College Football 2001

1. Rex Grossman: Was the AP Player of the Year and finished 2^nd in the Heisman voting.

He was named first team All-American by the AP and Football News. He was also the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

Grossman led nation in passing efficiency and total offense (354.9 per game), first player to do both since Steve Young in 1983.

The Gators sophomore threw for 3,896 yards 34 TDs (3^rd in NCAA) and completed 65% of his passes.

He set NCAA record in yards per play (9.1).

Rex torched #7 LSU on 22-33 for 464 yards (school record) and 5 TDs.

He was 21-32 302 yards 3 TDs vs. #13 So. Carolina.

In the Orange Bowl, he picked apart #11 Maryland on 20-28, 248 yards, and 4 TDs.

Florida finished #3 in the final polls and was 11-2. They pounded ACC champion Maryland in the Orange Bowl 56-23.

2. Ed Reed: Was a unanimous All- American.

He made consensus All-American for the 2^nd straight year. He was also the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

Reed was also named national defensive player of the year by Football News.

He led the NCAA with nine interceptions.

The senior safety was 2^nd in the country with 206 yards and 2 TDs off those nine picks.

Reed led the Big East with 18 pass break ups.

He helped save Miami’s perfect season with this heads up play vs. #21 Boston College.

Miami led NCAA in scoring D (9.4) PPG, INTs, and turnovers. They were 2^nd in passing yards allowed (138 per game).

Reed had 44 tackles, 2 FR and a blocked punt return for TD in win over #15 FSU.

He had two picks in season finale win over #18 Virginia Tech.

In the Rose Bowl, Reed had a game high 9 tackles and pass break up.

Miami cemented its #1 ranking with wins over top 15 foes Syracuse and Washington by a combine 124-7. 

They won games by 33 PPG and pounded #4 Nebraska and Heisman winner Eric Crouch 37-14 to win their first title in 10 years and 5^th overall.

The Canes had 11 starters and 17 players overall who were drafted in the first round. 7 starters and 14 players would go on to the Pro Bowl. 

3. Joey Harrington: Was the PAC-10 Player of the Year.

He finished 4th in Heisman, and was a finalist for Unitas Award (QB of the Year).

Harrington was 2nd team All American by the Sporting News.

After being snubbed by the BCS, #2 Oregon settled for the Fiesta Bowl.

Harrington lit up then #3 Colorado for 350 yards and 4 TDs. He was named game MVP.

The Ducks QB threw for 2,415 yards 23 TDs and just 5 Ints. He also rushed for 7 TDs.

Against Arizona St. he threw for 319 yards and a school record 6 TDs.

Oregon went 11-1 and won the PAC-10. They finished #2 at the end of the regular season but were left out of the national championship. They remained at #2; its highest ranking ever.