It’s a shame Alabama has no placekicker. Really no one has feet in the state of Alabama? A prestigious program such as the Crimson Tide can’t recruit a real kicker? Their whole season seems lost now, but there’s still a chance for redemption. If LSU or Oklahoma State go down then the Tide can roll right into the national title game.
And I think they should since I still believe they are the best team in college football. Certainly have the best tailback and defense. LSU has an awesome defense, no doubt; and lots of NFL guys in their secondary, but Alabama has a NFL defense right now.
Take a look at the Rotary Lombardi Award (best OL, DL, LB in college football) finalist:
Dont’a Hightower – Linebacker, Alabama, 6-4, 260, Jr., Lewisburg, TN
Luke Kuechly – Linebacker, Boston College, 6-3, 237, Jr., Cincinnati, OH
Jonathan Martin – Offensive Tackle, Stanford, 6-6, 304, Sr., Los Angeles, CA
Courtney Upshaw – Linebacker, Alabama, 6-2, 265, Sr., Eufaula, AL
In the 42-year history of the Rotary Lombardi Award, there have been two finalists from the same school on only six occasions, most recently in 1999. One of the players from the same school has received the award four of the six times this has occurred.
All four finalists and their coaches will come to Houston for the award to be given away on December 7th. Jim Kelly, Hall of Fame quarterback with the Buffalo Bills, also will be in attendance to receive the Rotary Lombardi Humanitarian Award.
I’m banking on Hightower, who I voted for in both rounds of the preliminary voting for the award. He was my first choice both times when I cast my ballot. He’s like a real life version of Alvin Mack from the program. Did you see him throw around LSU QB Jordan Jefferson in the game of the century?
Jefferson is a huge guy, and yet Hightower tossed him like a rag doll.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, a Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports.
A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; he’s also a member of the FWAA, USBWA and SPJ. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.