John Raoux / AP

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow did something this season no one in the history of big-time college football had ever done — account for at least 20 touchdowns both passing and running.

So if Brennan, who is a senior, can be so thoroughly ignored, Tebow, a sophomore could expect no more respect on his passing alone. And his passing, competing in the tough SEC, was impressive. Tebow completed 68 percent of his passes with 29 touchdowns, 3,132 yards and just six interceptions. Those are Heisman numbers for a senior quarterback on a top team, but not for a sophomore.

What made him impossible to ignore were his exclusive membership in the 20-20 club with 22 rushing touchdowns and 29 passing. Running and passing, he was responsible for 51 touchdowns, which is more than a lot of teams score during a season. Put against that total, McFadden’s 16 touchdowns are a puny total, hardly worthy of mention.

Put it all together — three sub-par games by McFadden, the voters’ determination to ignore Brennan, no other serious candidates, and Tebow’s singular accomplishment —

and you’ve got the first sophomore ever to win the Heisman Trophy.

Sophomores in the future can take some dram of hope in knowing that it is possible for youths so callow to win the game’s most coveted prize. But it’s no more than a dram. It took everything coming together perfectly for Tebow to win, and it may be another 72 years before it happens again.

More news

Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Johnson still directing Utes offense

Brian Johnson, who led Utah to an upset of Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, is ready for his first season as the Utes' offensive coordinator. At 25, the ex-QB will be the youngest with that job at the FBS level.

CFT: Miami says it's 'committed to the ACC'

Headlines

• Label

Sandusky charity to shut down, transfer programs

CFT: Tennessee TE booted following felony arrest

CFT: Potential Cal starter kicked off team

Friends, fans mourn loss of Stewart

CFT: Ohio St. 'not facing any major ... violations'

CFT: Pitt FB suffers stroke, career likely over

CFT: Notre Dame AD expects to be at playoff table

Judge refuses to delay Sandusky's trial