Is Tim Tebow Heisman Worthy?

It’s a question that needs to be explored. The ever growing hype machine has Tebow as the Heisman favorite. But how? I, for one, am not buying it. To understand my opinion (and we all know about opinions), we must first look into the trophy itself.

If you go to the website for the Heisman, the trophy is presented to “the Most Outstanding College Football Player in the United States.” Tebow is a former winner, but the season he had when he won, was phenomenal to say the least.

Now that we know whom should win the trophy, we must now look at the statistical realm.

Here are Tebow’s stats from his sophomore year when he won.
Passing: 234 for 350, 66.9%, 3,286 yds., 32 TD, 6 INT, 172.47 QB rating
Rushing: 210 rush, 895 yds., 23 TD

That’s impressive. And a deserving season. He was the best player in the United States that year. Let’s fast forward to this season. He are Tebow’s 2009 stats:
Passing: 145 for 223, 65.0%, 1,945 yds., 14 TD, 4 INT, 155.42 QB rating
Rushing:  178 rush, 706 yds., 11 TD

Tebow does have two games remaining (Florida State and SEC Championship v. Alabama). The stats from his bowl game will not be included as the presentation will have already taken place.

But I have two other quarterbacks that have comparable, if not, better numbers. These stats and the QBs are legit college players. They are not fabricated.

Exhibit A: (10 games played)
Passing: 154 for 264, 58.3%, 1,865 yds., 14 TD, 4 TD, 132.14 QB rating
Rushing: 105 rush, 619 yds., 12 TD
Exhibit B: (11 games played)
Passing: 230 for 321, 71.7%, 2,533 yds., 22 TD, 5 INT, 157.44 QB rating
Rushing: 151 rush, 626 yds., 14 TD

If you compare Tebow’s stats to Exhibit A, there are pretty much the same. The two main differences are completion percentage and QB rating, and those two stats go hand-in-hand.

But, compare Tebow’s ‘09 campaign to Exhibit B. Tebow is below Exhibit B in passing yards, completion percentage,  passing TD, QB rating, and rushing TD. Granted our player in Exhibit B has more pass attempts and completions and that could transfer to more yards and passing TD. You cannot deny the rushing comparison. Exhibit B has less rushes, less rushing yards, but more rushing TD.

In other words, the stats from Exhibit B are better than Tebow’s overall. He’s accounted for more total TD (36 to 25). I say that’s another reason for selecting Exhibit B over Exhibit A and Tebow.

So, I bet you’re wondering who the players are of the other two. Exhibit A’s stats are those of Oregon Ducks QB Jeremiah Masoli (right). His stats are very comparable to Tim Tebow’s and there have been a small whispers of Masoli getting a mention or two.

One thing some voter may consider is a team’s overall performance .The Ducks are currently in the driver’s seat to win the Pac 10 and gain the Rose Bowl berth. The Ducks also smashed USC on national TV. Tebow gets his a lot of his props because Florida is the nation’s #1 team and they have a shot at the National Championship.

So who’s Exhibit B? This will shock many of you. Those numbers belong to non other that Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour (left). LeFevour is 5th in the nation in QB rating (Tebow is 10th). LeFevour is tied for 12th in TD passes and Tebow is not even in the top 40. LeFevour also has more rushing TD! That’s a stat we’ve all associated with Tebow and his greatness.

Unlike both Tebow and Masoli, LeFevour doesn’t get near the exposure, but he still manages to put up superior numbers to both. Yet, hardly a mention of his season. Just so you know, Central Michigan is currently 9-2. Their losses are at Arizona (19-6) in their first game and at Boston College (31-10) on Halloween.

The Chippewas did defeat Michigan State in East Lansing and are currently set to face either Temple or Ohio in the MAC Championship Game. Temple and Ohio play this week to determine who will play Central Michigan.

This week, Central Michigan is at home against Northern Illinois. It’s a pity that the game is only available on ESPN360.com this coming Friday at 1:00. That’s a hint.

The MAC Championship will be December 4 at Ford Field and will be televised by ESPN2. Watch that game, too. LeFevour will have that opportunity to prove to those that vote that he is deserving of consideration.

So, if you put Tim Tebow on your ballot to win the Heisman, you better at least consider Jeremiah Masoli. But more importantly, you should put Dan LeFevour ahead of him.