College Football Player Poll On Different Topics [Interesting Read]

Let the coaches, writers and computers have their polls. But don't players have opinions? Turns out they do.

This spring, ESPN The Magazine asked 85 FBS players about drugs, playoffs, refs, gay teammates and much more. In exchange for honesty, we promised not to reveal any names or schools -- only secrets.

• Who will win the 2009 Heisman trophy?

When the ballots were counted, it was a landslide -- for Colt McCoy.

The Texas QB received 42 votes, followed by Florida QB Tim Tebow (20) and Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford (9). Four others were named more than once: USC safety Taylor Mays (4), Cal RB Jahvid Best (3), Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant (2) and Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead (2).

• What player would you pay to watch?

Of 19 players, one came up most often: Tebow, who pulled in 35 percent of the votes and was the only QB among the top three. The top five vote-getters: Tebow (30), Tennessee safety Eric Berry (9), OSU's Bryant (7), Texas' McCoy (5) and Florida LB Brandon Spikes (5).

• Who will win the BCS title in January 2010?

Nearly half (40) of the respondents said the Gators will help Tebow win a third BCS title. The other faves: Texas (23), Oklahoma (10), USC (9).

• What is the nation's best program?

By a whisker players named Florida 32-31 over USC. But by the same thin margin, Trojans' boss Pete Carroll was the top pick when players were asked who the smartest coach is. No. 2? Florida's Urban Meyer.

• What is the nation's most overrated program?

More than half of those surveyed (46) named Notre Dame or Ohio State. And the winner, if that's the right word, is -- OSU, 24 to 22. Uh, congratulations, Coach Tressel!

• Do any players on your team take steroids or other PEDs?

Of those surveyed, 55 percent said they know of at least one teammate taking PEDs; among non-BCS players, 53 percent answered yes; 58 percent of BCS players said yes.

• Should drugs and alcohol on campus be a bigger NCAA concern?

Just say no. That's how 52 percent of players answered, with 47 percent saying the NCAA should pay more attention to the issue.

• Should guns on campus be a bigger NCAA concern?

Yes -- 21 percent; no -- 67 percent. While guns were not a concern for most players, 57 percent of the players in the Big East were alarmed at the number of firearms around the team.

• Were you ever offered money during recruiting?

Yes -- 3 percent; no -- 97 percent. Few players admit to cash offers, but many concede the problem exists. Some paused long enough to make us wonder. Answered one Pac-10 player, "No. Well -- no."

• Should players be paid?

A scholarship is worth about $19K a year. It sounds like a lot until you realize the bowl teams in 2008 made 148 million in postseason profit alone. That's why 71 percent of players want to be paid.

• Does the FBS need a playoff?

For the postseason, 75 percent wanted change. Only one conference liked the status quo, 60 percent-40 percent: the Pac-10, winner of one BCS title (USC, 2004) in 11 years.

• Better OT format, college or pro?

College -- 99 percent; pro --1 percent. The lone fan of the NFL rules? A Pac-10 player: "I like that pressure. If you lose the toss, you have to make a play to survive."

• What's the worst rule in college football?

More players are worried about being heard than hurt. Excessive celebration (22 percent) was the most hated penalty, edging horse-collar tackles (12 percent) and crown-of-the-helmet hits (11 percent).

• Does replay work well?

They may not like every call, but 78 percent of those polled think the refs get it right in the end, with identical responses from BCS and non-BCS players.

• Are the refs doing a good job?

Although 57 percent of ACC players see room for improvement, every other conference's players gave the men in black-and-white a vote of confidence. Overall, refs get a 71 percent approval rating.

• Do you notice the cheerleaders at other schools?

An overwhelming 81 percent answered yes. Players singled out seven schools: Clemson, Cincinnati (haha), Florida International, Louisville, South Florida, UCLA and their No. 1 -- Oregon.

• How many times a week do you get hit on?

It's pretty good to be a college football player. On average, they're hit on 5.5 times every week. It's really good to be playing at a BCS school, where players get hit on 6.6 times a week. And it's really, really good to be a Pac-10 player, where that number is 10.2.

• Should academic fraud be a bigger concern for the NCAA?

Yes -- 47 percent; no -- 51 percent. Both sides cited the Florida State scandal. Says one concerned player: "Look at what they're doing at FSU." Says one unconcerned player: "Look at what they're doing to FSU."

• Do you have any gay teammates?

Almost half of those surveyed (49.4 percent, to be exact) said yes, they believe they have at least one gay teammate. In the Pac-10, 70 percent of those surveyed said yes.

