Dexter McCluster was just as talented, and more versatile.

Who didn't make my ballot:  Tim Tebow (Florida), C.J. Spiller (Clemson), Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska), Case Keenum (Houston).  I had the toughest time with Spiller. He's a talented player and my nephew thinks I'm an idiot for leaving him off my ballot. But my nephew's also a Clemson fan. 

So, go ahead, I'll play the part of the piñata. You be the stick. Swing away.