[NU Sports] "Persa Strong" Campaign

[Mike Nolan]

Thanks, Harry.  

As the Hypesman ceremony approaches:  55 minutes of tedium, 30 seconds of
suspense and 4 minutes and 30 seconds of bad speechmaking, I can't help 
but look to major league baseball's MVP awards as what the Heisman SHOULD BE,
honoring the player who MADE THE MOST DIFFERENCE TO HIS TEAM, not the
one most likely to be a top draft choice.  

Remember when Andre Dawson won the MVP despite the Cubs finishing
in last place and some writer commented that if it hadn't been for
Dawson they might have finished the season in AAA Des Moines?

Last year there was NO QUESTION in my mind that Persa was by far
the MVP for any FBS division team, the way he won the Iowa game and 
what happened to the team after he went down demonstrated that.  

That's why RG3 should probably not win this year, despite having had
some of the more memorable games and plays of the season.  But he went 
out with a concussion in last week's game and Baylor hardly broke stride.  

It's a good thing I don't have a Heisman ballot, right now I don't know 
who I'd vote for, probably NONE of the top 4-5 candidates on most
lists deserve it.  

Sadly, I'm afraid I might lean towards giving it to Russell Wilson, even 
though Wisconsin laid an egg in two games and the school can't seem to decide
whether to promote Wilson or 'Moneyball' as their best shot at the
trophy.

But then I'd be cringing waiting for the stories to start circulating 
about the reruiting abuses surrounding Wilson's transfer to Wisconsin, 
like the ones around last year's winner.
--
Mike Nolan