Priorities

[Irish Jacky]

I am focused on ND winning the 2012 College Football National Championship.

The Heisman? I'm really luke warm on this. Would I prefer that Manti win it? Yes. Will I be outraged if he doesn't? No. The Heisman has nothing to do with ND winning the 2012 College Football National Championship. If it's an offensive award, in fact, so be it. I'm not lighting torches, breaking out the forks and scythes and storming the castle. I just don't care that much about it. Manti has been greatly honored so far for his character and athletic prowess. I salute him and say it's well deserved.

But will I run down the Texas A&M quarterback for being the apparent Heisman frontrunner? No. The kid is a great player and and I can't say he does not deserve the award. People talking **** about this kid for their own selfish motives should really be ashamed of themselves. This has nothing to do with being a legitimate ND fan in my humble opinion.

Once again, I believe in keeping the eyes on the prize: the 2012 College Football National Championship.

In closing, I'll bet Manti cares a lot less about winning the Heisman than many of the ND fans do. I have no doubt this fine young man has his priorities straight even if most of us don't.

Fire away true believers!

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Heisman? Shmeisman?

National Championship... That's all I care about!

 

[Rhode Irish]

I want Manti to win it because the kid just deserves every conceivable good thing to happen for him. But I do agree with you. If we're ranking priorities, I don't know what I would trade to get Manti the award. Certainly not the Alabama game.

 

[Junkhead]

I don't really care about the Heisman either. It's been kind of a joke for a long time, and defensive players just don't win it.

 

[scUM Hater]

"The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity."

This is a direct quote from the Heisman Trophy web page. This is part of their mission statement. That is my only problem with Manziel winning. He was arrested for goodness sakes. He also presented false I.D. upon his arrest. Doesn't show very good integrity.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

"In closing" hah well done counselor.

I personally can't think of anything but Jan 7th. The awards are great but I just want these guys to be healthy and focused for Bama.

I've waited 25 years for this. My cuban cigars have been waiting for the fat lady just as long.

 

[Junkhead]

That is my only problem with Manziel winning. He was arrested for goodness sakes. He also presented false I.D. upon his arrest. Doesn't show very good integrity.

Why has the arrest issue been so quiet? The only thing I can think of is ESPN wanting their SEC boy to win. Had Teo been arrested, I'm sure we'd hear about it daily. Who knows.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Why has the arrest issue been so quiet? The only thing I can think of is ESPN wanting their SEC boy to win. Had Teo been arrested, I'm sure we'd hear about it daily. Who knows.

I don't really think the ESPN hates ND argument holds much water anymore... I mean, it's practically been the ND network since we took #1 in the BCS.

Apparently, Sports Illustrated’s Thayer Evans won't even put Johnny on his ballot because of pending charges..

Heisman Trophy: Johnny Manziel Left Off Sports Illustrated Writer’s Ballot Due to “pending criminal charges” | The Big Lead

 

[Mavericknyc1980]

I am focused on ND winning the 2012 College Football National Championship.

The Heisman? I'm really luke warm on this. Would I prefer that Manti win it? Yes. Will I be outraged if he doesn't? No. The Heisman has nothing to do with ND winning the 2012 College Football National Championship. If it's an offensive award, in fact, so be it. I'm not lighting torches, breaking out the forks and scythes and storming the castle. I just don't care that much about it. Manti has been greatly honored so far for his character and athletic prowess. I salute him and say it's well deserved.

But will I run down the Texas A&M quarterback for being the apparent Heisman frontrunner? No. The kid is a great player and and I can't say he does not deserve the award. People talking **** about this kid for their own selfish motives should really be ashamed of themselves. This has nothing to do with being a legitimate ND fan in my humble opinion.

Once again, I believe in keeping the eyes on the prize: the 2012 College Football National Championship.

In closing, I'll bet Manti cares a lot less about winning the Heisman than many of the ND fans do. I have no doubt this fine young man has his priorities straight even if most of us don't.

Fire away true believers!

I agree and so does Manti and the team. But we don't play for about a month. So let's enjoy this and pray Manti gets an award he has earned.

 

[Irishman77]

"In closing" hah well done counselor.

