Hall of Fame Class of 2003 2003
There may never be a better college football story depicting the rewards of patience than that of Texas Tech’s B.J Symons. Symons’ parents helped him move into his dorm room in the fall of 1999. One presidential term length later, Symons took the controls from Kliff Kingsbury, and in a season for the ages he obliterated single-season passing records and broke the 50 touchdown barrier before it became the vogue thing to do.
Why:
52 freaking touchdowns, that’s why. How about a five-game midseason stretch where he averaged (yes averaged) about 558 yards passing and five scores per? This Slim Shady look-alike took advantage of his “one shot” and approached Andre Ware and David Klingler levels. However unlike the aforementioned Houston Cougars, Symons dominated while standing in against blitzes from the big boys. He’s a prime example of why keeper league owners consider drafting 8-year old quarterbacks that live in Mike Leach’s subdivision.
The numbers:
How do 5,833 yards passing to go along with his 52 touchdowns sound? The fact that he started all 13 games doesn’t say much until one considers that he tore his ACL six games into the 2003 campaign. Having never torn an ACL I can't speak for certain, however I’d imagine having a difficult time lying in bed, let alone tossing five touchdowns in Stillwater. Yes, he had two absolutely horrific performances against Colorado and in Norman, however when one does toss 52 scores in a season owners tend to be a tad more forgiving.
Signature moment:
On October 5th of 2003 the Aggies of Texas A&M ventured into Lubbock, and B.J Symons was standing behind the door, waiting with a 2X4. Throwing for 586 and 661 yards the weeks before, Symons finalized his triumvirate of epic fantasy performances, scorching Franchione’s boys to the tune of 34-46 for 505 yards and eight touchdown passes. This wasn’t David Klingler tossing 11 scores while pummeling a hapless Eastern Washington squad. This was a Big XII quarterback executing the unkindest cut of all against a Big XII traditional rival and power, and it ensured Symons’ place in college fantasy football history.
Final thought:
Some may simply dismiss the accomplishments of Symons (and other Tech quarterbacks) while stating that the numbers are simply a product of the Leach system. I contend that none of these critics have played for Mike Leach and/or tossed the pigskin in the Big XII. 2003 finally saw Symons earn his turn on stage, and what followed was a masterful Shakespearean performance.
2003 Season Stats: 5833 yards pass, 52 TDs pass, 22 INTs, 197 yards rush, 5 TDs rush