Late Hits: Dec. 8

• Late Hits archive

SEC title game: The SEC's not as good as we thought it was in September but that was a superb football game between the game's two best coaches and, unlike the BCS title game from last season, or the one next month, it was on a true neutral site.

It was also the signature performance of Tim Tebow's career. That throw to Louis Murphy on Florida's final scoring drive might have given Archie Griffin company in Heisman history.

Virginia Tech: Despite their problems at quarterback, receiver, the offensive line and play-calling, the Hokies won their third ACC title in five years and it wasn't even close.

The ability to win without your fastball is the sign of good coaching and a strong program. The Hokies have both.

Now, about that BCS record ...

ACC title game: Jacksonville, Tampa.
Mary Stuart Masteron, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Mary Steenburgen.

Who can tell the difference?

Empty seats are empty seats and as far as the conference has come in terms of competing on the field with the other BCS conferences, the inability to fill a building for the conference's title game is embarrassing.

Now, about that BCS record ...

Arizona: The self-proclaimed "Zona Zoo," the official fan base of David Hasselhoff, spilled onto the sidelines with 3 minutes left in the Wildcats' 31-10 win over rival Arizona State. Nothing wrong with storming the field after beating your rival.

Ten demerits to U of A coach Mike Stoops for switching to the Las Vegas Bowl hat with 2 minutes left. Act like you've been there before.

Nevermind.

####

Heisman jinx

Oklahoma and Florida should petition the Heisman Trophy voters to name the 2008 winner on Jan. 9. If either Oklahoma's Sam Bradford or Florida's Tim Tebow wins the game's most-prized possession, that respective team is doomed to failure in the BCS Championship Game.

Between the banquet buffets and all the hype, the Heisman winner almost never plays well in his bowl game. Just ask Tebow, who was dreadful against Michigan last year ... or Ohio State's Troy Smith in 2007 ... or Oklahoma's Jason White in 2003 ... or Nebraska's Eric Crouch in 2001 ... or the worst performance by a Heisman winner in a title game (five interceptions), Miami's Vinny Testaverde in 1986.

####

'O' no

Gator haters should root for Florida to lose the "Fl" before Jan. 8. Teams that start with the letter 'O' have lost four straight with the national title on the line: 

2007: LSU 38, Ohio State 24
2006: Florida 41, Ohio State 14
2004: USC 55, Oklahoma 19
2003: LSU 21, Oklahoma 14