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BY JOHN O'MALLEY
Times Columnist | Wednesday, December 05, 2007 | (No comments posted.)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL | HEISMAN TROPHY ANALYSIS
There's been some funny comic strips circulating the Internet recently picturing Superman, the fictitious comic book superhero.
The main strip shows Superman reading a sports section filled with articles touting Tim Tebow for the Heisman Trophy and extolling many of the University of Florida quarterback's accomplishments.
In this particular strip, Superman has a glum look on his face as he reads the newspaper. A pop-up bubble behind his head illustrates a number of expletive deletive symbols, followed by the name TEBOW...
There's even a movie poster depicting Tebow wearing a Superman cape, but with a "T" plastered across the front, instead of "S".
At the bottom of the poster are the words: "Tebow Returns." Then there's a catchy phrase printed across the top proclaiming: "You Will Believe a Man Can Fly.....Again."
Another picture shows Tebow with a cape draped over his uniform, flying through the air on a running play.
Well, you get the picture.
Tebow's accomplishments on the football field this fall have helped him reach "Superman" status.
Considering the resume the sophomore put together for the defending national champion Gators, the comic strips are appropriate.
When the Heisman Trophy Trust presents the 73rd Heisman Trophy in New York on Saturday night, Tebow should be named college football's "Superman" and capture the prestigious award.
The hulking 6-foot-3, 235-pounder set a Southeastern Conference single-season record by running for 22 touchdowns along with his 838 yards rushing.
Yeah, but can he throw the ball?
Tebow threw for 3,132 yards and 29 TDs.
None of the previous 72 Heisman winners have ever accounted for 51 scores.
Then there's the exclusive 20-20 club Tebow created. He's the first player in NCAA history to run for 20 TDs and throw for 20 in the same season.
While Arkansas running back Darren McFadden could end up winning the award -- he's actually proven pigs can fly and is truly McFabulous -- Tebow received my vote as the nation's top player this year.
While both players are more than deserving -- the voting is expected to be extremely close -- the versatile McFadden might actually win -- Tebow carried the Gators to success.
Would Florida be 9-3 without him?
There's no way. He accounted for nearly 4,000 yards in total offense.
Hey, this guy makes as many good plays as he calls.
Georgia coach Mark Richt has referred to Tebow as a freak of nature.
The old ball coach, Steve Spurrier, the former Florida coach and Heisman Trophy winner himself, labeled Tebow "The quarterback of the future.''
Spurrier experienced the Tebow factor in big way when Florida's "Superman" rushed for 120 yards and five TDs and threw for 304 yards and two scores in a 51-31 win over his Gamecocks.
"He's the type of quarterback everyone is looking for,'' Spurrier said after the game.
Spurrier noted Tebow doesn't miss many open guys. He said if Florida's receivers are open, he doesn't zing it 5 or 10 yards over their heads.
"He made some unbelievable plays when they're not open and guys are hanging all over him and this, that and the other.''
Determining which player deserves this year's Heisman Trophy was a little like trying to choose between filet mignon or lobster for an entree.
I'm not sure which one Tebow would prefer, but far as I'm concerned, 'Superman' -- aka Tebow -- sits at the head of the table.
This column solely represents the writer's opinion. Reach him at jomalley@nwitimes.com.
The Times' John O'Malley has been voting for the Heisman Trophy for the last 21 years.
Heisman Trophy Presentation
Where: New York.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday.
TV: ESPN (cable).
John O'Malley's Heisman Trophy picks (in order of selection)
1. Tim Tebow, Florida QB, So.
Rushing: 838 yards, 22 TDs
Passing: 3,1132 yards, 29 TDs, 68.5 completion percentage, 6 picks.
2. Darren McFadden, Arkansas, RB, Jr.
Rushing: 1,725 yards, 15 TDs
Passing: 123 yards, 4 TDs
Receiving: 164 yards, 1 TD
Kick returns: 15 attempts, 283 yards, 18.9 ave.
3. Colt Brennan, Hawaii, QB, Sr.
Passing: 4,174 yards, 38 TDs, 71.4 completion percentage, 14 picks.
Rushing: 65 yards, 8 TDs.
More college football coverage
Times columnist John Doherty writes that one injury cost Oregon its season. B5
What do you think about the BCS system. Vote online at nwi.com/sports.
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