Croyle for Heisman

Isn't it about time the storied and tradition-filled football program at Alabama had a Heisman trophy winner? Not that I am asking for charity from anyone, but the law of averages says that with as many top-notch players as this program has turned out without a Heisman, it's about time we got one. Brodie has proven to be as valuable to his team as any one player in the country, bar none. Name me any one player who is more valuable to their championship level team?
1) Matt Leinart? No way. That team is so loaded with talent at every position that they are still competing for a championship without him. Sure he's a great player, but put him on another team without his weapons, and his numbers are average at best.
2) Reggie Bush/LenDale White? I think Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams proved last year that two great backs could co-exist and flourish, but not even be considered for the Heisman. These two (or at least one of them) will be considered because of the team they play on (sorry Auburn), but they won't win it.
3) DJ Shockley? Great dual threat QB on a highly ranked team, but I don't think that high ranking will last. When that first loss comes, I see his Heisman run fizzling. He may be the best athlete under center in the country, though.
4) Vince Young? Sorry, but I don't buy into the whole "Texas is a championship contender" thing. Texas plays in the weakest of all the major conferences this year, and I think that will show when the first BCS poll comes out next week. Young is good, but I think most people will look at his success in the weak conference as being not-so-impressive.
Brodie has put this Alabama team on his back and carried them to the top of the mountain where they once stood year after year. While it can be said that their rise to the top is based solely on the outstanding play of their defense, I submit to you last years team. Alabama had one of the top defenses in the country, yet finished a dismal 6-6 sans Brodie. Don't get me wrong, I love defense and this year's defense is better than last year's. They are one of, if not THE best in the country as a whole. But Brodie's outstanding play and long-ball ability has opened up an offense that was very one-dimensional last year after his injury. The offense has been very balanced, and very efficient so far. In fact, the offense might have been so well balanced that it will ultimately hurt his Heisman chances by decreasing his passing numbers. I think the most important number to catapult him to the top of everyone's Heisman ballot will be the number of wins the team has when all is said and done. Please be sure and vote for Brodie @ http://voteforheisman.com.

Can we handle the success?

After watching this past weekend's games, especially the SEC games, I had to really think about the possibilities for the rest of the season for the Tide. Can we really be the best team in the SEC? Can we be one of the elite teams in the nation? Already? I think the answer is a resounding "Maybe!"
In watching Tennessee struggle offensively (as usual) and defensively, I think there is not much question we are a better team than the Vols. Having already proven we are better than Florida and South Carolina, that leaves only Georgia from the Eastern Division to question our SEC title hopes. Georgia has not impressed in any of their games, except a first week blowout of Boise State. I still don't know how good Georgia really is.
As for the Western Division, it still remains to be seen just how good both Auburn and LSU really are. Both are beatable. LSU has failed to impress me in their previous games against both Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Jamarcus Russell has not impressed me as being a consistent SEC caliber QB. They are deep and talented, but do they have what it takes? Personally, I do not think their coaching staff (in its first year together) has what it takes to bring this particular team back to the SEC championship game in Atlanta. Maybe in the future, but not this year.
Auburn, on the other hand, has impressed me with their handling of a somewhat improved Mississippi State team and a struggling South Carolina team. Neither of those opponents ever really stood a chance against a tough Tiger defense and an ever improving offense. The four weeks in a row of playing less-than-stellar opponents has given Brandon Cox more time to find his rhythm and confidence for their future SEC run.
In all truth, Auburn is the team that scares me the most to challenge us for the SEC. It may come down to Alabama vs. Auburn in the Iron Bowl for the true SEC champion, with the winner going on to beat up on Georgia for the trophy in Atlanta.
So, that is how things should go on paper, but that is why they play the games! Anything can happen in the SEC, so each week has to be a season unto itself with concentration being on the next opponent. We cannot afford to slip up against an Ole Miss or a Mississippi State team that would love to knock us back to Earth. We need to stow away the successes of the past games and look forward to each game as it comes. Alabama has been famous in my recent memory for playing to the level of their opponents, while letting one slip through the cracks occasionally. This appears to be the team that will turn that around. Can we handle the success? I think the answer is "yes". Roll Tide Roll!!!