By Steve
Apel
Friday, October 4th, 2002
Print
Recommend
To make it to the Fiesta Bowl, a team must have all the ingredients of talent,
chemistry, and most importantly, luck. No matter how good the team is, they
have their fair share of close games.
The Miami Hurricanes versus the Huskies (err, the
Hokies). Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game two years ago, and
even Florida State versus Clemson (14-7) in '99.
The Contenders
Ken Dorsey may not have the numbers of a Heisman candidate, but with
the players he has around him, he sure looks like one. The numbers don't
lie, his completion percentage isn't very high, and he has been prone to
throw the interception. But although his stats aren't as good as they were
last year, players like Willis McGahee have really picked up the slack.
McGahee has jumped into the Heisman race, and in many opinions, leaped frog
his quarterback. McGahee's ability to reverse fields is uncanny, and with
the size of holes he's getting he should be putting up big numbers (533 yards,
7 TDs). With the blockers in front of him, he should be pushing 1,200+ yards
by season's end. The real test will be seeing if he wears down late in the
season, thus proving whether or not his Heisman hype is legit.
Doesn't it seem like it was just yesterday Chris Simms was changing
his mind from going to Tennessee to Texas? Four years later,
do the Vols even mind the change of heart?
Simms has taken a fair share of criticism over the years at Texas, and rightfully
so. His inability to win, let alone throw a touchdown pass in a big game,
is mind boggling. With the talent that he is surrounded by, how they don't
win the national title every year is amazing in itself.
He has had his opportunities to prove himself, yet he keeps coming up short
each time. Will this year be any different? Probably not, but it won't be
for sure until games versus Oklahoma and Nebraska (don't discount
at Kansas State or vs. Iowa State, either). Simms once again
will have the weight of Texas on his shoulders, and if history repeats itself,
he will fold again.
No matter who you have around you, having a quarterback who can not make
mistakes in the big games decides the team's fate. Just ask the Longhorns.
The game of the year in college football will be December 7th when Virginia
Tech travels to the Orange Bowl to take on the Hurricanes. Virginia Tech
is the real deal, and the question of whether or not Miami will be able to
handle it makes this game so appealing.
The Hokies have the dynamic duo of Kevin Jones and Lee Suggs,
arguably both top five running backs in the nation. To go along with a defense
that resembles the '99 squad, Virginia Tech might be even better than that
Michael Vick-led team.
Don't Forget About Us
Oklahoma: Is Josh Hybl good enough? Quentin Griffin
and Brandon Jones are, as is the defense.
Ohio State: Easy conference, and Maurice Clarett is
the man. Losing to Michigan is the only thing that'll keep OSU out
of the title game.
Florida: Rebounded versus Vols, true tests at Georgia
and FSU.
Oregon: Eight home games, QB play shaky.
The Pick: Miami will win the showdown with the Hokies, and
OSU will make it through the Big 10. Miami should win by two touchdowns,
and Dorsey will go out on top.
Back
to College Football
Back to
Home
