2006 Heisman Discussion (merged all)

[jlb1705]

No chance that Tressel changes the gameplan for the Heisman Race. The goals for the rest of this season are to beat M*ch*g*n, win the Big Ten championship, and win the national championship. I think Tressel or Smith either one would say that the best thing Smith can do to win the Heisman is to accomplish those goals (or at least the first two, since the Heisman is awarded before the bowls.) Therefore, the playcalling for each game is likely going to reflect Jim Tressel managing for wins the rest of the season, and not for single-game stats. Having seen how Tressel operates though, Smith is still going to have ample opportunity to put up numbers and make plays within the confines of that philosophy, because Tressel will be inclined to run the offense through the most trustworthy, fundamentally sound and ball-secure player he has, and that just happens to be Troy Smith.

Meanwhile, does everybody remember last year that only three Heisman candidates (Bush, Leinart and Young) got invited to New York rather than five candidates, as had been the recent custom? The reason that was given last year was that those three were so far ahead of everyone else in the discussion that it was kind of pointless to invite anyone else. So far this year, Troy Smith is leading this thing like Secretariat. Does anyone else think it would be funny if he was the only one they invited to NYC?

 

[BuckTwenty]

The only question I have for this list...Where is Ginn?
If Calvin Johnson is on the list, then Ginn should be above him.

You can make a real decent argument with that too, especially since CJ laid an egg last game when his team really needed him.

Ted Ginn Jr.
41 rec, 589 yards (14.4 ypc), 11 TDs
3 runs, 15 yards (5.0 y/car), 0 TDs
1 comp/2 att, 38 yards, 1 TD
18 punt returns, 228 yards (12.7 y/ret), 1 TD
7 kick returns, 111 yards (15.9 y/ret), 0 TDs
Note: Return statistics are INCLUDING every kicker/punter squibbing or punting away from him (particularly on kickoffs)

Calvin Johnson
35 rec, 559 yards (16.0 ypc), 14 TDs
3 runs, 29 yards (8.5 y/car), 0 TDs
Note: GT has played one fewer game than OSU... Johnson also doesn't return kicks/punts.


2 physical freaks right there. One has reported sub-4.3 speed, one has a reported 45"+ vertical. Incredible. Both are Heisman worthy. Ginn deserves more pub in comparison to the amount that Johnson is receiving.

 

[Onebuckfan]

It looks like Garett Wolfe couldn't hold up under the spotlight or the workload. That's one thing Troy has going for him when the spotlight has been on he produces. Scum can talk all day but you know their nightmares all begin and end with Troy.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

ESPN Experts Poll


Each week, ESPN.com's panel of experts casts its votes for the top Heisman candidates. The panel consists of analysts, former players, former coaches and ESPN.com's college football staff.

This page will be updated each Monday.

Name Position School Year 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total
Troy Smith QB Ohio State Sr. 15 0 0 0 0 75
Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame Sr. 0 7 4 3 0 46
Steve Slaton RB West Virginia So. 0 6 3 1 0 35
Ray Rice RB Rutgers So. 0 1 3 4 1 22
Mike Hart RB Michigan Jr. 0 0 1 3 2 11
James Davis RB Clemson So. 0 1 1 0 0 7
Ted Ginn Jr. WR Ohio State Jr. 0 0 1 1 2 7
Pat White QB West Virginia So. 0 0 1 1 1 6
Marshawn Lynch RB Cal Jr. 0 0 0 2 1 5
Chad Henne QB Michigan Jr. 0 0 1 0 1 4
P.J. Hill RB Wisconsin Fr. 0 0 0 0 3 3
Erik Ainge QB Tennessee Jr. 0 0 0 0 1 1
Colt Brennan QB Hawaii Jr. 0 0 0 0 1 1
Ian Johnson RB Boise State So. 0 0 0 0 1 1
Garrett Wolfe RB Northern Illinois Sr. 0 0 0 0 1 1



