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       #Post#: 98--------------------------------------------------
       College Football Crackdown  Adeel Bari '15
       By: Rrashid Date: December 5, 2012, 8:44 pm
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       College Football Crackdown
       Heisman Edition
       By Adeel Bari
       After a regular season of ups and downs for almost every
       football team this season, there are always certain individuals
       who seemed to have saved their teams’ seasons. In professional
       sports we call them “Most Valuable Players” or “Players of the
       Year.” Here, in the unique and diverse sport of college
       football, the award we bestow upon our most outstanding player
       can only be described with one word. Heisman. The Heisman trophy
       will be awarded on December 8th to recognize the nation’s top
       performer. This year, the 77th Heisman will be awarded to one of
       three players, each going above and beyond the call of duty to
       help his respective team succeed.
       The first of these three players is Manti Te’o. The senior
       linebacker led his 3rd ranked Notre Dame defense to an
       undefeated regular season, ranking within the top 5 players in
       the country in interceptions, tackles, assisted tackles, tackles
       for loss, and sacks. Te’o’s performance has some Heisman voters
       believing that he will be the first defensive Heisman winner in
       over a decade. Scouts have salivated over the strength and
       diverse skill set of Te’o. Manti can drop back in formation,
       blitz the quarterback with ease, and be a leader for many NFL
       franchises. Besides his on-field performances, voters sympathize
       with Te’o loss of both his girlfriend and his grandmother in a
       deadly car crash earlier this year back in his home state of
       Hawaii. Even with this emotional strife, Te’o played through all
       his grief, and voters truly feel that Manti Te’o is the
       definition of what a Heisman Trophy candidate should be.
       Second on the ballot is Kansas State Quarterback, Colin Klein.
       Passing is not even Klein’s strongest skill, but his passing
       rate is 66.7%. He has a knack for running the football out of
       option sets by using his immense body and superior vision to
       make smart and effective runs. Ranking second in the NCAA in
       rushing touchdowns (23) and throwing only 7 interceptions
       through 272 passing attempts, Colin has elevated his name to
       such a high standard, which could be credited to his strong
       mentality and athleticism.
       “He’s the right-handed Tim Tebow,” noted Skip Bayless of ESPN.
       Klein’s well rounded and consistent performances are just as
       prevalent as his leadership ability, which he showcased this
       year, taking charge of the Kansas State offense and leading them
       to an 11 win season.
       Finally, there is the Redshirt Freshman, Johnny Manziel of Texas
       A&M. As only a freshman, Manziel, like Klein, used his powerful
       legs and arms to lead his team to victory. Many voters will
       probably be gravitating towards Manziel because of his efficient
       passing patterns and his signature win against Alabama, which is
       widely conceived as the nation’s top team. Manziel has been a
       big underdog in this race not only because of his youth, but
       also because of his absence to the media. Texas A&M freshman
       athletes are not granted time to talk to the media in interviews
       due to school rules. However, Head Coach Kevin Sumlin recently
       convinced the school to make an exception for Manziel. In the
       most recent USA Today/Coaches Poll, Manziel was a one vote
       favorite against Klein and Te’o for winning the Heisman.
       Tune in on December 8th to see the Heisman presentation on ESPN
       as all three candidates will be flown into New York City to hear
       one of their names called and crowned as the 2012 Heisman Trophy
       Winner. Thank you for lending me your ear, and I hope you have a
       great Bowl Season.
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