December 5, 2001 BIG APPLE BOUND. Crouch named finalist for Heisman Trophy, award ceremony in New York on Saturday. After losing to Colorado on the day after Thanksgiving, many sports pundits said Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch was not only down, but out for the count in terms of winning this year’s Heisman Trophy. That, despite a record-breaking performance against Colorado, in which the Husker quarterback racked up 360 total yards against the Buffs. Crouch’s performance was overshadowed, and nearly forgotten, after the stunning Colorado win against the BCS #1 Huskers, and many people not only considered the Huskers’ chances of winning a national championship as good as dead, but Eric Crouch’s Heisman hopes were pipe dreams and nothing else. What a difference a couple weeks makes. Crouch was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy Tuesday and will be in New York on Saturday, December 8th for the awards presentation. It will be broadcast live on ESPN starting at 6 p.m. central time from the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Manhattan. Even ABC Sports commentator Brent Musburger, often a loud Husker critic, says Crouch deserves to win. He is listed as the favorite according to ESPN, and many people across the country…not just Husker fans…believe Crouch has it wrapped up and will take the Heisman home with him to Lincoln. There are four finalists, all of which are quarterbacks. They are Rex Grossman of Florida, Ken Dorsey of Miami, and Joey Harrington of Oregon. The awards will be broadcast before players know the outcome of the Tennessee-LSU game, which has national championship implications written all over it. So, Crouch could get the Heisman and a trip to Pasadena all in the same night. Or not. This year’s award ceremony will be held away from the Downtown Athletic Club for the first time in 67 years. The club, located in lower Manhattan, was damaged in the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City. More from Lincoln Journal-Star 12-08-01: Crouch arrives on Broadway. More from Omaha World-Herald 12-08-01: Big Night Before in Big Apple. More from Lincoln Journal-Star A look at the finalists from ESPN Eric Crouch Chat Transcripts from ESPN.com on 12/4/01 Feedback