As an SEC football fan, I know a little something about being passionate about your team. I cheer as loud, if not louder, than any other fan I know on Saturday afternoons. I engage in the good-natured ribbing of my teams' rivals and I don't pause when saying "I hate Orange". However, I also try to be rational where wins and losses are concerned—you have to draw a line—integrity still has to be maintained no matter what.
So, when I read the story about the trees on Toomer's Corner, located in Auburn, Alabama, being destroyed, it bothered me.
In case you haven't heard the story, here it is in a snapshot: "A tree killing herbicide was intentionally applied in lethal amounts to the soil around the 130 year-old live oak trees at Toomer's Corner and there is little chance the trees will survive." (Courtesy of CBS42)
The incident was brought to the attention of Auburn officials after a caller to the Paul Finebaum show stated he had poisoned the trees. Listen to that clip here:
What struck me as most disturbing about the caller was his justification as to why he did what he'd done. He did not appear to be troubled, concerned, or bothered by the enormity of his act as, in his mind, it was an "eye for an eye".
For those of you who would say they're just a bunch of trees, you're missing the point. It's about respecting the pageantry and tradition of another school—no matter your differences—and what this man did, if he truly did it, is criminal and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Rivalries can be a glorious thing, but they can also be dangerous if they are taken too far and this, make no mistake about it, took it too far. The officials at Auburn are now concerned not only about the likelihood of saving Toomer's trees—which as already stated, seems unlikely—but also about the trees and shrubbery contained within the surrounding area as the herbicide used was powerful enough to taint the soil system as well.
So unnecessary.
Hopefully the madness will end here and there won't be any retaliation, but something tells me this won't be the end of this story.
It's been a long time since the BCS saw three quarterbacks who were able to dominate the game, with their arms and their legs, the way Denard Robinson, Cam Newton, and Taylor Martinez have this season.
Patrick White, of West Virginia, was a product of the very system that Rich Rodriguez brought to Michigan. The very one that Denard Robinson is excelling in today. However, not even White was as impressive as Robinson has been through his first six games of the year.
So far, the sophomore has compiled 991 yards on 119 carries (19.83 avg)—that includes two 200 yard games. As a matter of fact, prior to his being stymied by a motivated Michigan State team, there seemed to be no team in the country capable of slowing him down.
While he tends to rely on his legs more than his arms, he has been very proficient in the passing game as well—completing nearly 68 percent of his attempts and passing for more than 1200+ yards and 8 touchdowns.
He's been superhuman on the football field and he is the biggest reason why the Wolverines are 5-1:
Taylor Martinez is the starting quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He hasn't gotten nearly as much publicity or love as Robinson, but he's no less impressive.
Martinez has a little over half the rushing attempts of Robinson (68), but has already accumulated 737 yards on the ground (10.84 avg) and scored 12 times.
As a passer, there is still plenty of work to be done. Where Robinson is more efficient with his passes, Martinez has been prone to making careless mistakes while trying to do too much. That has led to as many interceptions as it has touchdowns, and partially explains his reliance on his legs to get the job done when his arm would be more than sufficient.
Nebraska is currently ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll and there are high hopes that with Texas, seemingly, in a rebuilding year, it will come down to Oklahoma and Nebraska for the Big 12 title.
Martinez also has the luxury of additional offensive playmakers to compliment his game—both Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu provide a fierce ground attack. Then there's that tough Nebraska defense to help keep the other team from making his job too difficult.
Cam Newton has been a dream player for Auburn this year. Not only has he proven to be clutch over the last six weeks—averting losses to Mississippi State, South Carolina, Clemson, and Kentucky via last minute heroics—but he's remained cool in each of the four pressure-cooker situations he's faced.
It is clear that the offense will live and die with Newton's play. He's Auburn's ace-in-the-hole because he will either beat you early or break your heart late.
The true test of his mettle will come in the next few weeks of the season, where he will be forced to take on a Ryan Mallett-led Arkansas, a luck-led LSU, and a pride-led Georgia...all before meeting up with Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
That said, he still has much to prove about how good he truly is, but there are no doubts about his talent.
So, who's the best of the three. Well, considering the overall level of competition, you have to give the edge to Newton. Martinez hasn't really been tested against an upper-level defense, and Robinson's showing against Michigan State proves that there are limits to what he can do—if a sufficient challenge is mounted.
Who's the best in your mind? Who's done the most for his team this season?
