*It’s obvious that the prospect of a major college football playoff, instead of a designated BCS National Championship game, is still a long shot – or a no shot. Not even a President Obama will trump the financial vested interests of schools and bowl-hosting cities.
But no less perplexing is the plethora of bowl games themselves. There are now 33 – plus the ultimate bowl, this year’s BCS match-up between Florida and Oklahoma. The 68 teams involved constitute 57 percent of the 120 Division 1-A teams.
Used to be that bowl games were rewards for teams that had successful years. Every season had its share. But there never were – and they’re surely not now – 68 worthy teams. Not even close. In fact, nine of the 33 bowl games (New Mexico, St. Petersburg, New Orleans, Hawaii, Motor City, Independence, PapaJohns.com, Music City and Liberty) could only muster one winning team. That should be as embarrassing for the host chambers of commerce as it is for the schools that have to win a bowl game to avoid a losing season.
And, yes, USF (7-5 overall, 2-5 Big East) is in one of those nine, the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl, against Memphis (6-6) this Saturday.
*In one of the closest races in Heisman Trophy history, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford edged Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who won it last year.
The case could be made for any of the three. Bradford was an excellent choice.
The only thing that didn’t make any sense was this: Although Tebow compiled the most first-place votes (309), he was left off 154 of the 904 ballots.
Obviously, individual statistics were a consideration. Competition was a factor. Quality of play-making teammates mattered. Playing a prime-time league championship game counted. Early voting thickened the plot.
Obviously, some voters seceded from Gator Nation.
*One of the classiest guys to ever play for the Bucs is Ronde Barber. Bright, articulate, involved in his community and the consummate team player.
Just one disclaimer. After he makes an interception, couldn’t he just hand the ball back to the official – and not take it to the sideline for a personal souvenir?