The Butkus Award released it’s list of finalists today. One glaring issue I see is the lack of Nate Irving. I know, I know, I’m an NC State fan and therefore am subjected to bias. However, the stats just don’t add up on this one? You’ll see below that Nate should be the second favorite to win and definitely in the top 5.
Surely they chose this list on more than just stats right? I mean they had to, to justify leaving Nate off the list and keeping the other 4 on(save Kuechly who should win as long as team performance isn’t a factor). They are probably looking for great stories to be included in the criteria. If only Nate had one of those. If only he had lost last season due to nearly dying in a car accident and then came back to post these phenomenal numbers. If only.
I’m sure there are others that deserve to be on this list as well, however this snub was quite glaring to me. I’m not saying he’s the best LB in the nation, however I’d take him over anyone on that list, that’s for sure.
Just for fun, highlights from Nate Irving’s Wolfpack victory over Bruce Carter’s Tar Heels this past weekend, courtesy of ncsuftw1. Also, thanks to Riddick and Reynolds for the Nate gif.
December 14, 2010 at 10:56 pm
This article is SPOT ON!!…Don’t matter tho..Nate WILL receive his lions share of rewards. He is without a doubt the best linebacker in the country. We know it and ANYbody who is objective knows it. Bruce Carter is a thug but since he goes to UNC-cheat??…He gets on the list. Just goes to show how much a freaking joke the Butkus award really is.
July 11, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Thanks for sharing the video. I still enjoy watching it over and over again.