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Ted Miller continues his Trogan love affair

Many "Top" lists were made on the eve of the Pac-12's inauguration day.  We have already discussed one of them, which if not slightly biased based on geography, was at least interesting.

Well, Ted Miller, the ESPN blogger who covers the Pac-10, created his own list.  This is his All-time, All Pac-10 football team, which only includes players who graduated after 1978.

Now, as with any list, there is some subjectivity involved, particularly when it comes to linemen, for whom measurables are hard to come by.  But still, even statistics alone should not be enough to qualify someone for such a list.

As such, I don't really have a problem with MIller's selections, even though he admits himself that his kicker will cause UCLA fans to "slap their foreheads".  His pick of Jason Hansen can at least be argued reasonable (even though we all know Kai Forbath is just as solid a pick).

Still, two of his selections just make me shake my head and show Miller's ongoing love affair with the Cheat Carroll era.  We have all seen how he has come across as nothing more than a mouthpiece and lapdog for the Trogans, as detailed here and numerous other times.  His latest piece does nothing to dispel that image.

You see, Miller's selection at Quarterback is none other than ballroom dancing diva Matt Leinart, and one of his Wide Receivers is the other half of the Odd Couple, his freeloading roommate Dwayne Jarrett.

Now let's dispense with the statistical details, which show that Leinart is a Heisman winner who threw the most TDs in conference history (99), which is 14 more than the next guy.

As for Dwayne Jarrett, he is 1st in touchdowns, 5th in receptions, and 7th in receiving yards.

All in all, pretty impressive numbers, seemingly worthy...so why do I have a problem with these picks?

First, let's look at the roster Leinart had at his disposal:  Reggie Bu$h, Lendale White, Dwayne Jarrett, and some amazing defenses.  That helps.

Second, let's look at the players Jarrett had by his side:  Steve Smith and Patrick Turner.  Do you think that helped him get open a little bit?

In essence, I have a bit of a problem when the WR is selected for all the TD's he caught when the guy throwing those passes is also on the list.  As a tandem, they may be tops, but I find it hard to judge that when the supporting cast is so good.  For example, I would even put Carson Palmer ahead of Leinart, because he also won the Heisman and put up great numbers while having to slog through with a crappy coach for some time.  I of course have a soft spot for Cade McNown and Troy Aikman, but my pick here would be John Elway.

As for Jarrett, again, very impressive numbers, but let's look at other receivers who were often the focus of the defense and got double coverage:  Derek Hagan (ASU), Reggie Williams (UW), JJ Stokes (UCLA) even Mike Williams (U$C).  This pick bothers me even more than the Leinart pick.

Lest you think I have a bias against Trogans (wait...I do!), I find his picks for Running Back adequate.  Charles White was a stud, as was Marcus Allen.  But I am not sure that 7 Trogans deserve to be on such a list.

For Cornerback, I would have put Carlton Gray well before Antoine Cason (a bit of a WTF pick).

Anyway, the other Bruins on his list are Kenny Easley, Jonathan Ogden and Jerry Robinson.  

Discuss!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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