ESPN's Take


by Robert Smith, Special to ESPN.com Each week, ESPN.com asks one of its Heisman Watch voters to explain his picks.
No. 1 -- Troy Smith
Smith is the clear Heisman favorite. His touchdowns (21) and yards (1,715) are unbelievable, but it's his touchdown-to-turnover ratio that really turns heads. In the past 15 games, he has thrown 34 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Smith is winning big road games and has shined against tough competition. Smith's efficiency and decision making are what set him apart.
No. 2 -- James Davis
Davis gets the edge over the competition because he has put up big numbers against tough squads. It's not easy to play in the ACC, and it's even harder to average nearly 7 yards per carry and score 16 touchdowns in the league. Davis steps up his game when his team needs him most -- he put up 216 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns against Georgia Tech.
No. 3 -- Steve Slaton
Slaton powers undefeated West Virginia, and even though the Mountaineers haven't faced their toughest competition yet, you can't ignore his speed -- or his numbers. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this season and is averaging 7 yards per carry, which is a pretty impressive number.
No. 4 -- Ray Rice
Rice is in a situation similar to Slaton's. Pitt was Rutgers' first real challenge of the season, and Rice put in a workhorse-type performance, carrying the ball 39 times for 225 yards. He is the primary focus of the Scarlet Knights' offense and because of that, attracts the full attention of defenses. Most D-coordinators stack the line against him, yet he still has tallied 1,124 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
No. 5 -- Ian Johnson
Boise State's fearless running back has flown below most people's radars, but he consistently puts up impressive numbers (1,181 yards, 18 touchdowns) and has propelled the Broncos to No. 15 in the polls. It's more than likely, if Boise State stays undefeated, that the Broncos will be in a BCS bowl. If Johnson continues to put up more four- and five-touchdown games en route to a bowl, people will start to notice.
In the past, I've voted for Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe. Peterson's injury knocked him out of the race, and Wolfe's ineffectiveness -- two consecutive games under 50 yards -- have dropped him from my ballot. I voted for Quinn early on, but he has not performed like a Heisman winner. Quinn has been hurt by his offensive line but also has been lucky to pull off the come-from-behind wins.

 

[BB73]

espn.heisman06


Name.............Position...........School..............Year........1st........2nd......3rd.......4th......5th.......Total
Troy Smith.........QB..............Ohio State..........Sr...........15..........0.........0..........0.........0..........75
Brady Quinn........QB..............Notre Dame.........Sr...........0...........7.........4..........3.........0..........46
Steve Slaton.......RB..............West Virginia.......So...........0...........6.........3..........1.........0..........35
Ray Rice.............RB..............Rutgers..............So...........0...........1.........3..........4.........1...........22
Mike Hart............RB..............Michigan.............Jr............0...........0.........1..........3.........2...........11
James Davis........RB..............Clemson..............So...........0...........1.........1..........0.........0............7
Ted Ginn Jr.........WR.............Ohio State...........Jr............0...........0.........1..........1.........2............7
Pat White...........QB..............West Virginia.......So...........0...........0.........1..........1.........1............6
Marshawn Lynch..RB...............Cal....................Jr............0...........0.........0..........2.........1............5
Chad Henne........QB..............Michigan..............Jr...........0...........0.........1..........0.........1............4
P.J. Hill...............RB..............Wisconsin............Fr...........0...........0.........0..........0.........3............3
Erik Ainge...........QB..............Tennessee...........Jr...........0...........0.........0..........0.........1............1
Colt Brennan.......QB..............Hawaii.................Jr...........0...........0.........0..........0.........1............1
Ian Johnson.........RB..............Boise State.........So..........0...........0.........0..........0.........1............1
Garrett Wolfe.......RB..............Northern Illinois....Sr..........0...........0.........0..........0.........1.............1

ESPN's Take
by Robert Smith, Special to ESPN.com
Each week, ESPN.com asks one of its Heisman Watch voters to explain his picks.

No. 1 -- Troy Smith
Smith is the clear Heisman favorite. His touchdowns (21) and yards (1,715) are unbelievable, but it's his touchdown-to-turnover ratio that really turns heads. In the past 15 games, he has thrown 34 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Smith is winning big road games and has shined against tough competition. Smith's efficiency and decision making are what set him apart.

No. 2 -- James Davis
Davis gets the edge over the competition because he has put up big numbers against tough squads. It's not easy to play in the ACC, and it's even harder to average nearly 7 yards per carry and score 16 touchdowns in the league. Davis steps up his game when his team needs him most -- he put up 216 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns against Georgia Tech.

No. 3 -- Steve Slaton
Slaton powers undefeated West Virginia, and even though the Mountaineers haven't faced their toughest competition yet, you can't ignore his speed -- or his numbers. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this season and is averaging 7 yards per carry, which is a pretty impressive number.

No. 4 -- Ray Rice
Rice is in a situation similar to Slaton's. Pitt was Rutgers' first real challenge of the season, and Rice put in a workhorse-type performance, carrying the ball 39 times for 225 yards. He is the primary focus of the Scarlet Knights' offense and because of that, attracts the full attention of defenses. Most D-coordinators stack the line against him, yet he still has tallied 1,124 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

No. 5 -- Ian Johnson
Boise State's fearless running back has flown below most people's radars, but he consistently puts up impressive numbers (1,181 yards, 18 touchdowns) and has propelled the Broncos to No. 15 in the polls. It's more than likely, if Boise State stays undefeated, that the Broncos will be in a BCS bowl. If Johnson continues to put up more four- and five-touchdown games en route to a bowl, people will start to notice.


In the past, I've voted for Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe. Peterson's injury knocked him out of the race, and Wolfe's ineffectiveness -- two consecutive games under 50 yards -- have dropped him from my ballot. I voted for Quinn early on, but he has not performed like a Heisman winner. Quinn has been hurt by his offensive line but also has been lucky to pull off the come-from-behind wins.

