There is a strong chance this year Tim Tebow will not become the second back-to-back Heisman winner (look it up), since his statistics are somewhat pedestrian. He might not even get a spot in the finalists section, although his status as a past winner will gain him access to the fraternity’s pre-ceremony festivities and put him up on the stage with the game’s legends. Not bad access, but not the Big Prize, either.

After Saturday night’s performance, Tebow probably doesn’t care whether he receives even one vote for Mr. Stiff Arm. The Florida quarterback proved his worth with a sterling performance against LSU that was noteworthy more for its clutch play and leadership than its dazzling numbers. The Gators trampled their guests, 51-21, a victory that propelled UF into the fifth spot in the AP rankings (number seven in USA Today’s poll) and rekindled national title hopes that faded considerably two weeks ago after an ugly loss to Ole Miss. Land mines remain on the schedule (Georgia, SEC title game), but the Gators’ win showed this team has plenty of potential.

The same thing can be said about USC, which was methodical in its 28-0 stomping of disappointing Arizona State. The Trojans are fourth in the USA Today rankings and sixth in the AP. With the college season characterized already by so much mayhem — see: Saturday, last — sitting at number four or five in mid-October looks like a pretty good spot. Certainly, Texas, Alabama and Penn State are in the best positions, since they remain undefeated and control their respective destinies. But Florida, USC and perhaps Ohio State remain viable BCS title game contenders. Even Oklahoma, which fell apart in the second half in Dallas Saturday, harbors championship hopes, although the Sooners need Texas to lose twice to reach the Big 12 title game, and that’s unlikely to happen. In a ridiculous system like the BCS, when the object is to find two teams, not eight, 12 or 16 at the end of the season, anything and everything is possible. History tells us that.

Saturday night in Gainesville, Tebow made a little history himself. Early in the third quarter, LSU had driven 80 yards for a TD that narrowed Florida’s lead to 20-14. It was the second consecutive touchdown for the Tigers, who seemed to have shrugged off an early first quarter, during which they had been outgained 186-4, and appeared primed for one of their patented comebacks. Instead of folding, Tebow went to work, leading an eight-play, 67-yard drive that culminated in his two-year scoring run. He completed 2-of-2 passes for 41 yards on the march and ran four times for 16 yards. He picked up four when the Gators needed three on a key third down and generally delivered a championship performance when it was needed most. After the TD and conversion, which put the Gators up, 27-14, LSU was finished.

There had been talk leading up to the game that the Florida offense had become predictable and easier to defend. Rumors circulated that Tebow was hurt and that his unwillingness to run this year was born out of a concern that he might deteriorate throughout the season, as he did in ’07, when he accounted for 70-plus-percent of the Gators output. After the loss to Ole Miss, the Gators and Tebow appeared vulnerable. They didn’t crackle on offense, and their D seemed susceptible to the run. And here was LSU, steaming into town undefeated and angry about being an underdog to a team ranked lower than it was. And boasting a running back (Charles Scott), who appeared ready to batter the soft underbelly of the Florida front seven.

So, what happens? Florida outrushes LSU, 265-80, using its quick youngsters (Jeffrey Demps and Chris Rainey) to gobble yards in big chunks and holding the mighty Scott to 35 yards on 12 carries. Florida won the time-of-possession battle (32:20-27:40) and had an impressive distribution of plays, running 41 times against 21 throws. LSU ran it just 26 times and attempted 38 passes. It was a complete and thorough beating, one that re-established Florida’s title hopes and showed that while Tebow may not have the dazzling numbers (1,235 yards passing, 10 TD, 62.4 percent; 179 yards rushing, 3 TD), he certainly has what it takes to win big games. More lie ahead, and Florida fans will be just fine if the last time they see Tebow holding a trophy is Jan. 8 in Miami, rather than Dec. 13 in New York.

One gets the impression Tebow would be all right with that, too.

GAME OF THE WEEK
Missouri at Texas, Saturday, Oct. 18, 3:30 p.m. ET

This one looked like a huge matchup at about 4 p.m. last Saturday, but then Chase Daniel started throwing interceptions, and the Tigers dropped a stunning home decision to Oklahoma State. (“I’m a man! I’m 6-0!) The Longhorns looked great in the second half, shutting down the Oklahoma run and getting big plays and a steady hand from QB Colt McCoy. The Tigers are still dangerous, particularly if Daniel regains his sharp eye, but the Longhorns look like a much different team than they did the past couple years.
Texas 31, Missouri 23

BUMPS AND RUNS

Looking for some ugliness this weekend? Then check out the Michigan-Penn State game in State College. The Nittany Lions haven’t beaten U-M in 12 years (nine straight losses), and though PSU players are downplaying the revenge factor, the whole program is dying for retribution. Michigan was rotten in its loss to Toledo and doesn’t stand a chance. A bit of advice: Give the points.

North Carolina’s win over Notre Dame didn’t make big headlines, but it lifted the Tar Heels to 5-1 and proved that Butch Davis’ rebuilding project is ahead of schedule. Don’t be surprised if UNC wins 10 games this year. The key ingredient? Speed.

Make sure you check out the Brigham Young-TCU game Thursday night. The Cougars are tearing through their schedule, but the Horned Frogs have an excellent defense and will be sky-high to spoil the Cougars’ BCS hopes.

How’s this for progress? Vanderbilt loses a game to Mississippi State, and the Commodores remain in the top 25.

While Michigan continues to stagger, it has some company on the way down. Rutgers, which is 1-5, the school’s worst start since ’02, when the Scarlet Knights went 1-11. This can’t be good for the school’s stadium expansion project or coach Greg Schiano’s hopes of becoming Joe Paterno’s successor.

Del.icio.us | Digg it | Athlon Sports RSS Feeds