• Does the NCAA do enough to promote fair-hiring practices?

Even though only seven of the 120 FBS head coaches are African-American, the majority of players (61 percent) don't see a need to address minority hires. (This one makes me frown, even moreso than the OSU overrated question. Damn.)


(Credit: ESPN & Bruce Feldman and Ryan Hockensmith )

Your Best Bet In Sports Television This Weekend [10/4-10/6]

College Football:

Top Five Games To Watch

Florida St. vs. Miami (Look I know this game has little to no real value on shit but it is 'The U' against FSU and I'm a bit of a softy for rivals and nostalgia. I don't expect much and I don't even expect this game to be that close. I couldn't name three players on either side of this game or in total but I'll still probably watch this.

My prediction: I'll be sleep by the 2nd offensive play, lol but seriously FSU 30 - Miami 21

Auburn vs. Vanderbilt (I want to say that I smell upset here but really my nose is stopped up and I can't smell my upper lip so I can't in good faith go out and say something I don't believe in. Now do i want Auburn to fall? Yes, they're ahead of OSU and UF so they're in my way but they won't lose this one. Vandy is actually ranked this year and it looks like a good matchup on paper betwween two ranked teams but Auburn was considered contenders for a Championship this year so I can't see them losing this early in the season twice. The SEC is the best conference in the nation and it isn't even close so I wouldn't be completely surprise if Vanderbilt wins but I don't see it happening.)

My prediction: Auburn 35 - Vandy 18

OSU vs. Wisconsin (Probably the best game of the weekend that is going to be the knockout blow for one of these two teams with BCS game hopes and fortunately it won't be OSU. A win here for either club means a Top Ten entry next week which is goof for us but bad for the rest of the country that respect the Big Ten about as much as they respect Sarah Palin. Wisky is a good team. They always are year after year with a great balance of Run and Defense; A poor man's OSU if you will. I just think if you can't handle the young Wolverines there's no way you can handle Pryor and Beanie. Just no. Anyway the class of the Big Ten ins't even on the line in this game. That's a crap shoot between Penn St., Mich. St. and these two teams but Saturday night goes a long way toward settling that picture.)

My prediction: OSU 24 Wisconsin 17

Texas vs. Colorado (The Big 12 is a big fraud of conference and this game should be an indicator of why I believe that's so. I see Colorado winning this game which they really shouldn't but because Texas always gets Top 25 love year in and year out for God knows what reason everyone is going to act all surprised when Colorado wins and I won't be and neither should the intelligent readers of His Aura Was Orange. There's not a team in the Big 12 that will have less that 2 losses before the seasons over and that's not because the conference is so good, but because the conference is so shitty. So Big 12 fans, sorry but prepare yourself fo rthat let down because it will happen. Anyway)

My prediction: Colorado 28 Texas 21

Finally Oregon vs. USC (Every part of me wants to say USC doesn't lose twice in a row and how that's a prideful team and Pete Carroll just don't allow that kind of bullshit to happen and how this is still the greatest team in the history of organized sports (no wait that's what Mark May wants to say, sorry for the confusion) but for some reason, something in my gut says otherwise. I just can't pick USC to win this game. It's going to be a great game to watch and one that we'll all remember though on Monday.)

My prediciton: Oregon 33 - USC 30

NFL:

Top Five Games To Watch

Tennessee vs. Baltimore (Two better defenses I not. Gonna be surprised if there's more than 24 points scored in this one total.)
Buffalo vs. Arizona (You have the most potent air striking offense in the league when clicking against a defense that looks to inpose it's will up front and in the secondary. The classic offense v. defense matchup and a match between two unlikely division leaders. Good game right hurr. )
Tampa Bay vs. Denver (Two teams, both with great run games, both with great defenses, both 3-1, somethings got to give)
Washington vs. Philly (Look, the NFC East has been the best division in football. No reason to miss this at all.)
Indy vs. Houston (Too bad teams but on paper but I guarantee it's going to be good.)

(*My predictions in bold)

Pittsburgh and Jacksonville is going to be a good matchup too but frankly I'd rather watch Obama lose this election than watch that ugly ass game.

Also just a programming note, don't sleep on that Kimbo Slice v. Ken Shamrock flight either. I know I'll be flipping the channel between that and the game in the nightcap so don't cheat yourselves on that.

Also feel free to hit up the chatbox or comment box with any hate I'm due in the event I'm massively wrong in my picks but keep it PC. That's what it's there for. Keep it interestin gy'all. Peace.