OMAHA — It’s hard to think of three more beautiful words than “November college football.’’ As the old saying goes, the games we remember are played in November.
So when you write about, broadcast or administer these games, keep your eyes on those making the biggest plays because our process to pick the 2015 AutoNation Football Writers Association All-America team starts this week. Confidential teleconferences are set for Nov. 15 (defense, offensive linemen) and Nov. 22 (all others). First and second teams will be chosen.
Ballots from the FWAA membership (which are scheduled to be sent out on Nov. 9) will be used as a framework to build our teams. Please feel free to contact your regional representative from our All-America Committee with nominations, pertinent statistics and other intelligence to help us do the very best job possible.
Also, we need Outland Trophy nominees (centers, guards, offensive and defensive tackles but no ends).
The selection committee:
Lee Barfknecht, Omaha World-Herald (National)
Zach Barnett, Football Scoop (Conference USA)
Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman (National)
Aaron Brenner, Charleston Post & Courier (ACC)
Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman (Mountain West)
Lee Feinswog, Sports225 (SEC)
Tommy Hicks, Freelance (Sun Belt)
Joey Johnston, Tampa Tribune (American Athletic)
Marc Morehouse, Cedar Rapids Gazette (Big Ten)
John Shinn, Norman Transcript (Big 12)
Phil Steele, Phil Steele Magazine (Independents, National)
Ryan Thorburn, Eugene Register-Guard (Pac-12)
John Wagner, Toledo Blade (MAC)
Email addresses and phone numbers are in your directory.
The impact of picking the All-America teams hit home last summer as our blue-ribbon panel picked the AutoNation 75th Anniversary All-America Team — three 25-man units for 75 players in 75 years.
Only players who had been first-team FWAA picks through the years were eligible for consideration for the all-time team. So we take this seriously, and will expend the energy needed to do the job well.
Except “job’’ isn’t the right word.
This is our donation of time to the game we all enjoy, with the purpose to honor those deserving. Again, we welcome member input.
A couple of notes:
● A big thanks to the sports information directors who announce before games the FWAA press box policy on noise and decorum. I’ve been on the road at a game every week and have been pleased with the compliance. If there are issues, please contact me at leebee@cox.net.
● A lot of work bags look alike, so a bag tag is helpful for identification. Here’s a suggestion: Take your laminated FWAA membership card, punch a hole in it and hook it to your bag. It avoids confusion and helps promote our organization.