Preseason Offensive Player of the Year…Again
I went to bed last night pretty sure that Wisconsin’s John Clay would be announced as the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year today during the 1st day of Big Ten Media Days. No big deal, right?
Well, I was wrong! TP did get the nod again, as did Michigan State linebacker Greg Jones (on the defensive side of the ball). I just thought the media would go with Clay since he got it at the end of last season, and the only thing that changed was that TP tore it up at the Rose Bowl. Guess that was enough? Or maybe the media was collectively throwing their support behind what some call the Big Ten’s only legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate?
I don’t know and I don’t really care. I’m sure TP doesn’t care either. But what I find comical is the salty Wisconsin fans. Just because Clay didn’t get the nod, doesn’t mean you need to throw shade at TP. My favorite argument is the “what has he done in the big games?” Besides get the win?
No, but really. What did Clay do in the “big games”? He had 59 yds against the Buckeyes and 75 against Iowa, the 2 ranked Big Ten teams they faced. And let’s not forget that the Badgers didn’t even play Penn State (also a Top 15 ranked program) this past season. Both shined in their bowl games. So, I think the whole “so-and-so struggles in big games” argument is pretty much a wash.
Again, does it really matter? It’s preseason, for crying out loud! The Big Ten has 3 squads that are legitimate Top 10 teams. Let’s celebrate this instead of tearing each other down! Say it with me:
Check out what Tressel had to say today, below the jump.
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