Backing the ‘Back. “There seems to be a lot of talk about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden regarding the Heisman Trophy. Many people seem to think the trophy will go to one of these two outstanding players. What would Florida do without Tebow? Well, last year, with limited play from Tebow, the Gators won the national championship. The year before McFadden arrived at Arkansas, the Razorbacks had a 5-6 record.”
Ryan, Springdale, Ark.
Kiz: This is a two-man race for the Heisman. But in my mind, Tebow’s not in it. Voters who fell in love with his rushing touchdowns are too lazy to consider most were shortyardage plunges. Quarterback Chase Daniel was the first player to carry the Missouri Tigers to a No. 1 ranking since 1960. Now that’s a long run. So, when I mark my ballot, the top spot will go to Daniel or McFadden.
Sonny’s friends. “I’m curious to know what mental process you went through to convince yourself you have the stature to call for Colorado State football coach Sonny Lubick’s resignation. He has accomplished much and is highly regarded. Contrast that with your record. Not much to compare, is there? You might be right that it’s time for him to retire, but it’s not your call.”
John, loyal to Lubick
Kiz: Members of CSU’s staff who weren’t getting the job done were the guys who made Lubick’s remarkable 15-year run come undone.
Ram tough. “I’m a CSU alum. I’ve followed and worshipped (Sonny Lubick). I have a picture of him holding my 2-month-old son. What Lubick did speaks for itself, but it’s time for a new era to begin. I have no illusions CSU will hire a coach who sticks around for 15 years and wins as many championships as Sonny did, but his program was in decline. Glad I’m not athletic director Paul Kowalczyk. He’s going to be a pretty unpopular man for a while, but I think those who really root for the Rams know change had to happen.”
Kirk, Fort Collins
Kiz: Not to put pressure on the guy, but Kowalczyk has two choices. Hire a winner. Or lose his job.
Who holds the reins? “When will Mike Shanahan be held accountable for his actions? Defensive coach Jim Bates and quarterbacks Brian Griese and Jake Plummer all suffered from the legend of the alleged ‘Mastermind.’ Personally, I don’t think Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has the guts to touch Shanahan. Bowlen gave him too much power and now everything is someone else’s fault.”
Anthony, Centennial
Kiz: Broncomaniacs are tired of the blame game. It, and the buck, now stop at the desk of Shanahan.
Exile Sauerbrun. “Besides poor judgment, Broncos kicker Todd Sauerbrun has a problem. He lies down on the job. Videotape of two touchdown returns by Chicago’s Devin Hester appears to show total lack of effort. I do not expect kickers to be proficient at tackling in the open field. But some diversion must take place, at a minimum. Sauerbrun flopped on both runbacks. That should get him sent to Siberia by any coaching staff.”
Bob, Aurora
Kiz: If a kicker wants the guns of a bodybuilder, is it too much to ask him to hit somebody with those big, muscular arms? But banished to Siberia? That’s a little cold. Abandoning Sauerbrun on a doorstep in Oakland would be ample punishment. He was born to be a Raiduh.
Parting shot
And today’s parting shot is a wish for Jolly Saint Nick to bring Denver a rugged tackler who can knock out somebody’s two front teeth. Are you listening, Santa?
“Listen. The Broncos need a real middle linebacker. My Christmas list asks for: Jordon Dizon of Colorado, James Laurinaitis of Ohio State or Dan Connor of Penn State.”
Dan, Lakewood
