And collection of links about the Heisman and NFL draft isn’t going to attract much in the way of profound journalism.

Put perception is reality, right? [/angry sarcasm]

I miss FJM.

Do any writers/talk show hosts have any original ideas? Or do they get all talking points from TWWL? Everyone in Pgh has been running stories or leading with the Pitt/PSU Fiesta Bowl story. And, as you can see from Fug’s and Cpiritual27’s fanposts, it’s just stirred up the Pitt fanbase again. And the Pitt fanabse seems to be the only source of that vitriol.

So what if Devlin is a better NFL prospect? I have as much fun as everyone during draft time, but I think some NFL-obsessed fans view the NCAA as the “pre-NFL” where all players are emerging prospects. When I view an NCAA player, I view them as…an NCAA player.

Clark is, at the very least, as good as Devlin. Devlin would have had just as difficult a time operating behind that leaky offensive line in the Iowa game, so I don’t know what the benefit would be of having Devlin back there aside from some insurance if Clark were to be injured.

As it stands, I’m glad Devlin was here, I’m glad Newsome is getting some backup time, and I’m glad Devlin is proving himself on the field in Delaware. Go Blue Hens.

The true test will come against Ohio State. I think if he can put up 2 or 3 TD’s against that defense and Penn State wins comfortably, Clark starts to get mentioned for an invite to New York in December.

I don’t know that Giger was ever a huge Devlin guy. He’s not really one of these polarizing sportswriters/talk-show hosts.

I think he’s just a really crappy writer.

But at least the MNC has some level of attempted sanity, the Heisman has become a total s**tshow. It’s for the best player in college, except you have to be a quarterback from a power college and be ranked in the top 3-5.

Not to give credit to Pitt, but the Larry Fitzgerald snub was officially the end of that award for me. Any thing or group of people who thought Jason Frickin’ White was a “more outstanding football player” than LF is flawed on a level way beyond “isn’t always completely fair” IMO.

I’ll stop ranting now.

Leadership. From a quarterback. Just what does that mean? You’ve got a good starter list:
- comfort in the pocket
- hande of the huddle
- teammates’ responsiveness, want to follow him
- inspires teammates

I’d add only one, one I’ve been trumpeting around here for a few years now: Composure. Most often exposed during times of adversity.

Clark & Devlin had different styles. And after Clark ‘beat him out’, pretty different opportunities. Every year in the leadership discussion, some senior kid, usually a trench player, comes into a leadership position who might have previously been the quiet type (Landolt, Cadogen). And the coverage notes that this year he’s taking ‘a more vocal role,’ or even not sometimes: ‘I just lead by example, with my play on the field’ (Connor). DC’s a vocal leader, has been from day one back when it was as much woofing for his own ears and own confidence as it was for those around him. And it’s worked for him, as he continues to grow into it.

But not everyone leads with loudness. And often, it’s the quieter types who end up being most composed during times of extreme pressure and adversity. Let’s be careful how we treat the many meanings of Leadership.

Is that what this is all about? You know, like the same people who think Clark is a running QB. That kind of crap?

Like the kind of calm you want out of a quarterback? The kind that doesn’t jump-throw the first of 3 picks way over a wideopen receiver in a huge loss to Iowa two years in a row? Of course, you have to beat out the first string receiver to even get an opportunity in that first Iowa game.

I won’t be surprised is DC17 does indeed have the presence. He looked mighty chill throughout most of that Michigan game. But Brutus is gonna bring a two-headed Brandon Graham in Heyward and Gibson; and Rolle, Spitler and Homan put scUm’s LB’s to shame. But he might do it. Our Oline is better and may give him enough time to relax and make his reads. It’s just that my jury is still out on how he learns. I thought he looked like he had advanced tremendously, chillin in the pocket against a pretty tough trojan front seven in the Rose Bowl, but a whole year later Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns again had him quaking in his boots.

I won’t be surprised if he does man up (in the real, non-wooffy sort of way), and sadly, I won’t be surprised if he mentally crumbles either, and tosses the game away. In either event, I’m pulling for him. Hard.