Red Sox
Patriots
Celtics
Bruins
1. Golden chance
Entering the season, the prevailing thought was that the chase for the Heisman was a three-horse race among defending champion Sam Bradford, former winner Tim Tebow, and Colt McCoy. With Bradford out, and Tebow and McCoy not burning it up, other names have popped up, notably Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen. But here’s a shout-out to Clausen’s teammate, Golden Tate, possibly the most exciting, versatile player in the land. Tate, a receiver by trade, also returns punts and plays tailback. Tate has 52 catches for 847 yards and eight touchdowns and is comfortable in both the possession and deep passing games. He abhors fair catches, always fights through the first hit, and never fumbles. Besides, how can you not love a Notre Dame player named Golden?
2. Air-raid warning
Tim Tebow still has a chance to join Archie Griffin as a two-time Heisman winner, but he must kick off his campaign tomorrow at The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Though Georgia’s national title hopes are dead, the Bulldogs would love nothing more than to knock off Florida in Jacksonville. The thing to watch in this one is Tebow’s passing vs. Georgia’s secondary. Neither is operating at a high level. Florida is ranked 80th in the country in passing offense and Tebow threw a pair of pick-sixes in last week’s underwhelming win at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs rank 90th nationally in passing defense and have given up 15 TD passes, worst in the SEC. Look for Tebow to exploit this matchup by going to dependable tight end Aaron Hernandez and speedy receiver Riley Cooper.
3. Pinch-hit QB
There has been a lot written about how the loss of quarterback Tony Pike to an arm injury would hurt Cincinnati’s chances to earn a BCS berth. The doubters don’t know just how smart Bearcats coach Brian Kelly is. Kelly inserted Zach Collaros, who may not have Pike’s size or arm strength, but has great legs and vision. And, most important, he’s a winner. Collaros, who once led Steubenville (Ohio) High to 30 straight wins, wasn’t heavily recruited because of his desire to play baseball as well. Kelly gave him the chance to do both, and it may be the best decision he’s ever made. Collaros has led Cincy to two wins and will start tomorrow at Syracuse. Receiver D.J. Woods summed up the situation with a most appropriate quote. “I respect him for stepping up to the plate,’’ he said.
4. Paying a high-price
There are two marquee matchups tomorrow that could be so much better if it weren’t for both underdogs being shorthanded because of suspensions. Oklahoma State will be without receiver Dez Bryant (possibly its best player) for the game vs. Texas after an earlier NCAA suspension was upheld this week. Bryant’s big offense? He went to dinner at Deion Sanders’s house and then lied about it. Bryant has apologized for the misstep. As he is a projected first-round pick, Bryant’s college career probably is over. The other case is that of Oregon’s LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended after punching a Boise State player in Week 1. Blount, originally banned for the season, has also been contrite, and coach Chip Kelly has left the door open for the running back’s return.
