Is Colt McCoy the best quarterback in the Big 12?
Here’s a fluffy conversation to start everyone’s day-after Thanksgiving recovery: Who’s the best quarterback in the Big 12? Jimmy Burch of the Star-Telegram writes that Texas’ signal caller Colt McCoy holds the honors, even if the Heisman voters don’t eventually think so.
In short, McCoy is the league’s MVP. He is more valuable to the Longhorns as a rusher, passer and leader than any player on any other roster in the Big 12.
McCoy drove home that point against A&M. He threw for 311 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed for 49 yards and two scores. He picked up his 31st career victory as a starting quarterback, passing Vince Young for most in Longhorns’ history.
Most important, McCoy jump-started the Texas offense — time and again — on a night when the Longhorns (11-1, 7-1 in Big 12) struggled early to rack up the style points they needed to blow away BCS voters.
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford? He hands off to three players who could start ahead of any member of the Longhorns’ current tailback tandem. He is protected by a huge, veteran offensive line.
Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell? He throws to Michael Crabtree, the nation’s best receiver and a certifiable first-round NFL draft pick.
McCoy keeps the wheels spinning behind an offensive line that is good but not as dominant as others in the league. Most of McCoy’s most telling tosses wind up in the hands of Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby, two undersized and underappreciated guys who won’t wow any NFL scouts with their measurable qualities.
McCoy has my vote, too. I loved him as a freshman, believed last year was just a small setback and think he’s currently having the best season of any quarterback in the nation. Bradford is an absolute stud and Harrell executes Tech’s offense better than any quarterback before him. But McCoy does so much for the Longhorn offense in terms of passing and running that he deserves (at this point) to be the frontrunner for the Heisman. But I think we should wait to see how this year plays out before drawing any conclusions. What if he struggles in the Big 12 Championship Game or stumbles in the title game if UT makes an appearance? Those games ultimately should decide the value of a player – not the ones at home against Texas A&M on Thanksgiving night. (Although it’s also fair to judge a player’s entire body of work throughout the season, not just one game.)
Comment starter: Who do you think is the best quarterback in the Big 12?
Posted in: College Football
Tags: 2008 Heisman Candiates, 2008 Heisman Trophy, Best quarterbacks in Big 12, Big 12 quarterbacks, College Football Week 14, College Football Week 14 game recaps, Colt McCoy, Colt McCoy vs. Sam Bradford, Graham Harrell, Oklahoma Sooners, Sam Bradford, Texas beats Texas A&M, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Who is the best quarterback in the Big 12
What about the Big 12 North champions…..is Chase Daniels out of the mix completely? What if Missouri wins the Big 12 out right and blows away whoever they play in a bowl game, is Daniels back on the Radar after the three big 12 south QB’s didn’t win the championship? Aren’t voters usually influenced with end of year performances?
Good point Titan 22.
I think Daniel takes a step back because people are going to remember how Texas and OK State beat MIZZOU earlier in the year. While football is a team game and wins and losses shouldn’t be thrust on just one player, that’s what people are going to remember about Daniel.
Yes Colt McCoy is a good QB. I have one question since when did becoming the leading rusher become the QB’s job (oh vear option football). Is a QB not supposed to sit in the pocket avoid rushers and make good decision and good throws under pressure, and hand the ball off to the RUNNIG BACKS for rushing yards. Maybe I am a smashmouth football guy living in the future of what football has become. Great scambling QB’s with half decent RB’s because it is the easiest offense to coach with that combination. Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel, and every other non pocket passing QB doesnt get my vote. QB’s pass not run. There teams become completely depent on them they get hurt there done West Virginia’s Pat White perfect example. Go pocket passers there is a reason that pocket passers succeed in the NFL and not scamblers.
yes he is
COLT McCOY IS THE BEST