Clark Wins the Silver . . . Football

Congratulations to Daryll Clark for winning the Chicago Tribune's Silver Football for the conference's Most Valuable Player.

After the votes of the 11 Big Ten coaches were tabulated, two players earned the exact same count -- three first-place votes and one second, for seven points.

What to do? Every year since its inception in 1924 (first winner: Harold "Red" Grange), the Tribune Silver Football trophy had been awarded to only one man. No need to slice it in two. Either the Big Ten office or the Tribune sports staff would break the tie.

But this year the Tribune decided that both players were worthy, so, in keeping with the spirit of the award, we have altered that policy.

Besides, would you like to tell Brandon Graham, Michigan's 263-pound defensive end, that in this case a tie equals a loss? Didn't think so.

As announced Tuesday night on the Big Ten Network, Graham and Daryll Clark, Penn State's personable fifth-year quarterback, are the 2009 Tribune Silver Football winners.

Kind of appropriate for a league that recognizes Co-champions. This is the first time since the award was started in 1924 that this has happened. Either way, it's nice to see Clark get some recognition.

Penn State has a nice summary of Clark's stats on GoPSUsports.com.

Other notes: Odrick, Bowman and Royster also received votes. Kerry Collins (1994) and Michael Robinson (2005) are previous winners of this award.

Curt Warner was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Former Penn State All-America tailback Curt Warner, the Nittany Lions' career rushing yardage leader, will gain induction in the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Warner is the 17th Penn State player to receive college football's ultimate honor.

Congratulations Curt!