Random Thoughts On The Heisman, NFL Draft & College Bowl Games

Saturday, Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M became the first freshman ever to win the Heisman Trophy, although three sophomores (Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford and Mark Ingram) have won the award in the past six years. The only other Aggie to win the prestigious award was the original “Johnny Football," John David Crow, back in 1957.

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o may have finished second for the Heisman, but he figures to go number one in the NFL draft come April. The last defensive player to be drafted number one was defensive end Mario Williams, by the Texans in 2006. Amazingly, the last time a linebacker was selected first overall was when the Falcons drafted Auburn's Aundray Bruce, all the way back in 1988.  

The Southeastern Conference has placed nine teams in bowl games and all nine are favored to win. On the other end of the equation, the Big Ten provides seven bowl teams, with all seven listed as underdogs in Las Vegas.  

This is yet another example of what the betting public thinks about these two power conferences.