Florida quarterback Tim Tebow stands tall as the only sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. What a terrific achievement! Think about his career already: a national championship as a freshman and now the Heisman! Let's look at the state of Florida and the Heisman in: Steve Spurrier in 1966, Vinny Testaverde in 1986, Geno Torretta in 1992, Charlie Ward in 1993, Danny Wuerffel in 1996 and Chris Weinke in 2000. What do they have in common? They all had struggles in the pros, other than Testaverde. Let me tell you, Tebow is a winner, class personified.
The Patriots sent another message after the Steelers had a defensive back issue a guarantee. Tom Brady and company put on another show in a blowout of a defense that had ranked No. 1 in the NFL entering the contest. At 13-0, the next two weeks seem to be blowout city -- the Jets and the Dolphins. Only the Giants truly stand in the way of a perfect regular season. The bottom line is, 16-0 is just one goal ... the ultimate one is holding up that Super Bowl trophy once again.
Don't forget about Indianapolis! The Colts came out and blasted a Ravens squad that gave New England all it could handle the previous Monday. One big difference was the absence of Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister. Give Peyton Manning and company credit as it was an M&M'er, a total mismatch.
Barry Bonds has finally had his arraignment and it was no surprise when he issued a not-guilty plea. There he was, with his battery of high-priced lawyers. It will be interesting to see the battle that will take place. This never would have happened if he told the truth from day one.
Georgia Tech made a great move getting Paul Johnson as its new head coach. Johnson is a brilliant, creative offensive mind. He did a super job at Navy and he should succeed in the ACC.
It was a tough weekend in the Bluegrass State. Louisville lost at home to a talented and underrated Dayton team. Kentucky fell by 19 points to a rival Indiana team that was missing diaper dandy Eric Gordon (injury) and Armon Bassett (suspension). Give Billy Gillispie time to build this program back up, though that loss had to have Big Blue fans disappointed.
There is some loyalty in the coaching profession. Last week Wake Forest's Jim Grobe turned down the opportunity to coach at Arkansas with big bucks on the table. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano withdrew from consideration at Michigan. Give these guys credit for wanting to continue building their own programs into something special.
When are boxing fans going to give Floyd Mayweather the credit he deserves? He went out and dominated against the previously-unbeaten Ricky Hatton. Mayweather is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and his resume is so impressive. He completed a pretty good year, beating Oscar De La Hoya and Hatton within 10 months.
Thanks to all of the wonderful people I met in New York City last week at the Jimmy V Classic. Remember, we are going to win this battle against the dreaded disease. I am trying to raise $1 million in honor of Payton Wright, a young lady who tragically passed away down here in Florida. If you would like to make a donation, please call 1-800-4-JIMMY V. Thank you so very much.
Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.
