Championship Saturday

The college football games from Saturday were for the ages. Three games that had BCS implications came down to the final minute. In Texas’ case, the final second. There were also other games that weren’t decided until late like the USF-UConn game, and the WVU-Rutgers contest. There was also the SEC Championship where Alabama handed out a beat down that few if any expected.

I picked the SEC Championship game wrong. I knew the game would be decided in large part by the defenses and quarterback, but I picked the wrong one. UF returned their entire two-deep and had thoroughly dominated much of the competition all season. And on top of that, they had Tebow. The Tide had a great defense, but I didn’t think their offense had enough firepower to keep up with the Gators. Mark Ingram put on a Heisman showcase with over 100 yards rushing and three touchdowns, not to mention a big catch and run on a screen pass to go with a key block on third down to allow Greg McElroy to pick up a first. Greg McElroy also played better than Tebow in all facets of the game. He didn’t turn the ball over and made big throw after big throw. I was impressed by McElroy. I thought he was nothing more than a game manager at the beginning of the season, but he has turned into a complete quarterback who can beat you with his arm as the season has progressed. I have to say that Bama is going to be favored going into the championship.

Texas almost pulled a Les Miles and let the clock run out on them in the Big 12 Championship. I know Colt McCoy said he knew how much time he had, but why cut it so close? I was really impressed with the Nebraska defense. I think Bo Pelini has the Black Shirts back to playing the way they were when they were winning championships. Texas better get it figured out by January. Ndamakung Suh and the defensive line of Nebraska almost won the game on their own, and Texas has to deal with Mount Cody in the Championship.

Clemson gets over 230 yards and four touchdowns form C.J. Spiller and loses? Not a great showing by the Clemson defense in a game they should have won. Give credit to GT for running all over and having just enough passing to get it done, but the Tiger defense spoiled a great performance.

My heart goes out to the Pittsburgh holder. I’m sure you’ve seen it but he fumbled the snap on a PAT and his team lost by one point. Yes the Panthers defense allowed Tony Pike and Cincinnati to come back from a 31-10 deficit, but I’m sure that doesn’t make him feel any better.

With the games done and the Heisman Trophy presentation this Saturday, who’s performance on Saturday earned them a trip to New York? And who do you think brings home the trophy?