Even though Missouri may still be feeling the sting of getting snubbed by the BCS, Chase Daniel is getting what he deserves - a trip to New York.
Missouri’s star signal-caller was named one of four lucky Heisman finalists, along with frontrunner Tim Tebow, last year’s runner-up Darren McFadden, and Hawaii’s record-setting QB Colt Brennan. The quartet know that they are the top four vote-getters for college football‘s top individual honor, but only one of them will walk up to the podium as the nation‘s best player (unless something historic happens).
The junior had a tremendous season in leading the Tigers to a Big 12 North title and the #1 ranking heading into the Big 12 title game.
Had he had a big night against Oklahoma and Missouri came out on top, that might have pushed him ahead of Tebow. But, he didn’t have his best night, and his chances to win the award might have been finished. However, if he’s evaluated on the full body of work, he’s got as good of a chance as the others, and it won‘t be a surprise if he‘s named the winner.
Daniel threw for 4,170 yards and 33 touchdowns for the 11-2 Tigers, and added four rushing touchdowns.
He had a great season overall, but he made his Heisman case in the final four games leading up to the Big 12 title game, throwing for 1,418 yards and 15 touchdowns, with only one interception, including a 40 of 49, 361-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 36-28 win over Kansas.
It’s been quite a ‘breakout’ year for Daniel, whose big year really shouldn’t come as a surprise, after he threw for 3,527 yards and 28 yards as a sophomore in 2006. And, if he returns for his senior season, which he should, he’ll be one of the leading candidates for the Heisman in 2008, and very well could be the reigning winner of the award this time next year.
Either way, if Daniel does or doesn’t get his name called on Saturday night, to know that you’re considered one of the best players in all of college football is something to be very, very proud of.