(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

We are inches past the halfway point in the 2009 season and thus it has been a roller-coaster ride.

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford will opt to have surgery on his shoulder which has deteriorated more quickly than the Detroit economy.

Fans from Ohio State are not so quick to defend quarterback Terrelle Pryor's play on the field anymore.

Boise State, Iowa, Cincinnati, and TCU are all ranked in the top ten of the Bowl Championship Series rankings. Penn State, Virginia Tech, Ohio State and Oklahoma are not.

California's Jahvid Best has fallen off of the map after rushing for five touchdowns at Minnesota.

Notre Dame's offensive strategy is officially a mess. Charlie Weiss is officially on the hot seat, and quarterback Jimmy Clausen has officially saved his head coach's job at least twice this season, with no thanks to the playbook.

Regardless, how the BCS rankings stand today will not matter at the end of November.

One thing that usually does not change too much is the mid-season All-American lists.

Instead of sticking with the obvious, I will bring a harsh reality view into who should be honored and why. Those that disregard the mainstream media on these kind of views will love this.

First Team All-America: Offense

OT Jason Fox - Miami Hurricanes

• Fox has anchored an offensive line in Miami that has been shredded in years' past. In 2009, it has become one of the better lines in protecting the quarterback and ensuring that 'Canes passer Jacory Harris stays within reach of the Heisman Trophy discussion.

OG Jeff Byers - USC Trojans

• Jeff Byers is the "Van Wilder" of college football. I swear he has been around forever. 2009 is his sixth-year of eligibility and Byers looks better than he was before all of his injuries.
  

OC John Estes - Hawaii Warriors

• You may have never heard of this guy but if you get a chance to catch Hawaii on your flatscreen TV, watch how Estes dominates the opposing interior linemen. He would be earning his due within the mainstream media if he played for Florida, USC, or Texas.

OG Mike Johnson - Alabama Crimson Tide

• No offensive line is as dominant in the nation as Alabama's. They keep the chains moving and keep the opposing defense on the field. Mike Johnson can be credited as the leader of this unit. He is often seen pancaking defenders while paving the way for 'Bama running back Mark Ingram.

OT Dace Richardson - Iowa Hawkeyes

• After missing most of 2007 and all of 2008 with injuries, Dace Richardson has bounced back onto the scene as the foremost unknown offensive tackle in football. He is one of the main cogs for a Hawkeyes squad that controls their own destiny in regards to running the table.

TE Aaron Hernandez - Florida Gators

• Hernandez has more of an impact for the Florida Gators than tight end Dennis Pitta has for the BYU Cougars. Hernandez can be utilized with the shuffle pass, out of the backfield, or on screens and gadget plays. Hernandez has bailed Tim Tebow's offense out when it mattered most.

WR Golden Tate - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• Notre Dame's "golden child," properly named Golden Tate is averaging 135 total yards per game. He has torched anybody and everybody as his quarterback Jimmy Clausen has leaned on him in crucial moments.

WR Freddie Barnes - Bowling Green Falcons

• Ideally, many will point to the system Barnes plays in but let's look at the numbers. Barnes, through seven games, has hauled in 85 receptions. The next closest is Keith Smith at Purdue with 54 receptions. At 6'2", Barnes has the best hands we may have ever seen on the collegiate level. He just does not drop a pass.

WR Mardy Gilyard - Cincinnati Bearcats

• No one has a clue about Cincinnati outside of their star quarterback Tony Pike. Well, senior wide receiver Mardy Gilyard is having one of the best seasons for a wide-out in America that one can have. He averages 113 total yards per game and has scored nine total touchdowns through six outings.

RB Toby Gerhart - Stanford Cardinal

• When a defense can stop Gerhart for four quarters, let me know. Gerhart has trampled, demolished, and broken defenses now for two years in a row but is only now gaining some recognition. He is fifth nationally in rushing.

RB Ryan Williams - Virginia Tech Hokies

• This freshman will lose some star-power in regards to the Heisman Trophy since the Hokies now have two losses on the year but it is remarkable that his numbers are comparable to Adrian Peterson's of his freshman season.

QB Jimmy Clausen - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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