Choose Or Lose: Texas Tech Web Site Promotes Award Candidates

Texas Tech Launches Web Site To Promote Its Two Heisman Trophy Candidates

Texas Tech Univ. sports information officials have created a "joint website for QB Graham Harrell and [WR] Michael Crabtree for various honors including the Heisman Trophy," according to Tim Griffin of ESPN.com. The Web site is "set up much like one for a political candidate with the slogan 'Pass or Catch' as the primary theme of the campaign." Videos of both Harrell and Crabtree "are included, along with extensive statistical packages and biographies" (ESPN.com, 9/29). In Tulsa, Jimmie Tramel reported in addition to informing award voters about Harrell and Crabtree, the "video-laden site has info on the 'secret service' (Tech's offensive line), the 'commander in chief' [coach Mike Leach] and the 'secretary of defense' (defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeil)" (TULSA WORLD, 9/30). HEISMANPUNDIT.com's Chris Huston wrote a Heisman campaign "should be fun and creative and that's exactly what Texas Tech is doing." This is "fun stuff. ... This puts these guys out there in a creative way. Who knows? Maybe it will help to further identify these players as Heisman candidates for some of the voters out there" (HEISMANPUNDIT.com, 9/30).

RUNNING MATES: ESPN's Matt Winer said the Web site "does sort of illustrate the problem you have when you have a prolific quarterback and a great wide receiver, because ultimately, they’re splitting the votes.” ESPN’s Trevor Matich: “Maybe they can be the first ones to run as a package. I’d almost like to see that” (“College Football Live,” ESPN, 9/30).