Bowl statements, and Leach reaction

The collegiate bowl season is nearly complete, and there have been a few performances that have stood out in my mind as major statements. Here are my top three:

1. Tim Tebow

- Tebow shined in his final collegiate game, torching the Big East Champion Cinncinati Bearcats for nearly 500 yards passing and had as many incompletions as he did touchdowns (4 total TD’s, 4 total incompletions). Tony Dungy said it best – “Winners win” – Tim Tebow is definitely a winner, and will undoubtedly make a splash next season in the NFL.

2. Bobby Bowden

- Bowden’s Seminoles were victorious over the legendary coach’s former team West Virginia in the Gator Bowl, and there was no cooler moment than when Bowden drove Chief Osceola’s flaming spear (or whatever that thing is called) into the turf prior to the coin toss. It was a fitting cap to a stellar career.

3. Ohio State, Terrelle Pryor, and Jim Tressell

- The Rose Bowl victory was a momentus one for Ohio State. The Buckeyes struggles in BCS games over the past number of years has been well documented, and both quarterback and coach helped changed that – Tressel expanded his playbook, and Prior made plays. Look out for the Buckeyes next fall.

- There has been no swifter fall from grace (with the exception of George O’Leary and his tenure at Notre Dame) than that of Mike Leach. The now former Texas Tech head coach is the centerpiece of what will surely be a long, drawn out legal battle over money. What exactly happened to wide receiver Adam James and how he apparently ended up in an electrical closet is in dispute, and Red Raider nation has split in half – those who support Leach, and those who support the administration/Adam James.

Because of the contradictory reports and enormous support for both sides, it is tough for me to take a stance on this issue/ongoing saga. I will say this – Mike Leach, although quirky, uniquely humorous, and downright strange, won football games and graduated players.

Here is Leach’s interview with ESPN. I admire the fact that he thinks he is a right, and is not going to back down or change his stance for anyone. And check out this link regarding an interesting spot where Leach could coach next…