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I don't personally think that Calhoun is better than Young or Bush but to say he is not deserving of any consideration is absurd.
COMMENTARY: Calhoun for Heisman? Why not?
ANDY BAGGOT [email protected]
November 4, 2005
As of this moment, University of Wisconsin running back Brian Calhoun has as much chance of winning the Heisman Trophy as Lee Corso.
There is something fundamentally wrong with that reality.
It's reality because a half-dozen other players are getting far more national media love than Calhoun. Some Heisman voters already have their minds made up, even though a full month of regular-season games remains.
It's reality because 13 of the past 14 Heisman winners played for schools that finished in the top 10. Five of the past six winners played for teams that finished in the top five. The Badgers are 14th in all major polls heading into their Big Ten Conference showdown with Penn State on Saturday.
It's reality because the Heisman isn't about being irreplaceable or multi-dimensional or lights-out humble, of which Calhoun is all of the above.
The Heisman is about potential, pedigree and production, in that order.
Southern Cal running back Reggie Bush is an incredible talent, but his Heisman candidacy is too greatly enhanced by irrelevant potential: He could be the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft next spring.
USC quarterback Matt Leinart is at the forefront of a college dynasty - the Trojans have won 30 straight games - but as the reigning Heisman holder his pedigree is unmistakable: The past five winners have been quarterbacks, four of whom played in the Bowl Championship Series le game.
That thinking also applies to the other QBs who have been factored into the Heisman mix: Vince Young of Texas, Brady Quinn of Notre Dame, Marcus Vick of Virginia Tech and Drew Olson of UCLA.
To me, the Heisman should be about production and value to the cause. Calhoun has produced in ways that make the mind reel and it's impossible to overstate his importance to the Badgers.
Calhoun leads the nation in touches with 290 (254 rushes, 36 receptions). He's the first player in UW history to top 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in one game. He's the only back in the nation with a double-digit reception game and a 40-carry performance on his resume.
Calhoun leads the nation in touchdowns with a school record-tying 21. He has scored more TDs than Temple and Duke. He has scored more TDs than 18 previous UW teams did in an entire season, including one team that played in the Rose Bowl. He has almost as many TDs as his former school - Colorado has 26 - the place where he was to be moved to wideout before his transfer.
Calhoun is averaging 14 points per game, which is more than six NCAA Division I-A teams, including two from the Southeastern Conference.
As a Heisman voter, one question I ask myself about a candidate is where his team might be without him.
Calhoun is the difference between a losing season and one, potentially, for the ages at UW. He has made everyone around him better, from quarterback John Stocco to co-offensive coordinators Paul Chryst and Brian White to Badgers coach Barry Alvarez.
Reality says Calhoun will either enhance his Heisman profile on the national stage Saturday or see it disappear all together. All I ask from Heisman voters is that, until then, you keep an open mind.
I don't personally think that Calhoun is better than Young or Bush but to say he is not deserving of any consideration is absurd.
Ummm, isn't the lone Heisman winner whose team didn't finish in the Top Ten (or the more recent top five list) Wisconsin's very own Ron Dayne in 1999?It's reality because 13 of the past 14 Heisman winners played for schools that finished in the top 10. Five of the past six winners played for teams that finished in the top five. The Badgers are 14th in all major polls heading into their Big Ten Conference showdown with Penn State on Saturday.
The Heisman Trophy has officially been a joke ever since Jason White won it.
Duh.
I dont think he should win it all, I just think he should at least be a top ten candidate.
I would agree.I dont think he should win it all, I just think he should at least be a top ten candidate.
Plus, he's doing what he is doing with a dumb QB.
And A horrible Defense!
Prime example of the last two statements is today's game. Two picks by our QB 21 points given up by our D. Two passes in a row to Calhoun were off target. He had to one hand both of those. And they were dump offs!!!
Its 21-0 Penn State. I say, screw trying to throw the ball. Jst give it to Calhoun every time or change QB's <---(which will never happen with Barry)
INT Wisconsin. Now hopefully they can make something of it!
I think calhoun is a great rb
maybe top 2 in the big 10
top 3 in the nation
but there are dudes every year who put up ungodly numbers
look at Larry Johnson when Jason White won it
also there have been winners who never do in the NFL
its just an award, THE award, but you cant say someone is not deserving because they didnt win it
Calhoun didn't do this week
Oh well, I still won my Fantasy College Football League
He cant do everything. When our D and QB plays the way they did, you can put 11 in the box against us.Calhoun didn't do this week
Stocco MUST GO!!!!!!!!!
Calhoun had a tough time, especially with no help.
You need to go to bed Mikey!
551am!
sadly....I just woke up! Have to take the wife to work....but I am coming back home and hitting the sack!
No ! You too!?!?! She work @ a Starbucks too?
Man, same thing for me except I saw her off & told her to I'd see her @ 12noon when she gets off.
The integrity and wisdom of the Heisman voting process is beyond reproach.
Sincerely,
Gino Toretta
Jason White
Andre Ware
Chris Weinke
Danny Wuerffel
Ty Detmer
^^
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