Getting dissed by Davey O'Brien - As much as the snub stings, it's pretty clear why Christian Ponder didn't make the list. First, he was just getting on the national radar about the time the selection committee was making out their ballots. Second, FSU's subpar record didn't suggest to voters that, despite the Seminole skid, a pretty good QB was emerging. After all, Ponder didn't exactly become a household name on last year's stats. Finally, the whole Bowden-under-fire media storm stole the limelight from Ponder's breakout performances against BYU and Georgia Tech.
Well, with only a hint of sour grapes, we say to hell with Davey's award and his myopic selection committee. The shiny hardware that really counts is the one that former Noles Ward and Weinke brought home. While it's too late for Ponder to steal the Heisman from McCoy, Ingram or the golden child, just wait til next season. That is if there's a next season for the talented junior from Texas (more on that in a minute).
Now he's a marked man - You can count on Ponder being in the cross hairs from here on out. As we speak, N.C. State's D-Coordinator is putting the finishing touches on new wrinkles, stunts and special blitz packages to increase the pressure on Ponder. Expect every other team to do the same now that he's on their radar. One nasty hit, like the kind Tebow took at Kentucky, could derail Ponder's chances of outshining all those Heisman candidate QBs at season's end.
And speaking of Tebow - If Ponder stays healthy and continues to pile up the stats, think of the super showdown at the end of November between no. 7 and Tim Terrific. We're not getting loopy here and predicting a Nole win at Hogtown. But wouldn't it be stunning if the gator's avowed Christian QB was overshadowed by a guy named Christian?
A blessing and a curse - Continued success by Ponder could salvage some Seminole pride and even take the Noles to a bowl game. But the more SportsCenter highlights and amazing stats that no. 7 racks up, the greater the chance he might think the unthinkable: leaving early for the NFL. Let's hope his Dad, former FSU D-tackle David Ponder, will help keep his focus on what a sensational 2010 could mean: a first-round pick -- maybe top 5 -- and a Brinks truck of bonus money. Besides, there must be yet another degree Ponder would like to work towards.
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