Historic season
Touchdown record did not fall
Good news for football
(A Haggy Haiku)
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As much fun it is to see records from seasons and generations past fall, it was extremely gratifying to see that Montee Ball did not overtake Barry Sanders in the history books.
Oregon limited the Wisconsin running back and Heisman Trophy finalist to one touchdown in its 45-38 Rose Bowl victory Jan. 2.
Just one more score and Ball would have set the single-season touchdown record, passing Barry Sanders.
Instead, Ball and Sanders will share the distinction and total (39).
Similar to Roger Maris' home run feat in 1961 to best the Sultan of Swat Babe Ruth's mark of 60 in one season, another score and Ball would have edged Sanders while playing in more games.
Ruth's 60 dinger effort in 1927 was over a 154 game season. Maris' 61 came during a 162 game schedule.
Sanders scored 39 touchdowns in 11 games (the five he scored in the 1988 Holiday Bowl were not counted). Ball needed 14.
Not to take anything away from Ball, Sanders simply put together a better season (and more touchdowns if you include the bowl game).
As such, it would have been unfair to recognize the Wisconsin back as the single-season touchdown king.
1 comment:
Too bad when sanders played they didnt count bowl games so ball really was still off a few touchdowns.
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