WATERCOOLER CHAT: HEISMAN WINNER, STILL TWO UNBEATENS

FOOTBALL

Mark IngramIt was Heisman Trophy weekend — an award given to the best player in college football.  And this year was the the closest race they’ve had in 75 years of Heisman history.  The contenders.   Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Texas quarter back Colt McCoy, Alabama running back Mark Ingram, Stanford running back Toby Gerhart, and Nebraska Defensive End Ndamukong Suh (who will most likely be the #1 pick in the draft).  And the award went to a true first.  The University of Alabama (one of the most storied histories in college football with 12 National Championships) has never had a Heisman winner.  That all changed Saturday when Mark Ingram took home the statue after a tearful acceptance speech.  Congratulations to Mark and Alabama, who are on the brink of winning their 13th National Championship.

In the NFL, the New Orleans Saints got a scare last weekend against Washington, having to win in overtime.  Well, this week, they got yet another scare from out of the blue.  Atlanta has been average this season, and they just recently lost their star quarterback, Matt Ryan, to turf toe.  His back-up Chris Redman stepped in and had a terrific game throwing for 303 yards and a touchdown.  They even had the game tied in the 4th quarter.  However, Drew Brees and the Saints had no intention of losing.  They marched down the field, setting up a 38-yard game winning field goal from Garrett Hartley.  The Falcons had one last chance, but couldn’t do anything with it.  With this, the Saints move to 13-0. New Orleans 26, Atlanta 23.

Brandon MarshallElsewhere in the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts were looking to defend their unbeaten record as well.  But they played host to a very tough Denver Broncos team.   This game saw Brandon Marshall break an NFL record.  He finished with 21 receptions 200 yards and 2 touchdowns.  With those amazing stats, he is now the only player in NFL history to finish with over 18 receptions in one game TWICE in his career.  Spectacular.  However, on the whole, the Colts were just too much for the Broncos, and Peyton Manning was on fire 220 yards and 4 touchdowns (although he did throw 3 picks).  And with the win, the Colts stay perfect at 13-0.  Indianapolis 28, Denver 16.

Now that the Saints and Colts have each, essentially, locked up home field advantage… how should they proceed? Traditional strategy suggests that they should rest their strong players so they’re at full strength for the playoffs.  However, both teams WANT to finish undefeated.  It’s never been done during a 16 game season (the Pats did it, but didn’t win the Super Bowl).  If they rest Manning and Brees, it’s likely they will drop a game.  If they keep them out there, they could exhaust or get injured prior to the playoffs.  But wouldn’t it be great to see two undefeated teams play in the Super Bowl.  An instant classic for sure.

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