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5-1 feels good, but it's hard to believe the season is already halfway over. So ... picks for mid-season awards?

Offensive MVP
Defensive MVP
Special Teams MVP
Newcomer of the year
Biggest surprise player
Best play of the year


And here goes for me:
Offensive MVP: William Houston. I could see good arguments for Chief, Greene and Johnson, but I'm going with Houston. I can think of many games we lost in all of Clawson's tenure that we probably would have won if we could have scored TDs, not FGs, in the red zone. Houston has given us that edge and the difference is unmistakable.
Defensive MVP: Gabe Martin. He has been banged up for much of the season. The defense plays so different with him on the field vs off the field. He is quick, athletic, strong, and acts as a smart leader on the defense.
Special Teams MVP: Tyler Tate. Discounting the Indiana game where every player was in a funk (except Paul Senn), Tate has been Mr. Automatic for us so far. It would be pretty cool if one of the upcoming games comes down to a last second FG and Tate delivers. We've seen plenty of losses where a missed kick cost the game and I'd love to flip the table.
Newcomer of the year: Travis Greene. I completely did not expect him to jump anywhere near the starting lineup but not just has he jumped from #6 to #1 on the depth chart, he has given us a gear on the ground game that I don't even think Anthon Samuel gave us. Impressive.
Biggest surprise player: Matt Johnson. I knew if he were to start he would be good, but he has been superb. He doesn't just manage the offense, he has been a playmaker. If only he had a receiver step up consistently, our pass attack would hit a whole new level.
Best play of the year: Jared Cohen's TD vs Kent State. I'd obviously be tempted to pick Senn's return but I would hate to pick a play in a loss. Cohen caught the pass and was about to be forced out of bounds but made a smart and athletic play to move the ball and spike it into the pylon. That bit of quick thinking gave us the lead and was an outstanding play.

I agree other than Houston, I would give that to Johnson or Greene. He doesn't get those goaline carries without them.

I'm going add one. Call it biggest disappointment if you want but Chris Gallon seems to be absent from this offense. I guess him and Schilz had some chemistry that he doesn't have with Johnson. Would be nice to see half the numbers he was putting up any the end of last season.

I like Travis Greene for Offense...kid is flat out impressive the way he makes guys look silly trying to tackle him. And he adds some power...ala Willie Geter.

Gabe Martin for Defense...his pass break up in the Akron game was a beauty and forced the Zips to try the FG...which clanked off the upright keeping the score 24-14. Honorable mention to Paul Swan for his leadership skills.

Tyler Tate for ST...the fact we aren't talking about the kicking game is good. Honorable mention to Anthony Farinella...his kickoffs have been solid and a good number of touchbacks.

Newcomer...Ronnie Moore. Dang is that dude F A S T!! BiG play capability on ANY play. Gonna be fun watching him for another 3 years.

Biggest Surprise...William Houston. Knew very little about him but man what a battering ram. Love seeing him in the game.

Best play...Either Paul Senn's blocked punt and TD return or Matt Johnson causing that Tulsa defender to TOTALLY whiff when he ducked under the tackle. THAT play was awesome. Burbrink's 92 yd TD catch and run at Kent was excellent as well.

Travis Greene for offensive MVP

Gabe Martin for defensive MVP

Special Teams: Wanted to go Tate, but I think Anthony Farinella has been great on kickoffs. Honorable mention to Paul Senn for his punt block and forced fumble vs. Indiana.

Newcomer: Ronnie Moore, easily. Big play potential and speed to burn. Hope he gets used more as the season progresses.

Biggest Surprise: Shaun Joplin. He's had a really good senior season and has had some pretty big catches. On the negative end, I'd say the pass defense in general for our lack of INTs and pass rush.

Best play: The 90-some yard pass from Johnson to Burbrink vs. Kent State. Broke the game open and has been the most exciting play of the season so far.

In fantasy football, Houston is a plausible MVP. In real football, no way.

Houston is great to have, but Greene is the offensive MVP so far.