John Nestor

Everyone has an opinion on Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow these days, but the unconventional quarterback leading Denver to a 5-1 record has definitely swayed that opinion in Tebow's favor.

Everyone heard the quips about Tebow after an embarrassing loss to the Lions in his second start. Since then, Tebow has quieted the critics by leading Denver to three straight wins, including an impressive 16-13 comeback win over the Chargers Sunday.

USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley didn't like Tebow unconventional style, but has since changed his mind.

"I find it so intriguing," Barkley told he LA Times. "I haven't really respected his quarterback play for the longest time just because I like typical drop-back quarterbacks, that's just who I am. But I love Tim for who he is and for how he's a gamer. He wins games. No matter how he does it, I mean, he's doing it and that's what you want to do when you're playing football."

Barkley, who like Tebow has a strong Christian faith, is emerging as one of the best QB's in college football with 39 touchdowns this season and hopes to follow Tebow's footsteps to this year's Heisman.

Tebow won the award as a sophomore in 2007 and played through his senior year. Barkley, a junior this season, has yet to decide whether he will forgo his senior year for the NFL Draft.

The Broncos (6-5) need a win at the 2-9 Vikings Sunday to stay in thick of the playoff race.

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