PAT MCMAHON

Winners

Dec 3, 2013, 9:02 PM | Updated: Dec 4, 2013, 9:04 pm

For every real sports columnist in the media business, my apologies for this, my second football entry in two days.

Monday, I suggest that all University of Arizona fans swallow their pride and tradition and back Arizona State University against Standford in the championship game this Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium.

Tuesday, I can’t help but wave a little more maroon and gold, not directed at the team’s accomplishments, but at the one man most singularly responsible for the dramatic turn around in just two years: Pac-12 Coach of the Year Todd Graham.

Yes, the recognition is pouring into Tempe: Will Sutton is the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, 17 Sun Devils are on All-Pac-12 teams, but this isn’t just a sports success story. And the man who wrote the real story is Todd Graham.

It’s a life story for the players — a story about discipline, character, personal pride and sacrifice. Their locker room went from looking like a landfill to an immaculate place of business and the people who do business there have the look of champions.

I’m Pat McMahon.

Pat McMahon

Pat McMahon

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Watch Pat McMahon on “The Morning Scramble” weekday mornings at 8 a.m. on AZTV, Channel 7 (Cox Cable 13).

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Watch Pat McMahon on “The Morning Scramble” weekday mornings at 8 a.m. on AZTV, Channel 7 (Cox Cable 13).

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Watch Pat McMahon on “The Morning Scramble” weekday mornings at 8 a.m. on AZTV, Channel 7 (Cox Cable 13).

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ADVANCE FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 19 AND THEREAFTER – In this photo taken March 19, 2015, John Hinkle...

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Watch Pat McMahon on “The Morning Scramble” weekday mornings at 8 a.m. on AZTV, Channel 7 (Cox Cable 13).

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Watch Pat McMahon on “The Morning Scramble” weekday mornings at 8 a.m. on AZTV, Channel 7 (Cox Cable 13).

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Watch Pat McMahon on “The Morning Scramble” weekday mornings at 8 a.m. on AZTV, Channel 7 (Cox Cable 13).

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Winners