Heisman statement?
Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell's Senior Day against Baylor on Saturday was something he can add to his list of gutty performances, right up there with the comebacks in the Gator Bowl and Insight Bowl.
It turns out the tape on his non-throwing hand, which he injured in the first half, shielded a shattered pinky and ring finger, according to ESPN, who had an unnamed source confirm there were two plates and 17 pins inserted into Harrell's left hand to heal nine separate breaks, resulting in four hours of surgery on Sunday.
With broken fingers and all, Harrell brought the Red Raiders back from a 14-point deficit in the second half to escape with a 35-28 victory over Baylor on Saturday, earning Tech its first share of the Big 12 Conference's South division title along with Texas and Oklahoma.
"Even though (I have) no specific comment, it's just further evidence on why he should get the Heisman, and to me it's a no-brainer because I thought he should have gotten it last year," Leach told the Associated Press on Monday.
Tech spokesman Chris Cook confirmed that the surgery took place and added that Harrell is expected to play in Tech's bowl game. Cook went on to say Harrell would have been able to play if Tech made the Big 12 Conference championship game. However, the BCS standings released Sunday made Tech this year's outsider, sending Oklahoma to the title game to play Missouri Dec. 6 where the Sooners can lock up a spot in the national championship. The Longhorns on the other hand, will most likely represent the Big 12 in the Fiesta Bowl.
Leach's 11-1 Red Raiders probably will appear in the Cotton Bowl, considering Texas and Oklahoma will receive the only two BCS bids for the Big 12.
The honors keep rolling in
Harrell still continues to be recognized as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation.The senior quarterback was named as one of the 10 finalist for the 2009 Manning Award.
The Manning Award, created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, honors the best quarterback in the nation. It was created in honor of Peyton, Eli and Archie Manning. Peyton and Eli Manning are quarterbacks for the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, respectively.
The Manning Award is the only quarterback award that takes a candidates bowl performances considerations, therefore, the winner will be announced after the bowl season ends.
Harrell is a finalists among Oklahoma's Sam Bradford Missouri's Chase Daniel, Ball State's Nate Davis, Utah's Brian Johnson, Texas' Colt McCoy, Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson, USC's Mark Sanchez, Georgia's Matthew Stafford and Florida's Tim Tebow.
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