I personally can't think of anything but Jan 7th. The awards are great but I just want these guys to be healthy and focused for Bama.

I've waited 25 years for this. My cuban cigars have been waiting for the fat lady just as long.

Wild man my humidor is bigger than my closet. What's your brand?

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Wild man my humidor is bigger than my closet. What's your brand?

Ha that's fantastic, you are light years beyond me. I have much to learn.

I've got a box of Sancho Panza's waiting for the Irish's return!!

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

I am happy with Manti just being a finalist and in New York. I kind of resigned myself that a true defensive player won't win. It is great just to see him there especially considering all the other awards he has won thus far.

I don't care if he hoists the stiff arm trophy, especially if he hoists the big crystal football a month from now.

 

[PraetorianND]

Manti has enough hardware to build a house. If he doesn't win the Heisman it's not a big deal (IMO).

Let's win a title.

 

[scUM Hater]

Priorities-

#1- Manti wins heisman
#2-Win national championship

These are in this order because of how the dates of these events work out. If the natty was played first than it would be #1. As a ND fan, I want both.

 

[ulukinatme]

I don't want to have to blame a poor performance in the big game on the Heisman curse. So many winners have gone on to play lukewarm, we need Te'o to be on his A-game. Unfortunately this awards circuit is doing nothing to help that...lots of banquets, not practicing with the team, lots of jet lag.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Re: priorities. An ESPN announcer asked Manziel that if could guarantee a win over Oklahoma in the Bowl Game, would he trade that for a Heisman? Manziel's answer was convoluted but amounted to "no", he wanted the Heisman.

Thought that strange to say, even if it's the truth. Chalked it up to youth and not having thought through his media responses.

 

[koonja]

Re: priorities. An ESPN announcer asked Manziel that if could guarantee a win over Oklahoma in the Bowl Game, would he trade that for a Heisman? Manziel's answer was convoluted but amounted to "no", he wanted the Heisman.

Thought that strange to say, even if it's the truth. Chalked it up to youth and not having thought through his media responses.

It's wrong to say, but I bet a lot of players feel this way. I know Manti doesn't, and that's part of why he's so special.

 

[Rocky2820]

I don't want to have to blame a poor performance in the big game on the Heisman curse. So many winners have gone on to play lukewarm, we need Te'o to be on his A-game. Unfortunately this awards circuit is doing nothing to help that...lots of banquets, not practicing with the team, lots of jet lag.

This aspect is the one silver lining to having so much time off. Manti will be fine IMO because he's still going to have three full weeks before they leave for Miami.

Personally, I'm hyped up for Manti and the Heisman. Clearly it's a lower priority than the national championship, but I certainly do consider it important. Someday a pure defensive player is going to win it. Who better - on and off the field for all the Heisman is supposed to represent - than Manti?

 

[Redbar]

Of course Manti winning the HeIsManti is not equivalent to the team winning the Crystal Ball, and yes I am very proud of all the hardware Manti has already racked up, but I still want college football to get things right, whether it is promoting the student part of student athlete, holding irresponsible coaches and programs accountable, or properly honoring people who deserve honors over others who while they may be "dynamic" or "sexy" just aren't completely there yet as far as being deserving of college football's highest award.

 

[ACamp1900]

I agree with the OP, if JFF wins be humble and just congratulate the kid... We are NOT A&M fans. Show the class of ND..... Plus, Manti deserves our best either way

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Cedric Benson was ridiculed for "being honest" and saying he'd rather have the Heisman than beat OU.

*I'm willing to bet Manti would trade every trophy he's accumulated to hold the crystal for only a few minutes. That's the difference between a good and bad teammate. Luckily, with an undefeated record, windfall of blue chip recruits, stable of capable young guns, we all can have our cake and eat it too.

 

[HawaiianIrish]

There is no I in TEAM or TE'O

manzIel

GO IRISH

 

[phgreek]

But will I run down the Texas A&M quarterback for being the apparent Heisman frontrunner? No. The kid is a great player and and I can't say he does not deserve the award. People talking **** about this kid for their own selfish motives should really be ashamed of themselves. This has nothing to do with being a legitimate ND fan in my humble opinion.

