Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Colt Brennan: The Case for Heisman

I don't understand why Colt Brennan doesn't get more love. Hawaii is 2nd in the nation in passing yards per game, with 450.9 (They did lead the nation, but Brennan sat out all but two snaps against Fresno State, dropping his average.) This guy holds 25 NCAA records! He recently broke the record for all-time touchdown passes, beating Ty Detmer's (BYU) 121 career mark. And still, no love. I guess it all starts with his team.

The Hawaii Warriors are the only undefeated team in the nation, and still aren't in the top 10. Florida, a 3-loss team, ranks higher. All the talk about their schedule is what's keeping them down. Out of 119 BCS teams, Hawaii's schedule strength is ranked 119th. So what? No victory is given. Everyone has to be earned. Hawaii has earned all of their victories. Don't give me this schedule strength bullshit. Give them some love.

As for Colt, he should already have a Heisman in his hands. Let's look at his numbers from last year:

  • 58 Touchdown passes, an NCAA single-season record
  • 186.0 pass efficiency rating, and NCAA record
  • Was the team's second leading rusher with 366 yards and 5 TD's
  • Responsible for 384 points, an NCAA record
  • 14 games gaining 400+ yards, an NCAA record

That's just some of his numbers. Despite all that, he still came in 6th in the Heisman voting, behind guys like Troy Smith. Troy Smith did nothing to deserve that award. Brennan's most prestigious award? WAC Offensive Player of the Year. Now let's look at this year.

Brennan has thrown for 3,732 yards, with a passer efficiency of 169.1. He's responsibly for 246 points, throwing 33 TD passes. His completion rate is an astounding 70%! Earlier this year, it was at 72%, which led the nation. He's been the WAC Player of the Week three times, and is a nominee for the Manning Award, for the nation's best QB. All in all, he's led the nation in 7 statistical passing categories this year. He's also accomplished two major feats:

  • Broke the NCAA record for most touchdown passes in a career (121). He now has 126, with one more game to go, followed by a bowl game.
  • Broke the NCAA record for most career touchdowns. He is at 141, with two games left in his college career.
  • He has also tied the NCAA record for most touchdown passes by a quarterback-wide receiver combination, getting number 39 to Davone Bess. With two games left, that is almost another record he is sure to break.
Along with all the NCAA records, he has broken or set 17 WAC records, and 41 school records.

And still, no love.

The Heisman voters should wise up. Don't look at schedule's or opponents, or whatever. The best player in college football should win the Heisman. Quite simply, that's Colt. It shouldn't be any other way.