We’re halfway through the college football season.
Don’t be sad that it’s over, smile because it happened. Let’s take a look back at the most memorable moments from the first half of the season as I hand out my midseason awards.
The “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Clemson” Award:
Oh, Michigan … I’m still confused how you managed to lose a rivalry game like that. You were winning the game with 10 seconds remaining, and all you had to do was punt the ball. How do you mess that up? The punter mishandling the snap and Michigan State pouncing for the unlikely scoop and score was maybe the most heartbreaking way I’ve ever seen a team lose a game. And I’ve watched some cringe-worthy losses over the years. Not even Clemson could have choked that game away. Yikes.
The First Half Flop Award Presented by Lance Stephenson:
For the first time in history, the First Half Flop Award Presented by Lance Stephenson will be shared by two deserving teams. Congratulations, Auburn and Oregon — come pick up your hardware. There were other worthy candidates, but the Tigers and the Ducks managed to outshine, or the antonym of outshine, every other team. Remember in the preseason AP Poll when Auburn and Oregon were ranked sixth and seventh, respectively? Well, they’ve lost a combined five games already. Oregon managed to lose to Washington State, and Auburn barely managed to beat Jacksonville State University. This is why preseason polls are irrelevant and bad.
The Les Miles Quote of the Season (so far) Brought to you by Math:
This was the hardest thing to award. There was no shortage of contenders, but only one quote could reign supreme. ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked Miles about the decision to run the fake field goal against Florida that proved to be the difference in the game, and Miles responded with, “We had it, and it was an opportunity for us to get seven, and seven’s a whole lot more than three.” It’s beautiful. You can’t argue with the simple, but wonderful math. Seven points will always be more than three points. Touchdowns will always be greater than field goals. It was probably the least earth-shattering thing I’ve ever heard, but it still feels incredibly profound.
The Halfway Heisman:
Leonard Fournette is the obvious choice. He’s shattered his numbers from 2014, and LSU still has five games remaining. Fournette has more rushing yards (1,202) and rushing touchdowns (14) than most FBS schools, and he is on pace to easily eclipse 2,000 yards rushing for the season. I don’t think any defense can stop him. At this point, I’m not sure a runaway truck ramp could stop him. It’s Fournette’s award to lose at this point.
The Lightning Does Strike Twice Award:
The BYU Cougars want to know who said lightning never strikes twice so they can point and laugh. BYU literally won back-to-back games on Hail Marys. When have you ever seen something like that? The Cougars may have fallen out of the rankings since their heroics, but they proved a cliché wrong, so they’re heroes for that.
Best Big-guy Touchdown:
The 18-yard touchdown grab by 6’7,” 410 pound Baylor tight end LaQuan McGowan was a joy to see. McGowan displayed sure hands and eluded a Kansas defender en route to the end zone. Thank you, Art Briles, for having an offense that is so much fun to watch.
Jack is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter @Jack_TDR.