Agree no one should attack him personally...and I really haven't seen that. I have seen, and have commented on the integrity issue as relates to his off the field exploits...no one said the kid was a horrible kid...and as an aside, folks on here were harder on Tommy Rees

JF's body of work shows huge numbers, but he's basically 1 for 3 in big games, had two wins against FAR lesser competition, and the one big game he won I thought he benefited from Bama surviving LSU the week before. He is capable of lifting his team on his shoulders, but hasn't always done it successfully...ie 2 Ls. The comparisons to Tebow and Newton as far as numbers...great but those guys won the NC. JF has no shot at it. Those things are all pertinant to the Heisman decision...and as CFB fan I'd like to see all things considered...I'd like to think had Manti not been in the mix, I'd still think Klein was a better option.

Of course I want Manti to win...of course I'm biased...

in closing I can walk and chew gum at the same time...I can support Manti for the Heisman, and support the team winning the natty...mostly because none of us really influence one bit of any of it...

 

[scUM Hater]

I don't want to have to blame a poor performance in the big game on the Heisman curse. So many winners have gone on to play lukewarm, we need Te'o to be on his A-game. Unfortunately this awards circuit is doing nothing to help that...lots of banquets, not practicing with the team, lots of jet lag.

Notre Dame Bowl Month Schedule:
Dec 7th: 1st Practice (during day) & Awards Show (8pm)
Dec 10-14: Finals Week
Dec 21-27: Off for Christmas
Dec 28-31: Return for practice in South Bend
Jan 2: Departure for Miami
Jan 3-5: Practice in Miami
Jan 7: BCS National Championship Game

***Practice Dates: Dec 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31
Jan. 3, 4, 5


He will only miss 2 practices. The jet lag will subside. He will have 13 quality practices with the team. I will say though, he will be highly sought after during the weeks leadng up to the game for interviews. Finals will be done next week luckily.

 

[NDTH91]

For those saying they "don't care":

So when the winner is announced you'll just turn off the TV and go back to whatever you were doing? Or you just won't watch because you "don't care"?

Let's be honest, we all want Manti to win it. We all CARE. Obviously we all want the National Championship more than the Heisman, but really? You don't care at all? Come on now.

 

[ACamp1900]

I care. I just don't think ND fans , students, and alums should go around actin foolish like A&M and average SEC fans did when Manti won the Maxwell if he doesn't win it... Bigger fish, and ND is better than that

 

[Irishman77]

How wonderful it would be to hear Manti speak tonight? I truly believe he will win tonight.

 

[ThePiombino]

How wonderful it would be to hear Manti speak tonight? I truly believe he will win tonight.

Would be truly amazing. I hope you're right.

 

[Rhode Irish]

I care. I just don't think ND fans , students, and alums should go around actin foolish like A&M and average SEC fans did when Manti won the Maxwell if he doesn't win it... Bigger fish, and ND is better than that

Totally agree. I really want Manti to win, but I expect Johnny Football to win it, and I'm ok with that. While I would vote for Manti and think he is deserving, I think the other guy is, too, and I wouldn't blame anyone for voting for him. As far as the "integrity" thing and his arrest being a factor, I don't believe it should matter. He got arrested for acting like an 18 year old, and I refuse to hold that against these kids. It wouldn't change my vote if I were going to vote for him, but I think Manti won it on the field.

 

[ulukinatme]

Notre Dame Bowl Month Schedule:
Dec 7th: 1st Practice (during day) & Awards Show (8pm)
Dec 10-14: Finals Week
Dec 21-27: Off for Christmas
Dec 28-31: Return for practice in South Bend
Jan 2: Departure for Miami
Jan 3-5: Practice in Miami
Jan 7: BCS National Championship Game

***Practice Dates: Dec 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31
Jan. 3, 4, 5


He will only miss 2 practices. The jet lag will subside. He will have 13 quality practices with the team. I will say though, he will be highly sought after during the weeks leadng up to the game for interviews. Finals will be done next week luckily.

Meh, maybe, I was just repeating what I read in the article about Te'o's week. I know it's just a week, but as mentioned many of these award canidates often come out lukewarm in bowl games. Part of that could be the time off that affects a lot of players, part of it could be the interviews and traveling, who knows.