When it comes down to the chase for the Heisman Trophy in college football, the name Tony Pike from Cincinnati may not come to many people’s minds. Yet in Tony Pike’s wildest dreams he would have never even begun to imagine the success he has had in the last year and a half. His success has led Pike to become a legitimate nominee in Heisman Trophy talk, as he has led his Cincinnati Bearcats to a 5-0 start and a No. 8 ranking in the country.
Let’s flash back to the year 2007. Pike was a back up quarterback to then Bearcat starter Ben Mauk. He only saw action in five games, only completing six passes. Then in 2008 against Oklahoma, quarterback Dustin Grutza broke his leg, and Pike was called into action.
Last year in about 11 games Pike threw for over 2000 yards and 11 touchdown passes with a broken arm. This year in five games, Pike has thrown for 1500 yards and has 13 touchdown passes.
So now the question is brought up: can Tony Pike win the Heisman? The short answer is why not? His stats rank up there with the best. Pike is going to be a top 10 NFL pick if he keeps the success going, and he is helping his team win, which is most important.
Then, when you get to think about it, all these facts are true, but that quarterback from Florida, Tim Tebow, has led his team to two National Championships and could have easily gone to the NFL last year. Tony Pike can’t compete with America’s sweetheart.
But not winning the Heisman would not be considered a failure. It would have almost the same effect on the University of Cincinnati if he was voted to be one of the finalists for the coveted award and was able to be in the Heisman finalist ceremony.
The ceremony is covered by ESPN and would be great publicity for the University, considering Cincinnati has only been a BCS football team since 2005. Pike needs to just keep playing his brand of football because, if we flash forward a year from now, he will be making big money and playing on Sundays.