| 31 August 2010
BLOGUIN HEISMAN POLL
Bloguin is putting together a weekly Heisman Trophy poll amongst all of the college football bloggers, and both Kenny Hill and myself will be voting in the poll. Thanks to the guys over at Randall Simon's Sausages, who are coordinating the effort. Though it seems obvious, I am going to treat my vote as if I was actually voting for the award, not as an attempt to predict who will win. The Heisman Trophy is supposed to be awarded to "the most outstanding college football player in the United States", and that's how I am going to treat it. As we know, the Heisman Trophy has become a popularity contest with the unwritten criteria of playing on a Top-10 team and being an offensive player. My vote will go to who I believe to be the most outstanding college football player in America, regardless of position or team ranking. Here are our pre-season ballots:
Kris
1. Terrelle Pryor QB Ohio State - I am buying what Ohio State and Pryor are selling this season. I love Pryor's skill set, and I believe this is the year he puts everything together and really breaks out. Last year's passing stats were modest, completing 56.6% for 2,087 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. But he also rushed for 779 yards and seven more touchdowns. I think we'll see around 2,500 yards in 2010 with a decrease in interceptions and another 800 or so rushing. If he displays some moxie and leadership in big games, he'll likely stay near the top of my list.
3. Jacquizz Rodgers RB Oregon State - Rodgers' production tells his story. He rushed for 1,440 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and 21 touchdowns. But then he went and caught 78 passes for 522 yards and another score on top of that. Despite his size, Rodgers runs very tough and can grind out the tough yards. But he can also make big plays. He's one of the best players in college football. With Oregon State picked by many to win the PAC-10, he may actually have a chance to win the award too.
Kenny
2. Jacory Harris QB Miami - I believe he will cut down on his turnovers while surpassing his offensive numbers from a year ago. Miami may finish the season with only 1 or 2 losses. Win, lose, or draw, I expect him to outplay Terrelle Pryor in their head to head match-up.
3. Patrick Peterson CB LSU - Don't be surprised if he has a similar season for LSU, as Charles Woodson did for Michigan.
FOOTBALL
LSU tight-end Deangelo Peterson has suffered some kind of foot injury, although details are not known at this point. I've heard everything from an ankle sprain to a broken foot. Most estimates say that Peterson will be out somewhere between two and four weeks. Hopefully, Les Miles clears things up after a press conference on Wednesday. I have high hopes for Peterson this season and hope he gets back in the mix shortly.
LSU had one of the better fields in recent memory last season. This video gives us a preview of what's in store this year.
AROUND THE SEC
Alabama: Returning Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram injured his knee on Monday and underwent arthoscopic knee surgery. He is going to miss Alabama's opener against San Jose State. He'll be week to week after that. Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy will carry the load in Ingram's absence. These knee injuries have a way of lingering around if not given the right amount of healing time. Bama's big concern is their conference opener at Arkansas in Week 4.
Ole Miss: Quarterback transfer Jeremiah Masoli was denied his eligibility waiver by the NCAA and is therefore ineligible to play for Ole Miss this season. He is treated like any other transfer and must sit out one year prior to playing for his new team. If he stays in school and practices with Ole Miss for 2010, then he can play quarterback for them in 2011. Ole Miss is appealing the NCAA's decision, but I'd be shocked if they win that appeal.
RECRUITING
Many of LSU's commitments have kicked up their high school seasons, and many have performed well.
Olive Branch, MS defensive back Jalen Collins has been impressive thus far. In his season opener, Collins nabbed three interceptions and took one back for a touchdown. In his second game, Rivals.com analyst Barton Simmons was on hand and commented that "LSU got a steal" in Collins.
Lutcher wide receiver Jarvis Landry had five receptions for 70 yards in a jamboree game against Destrehan. Some highlights of that performance can be found here.
Texas linebacker Trevon Randle returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown in his season opener.
