Top of the Tide

Greg McElroy for Heisman? Barely a month into his career as a starter, No. 3 Alabama's quarterback is putting up strong enough numbers that Heisman Trophy talk is starting up. At least at his own Sunday night cookouts with buddies."They were giving me a hard time about it, saying 'Oh yeah, New York' and all that stuff," McElroy said.Playing for a national title contender helps any player's chances of getting to New York for the presentation.McElroy's numbers have been impressive if not dazzling, too. His 175.2 rating is third nationally in passing efficiency. Since a rough opening half in his first career start against Virginia Tech, McElroy has thrown for 844 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions while completing 76 percent of his passes.While he is flattered by the Heisman buzz, McElroy says that's not his focus."It's nice to get recognition for an award like that, but we're here to win championships not individual awards," McElroy said. "I think the only way that your name can get mentioned for a thing like that is having your team play well around you. ... It's not something I'm going to be thinking about or consciously worrying about." Such is life for the man they call "big bird", sure the heisman hype is probably out of control but if Alabama keeps rolling, he could be picking up a national championship trophy instead.