College football

It's about more than the Heisman for Tebow

A second Heisman would be historic, but winning comes first for Florida QB

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Can Tim Tebow become just the second person ever to win two Heisman Trophies? If anyone can do it, it's No. 15.

What really stuck with me, though, was the aftermath of LSU’s win. As Tebow headed toward the locker room there were actual tears in his eyes. Then two LSU defensive players, as they had done all night long, chased Tebow down. They were established stars, and, for what it’s worth, both African-American. They ran down the sophomore and shook his hand. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” one of them told him. “You’re going to be great.”

They knew.

Somewhat buoyed, Tebow trotted toward the tunnel, above which a small contingent of Gator fans waited to cheer him. As he approached them, Tebow raised a fist skyward (shades of Judd Nelson in the closing shot of The Breakfast Club). It was the type of moment only college football can provide.

And so we return to the question: Can Tim Tebow repeat? Sixteen juniors have won the Heisman Trophy in the past and only one, Griffin, won it as a senior. Seven of those 16, beginning with Herschel Walker in 1982, left school prior to their senior year. Only one, Oklahoma tailback Billy Sims, finished as high as second the following year (1978, when USC’s tailback, Charles White, deservedly won).

Can he do it? It won’t be easy. First of all, there’s the outside competition, most notably — and coincidentally — from an Ohio State tailback, Chris Wells. Second, and more formidably, Tebow must contend with the shadow of his 2007 season. He may be the “most outstanding player in college football” this season, but if he fails to attain that iconic 20/20 touchdown figure, will that be reason enough for ballots to be cast for someone else?

Finally, there is this terrible omen. College football analyst Beano Cook, when asked earlier this week if Tebow could win a second Heisman, told the Florida Times-Union, “He could win it three times.”

Uh-oh.

One month earlier Archie Griffin, who is now the president and CEO of the Ohio State University alumni association, was asked what advice he’d give Tebow. “Take care of the things you’ve got control of,” replied Griffin, “and don’t worry about the rest.”

Take care of things. Florida went 13-1 during Tim Tebow’s freshman season and won a national title. The Gators went 9-4 last season, and he won the Heisman Trophy. Tim Tebow is not the type who enters a season hoping to equal the previous year’s measure. The true legends always seek more.

What is left for Tebow to accomplish? And what is in his control? An undefeated season. Before Tebow, the previous three quarterbacks to win the Heisman (Troy Smith of Ohio State, Matt Leinart of USC and Jason White of Oklahoma) all had that in common. An undefeated regular season (White’s Sooners lost the Big 12 Championship game).

If Tebow leads Florida to an undefeated regular season, then he will likely join Griffin as a two-time Heisman winner.

And if Tebow should return for a senior season, which is doubtful? He very well may walk on water.

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