 

[Yertle]

The USA Today made a comment about how Troy Smith is Ronald Reagan and the rest of the field is Walter Mondale. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I thought that was frigging hysterical.

 

[Best Buckeye]

Figure Clemson to lose again and Rice and Slaton could lose once or even twice in conference. Ian johnson plays for Boise. Also davis is a Soph. It's the old whirlpool of the Heisman race.
Smith
Hart
Quinn
Slaton

 

[BB73]

You can make a real decent argument with that too, especially since CJ laid an egg last game when his team really needed him.

Ted Ginn Jr.
41 rec, 589 yards (14.4 ypc), 11 TDs
3 runs, 15 yards (5.0 y/car), 0 TDs
1 comp/2 att, 38 yards, 1 TD
18 punt returns, 228 yards (12.7 y/ret), 1 TD
7 kick returns, 111 yards (15.9 y/ret), 0 TDs
Note: Return statistics are INCLUDING every kicker/punter squibbing or punting away from him (particularly on kickoffs)

Calvin Johnson
35 rec, 559 yards (16.0 ypc), 14 TDs
3 runs, 29 yards (8.5 y/car), 0 TDs
Note: GT has played one fewer game than OSU... Johnson also doesn't return kicks/punts.


2 physical freaks right there. One has reported sub-4.3 speed, one has a reported 45"+ vertical. Incredible. Both are Heisman worthy. Ginn deserves more pub in comparison to the amount that Johnson is receiving.

Those receiving TD numbers aren't accurate. Johnson has 8 on receptions, and Ginn has 7.

 

[Best Buckeye]

Those receiving TD numbers aren't accurate. Johnson has 8 on receptions, and Ginn has 7.

It would be nice to see Ted get to go to NY but he seriously doesn't have a chance to win the Heisman. #1 He doesn't have the stats yet to win it. 2. Troy would have to lose it, in which case Ted would drop also. Unless of course he runs back 4 or 5 more kicks for TD's . Then he might stand a chance.

 

[calibuck]

Glass Half Empty?

Is there anyone else out there in Buckeyeland that is bothered by the 'assumed' edness that Troy Smith is a 'shoo in' for the Heisman? Everything I have seen says that 'he improved his Heisman leading statistics with four first half TD passes' and othersuch comments.

I realize that I'm a 'glass half empty' kinda person (pessamist), but it troubles me that all the good stuff he's done this year would go down the tubes if Michigan somehow upsets OSU. I've posted what a wonderful turnaround he's made (almost not making admissions to where he is today) and to the tenacity (waaaaay behind Zwick to being the unquestioned leader), as well as remaking himself as a true QB........

But it makes me uncomfortable to see the 'assumed' role of Troy. As well as the 'race is to see who will play OSU' in the BCS championship game. Yes, if Michigan wins, they'll play in the BCS championship, and OSU to the Rose. Heck, the Fresno Bee doesn't even bother to carry a by-line about the #1 team in the nation, just the 'good games' (as the Buckeyes handle everything so methodically).

I realize that I'm worrying about something I shouldn't, (maybe I just have never seen this 'assuming' before), except the 69 and 98 teams (am sure that Grad or Milli will add one or two I've overlooked) were 'assumed' to be the far and away best in the land, until........

It sounds like Tress and the other coaches are doing a wonderful job of keeping the kids psyched up (probably reminding them of the 69 and 98 versions) and to let them know that they control their destiny, and it looks like Nov 18 is shaping up to be bigger than USC - Texas last year (in my humble opinion). (Vbet on market share of OSU-Michigan vs USC-Michigan?)

We all know how to spell assume, right? ASS-U-ME. Thanks to all the posters who keep us'uns up to date with all the articles.


:gobucks3: :gobucks4:

 

[jlb1705]

You can make a real decent argument with that too, especially since CJ laid an egg last game when his team really needed him.

Ted Ginn Jr.
41 rec, 589 yards (14.4 ypc), 11 TDs
3 runs, 15 yards (5.0 y/car), 0 TDs
1 comp/2 att, 38 yards, 1 TD
18 punt returns, 228 yards (12.7 y/ret), 1 TD
7 kick returns, 111 yards (15.9 y/ret), 0 TDs
Note: Return statistics are INCLUDING every kicker/punter squibbing or punting away from him (particularly on kickoffs)

Calvin Johnson
35 rec, 559 yards (16.0 ypc), 14 TDs
3 runs, 29 yards (8.5 y/car), 0 TDs
Note: GT has played one fewer game than OSU... Johnson also doesn't return kicks/punts.


2 physical freaks right there. One has reported sub-4.3 speed, one has a reported 45"+ vertical. Incredible. Both are Heisman worthy. Ginn deserves more pub in comparison to the amount that Johnson is receiving.

Those receiving TD numbers aren't accurate. Johnson has 8 on receptions, and Ginn has 7.

The answer to this question is simple, and somewhat unfair. Despite similar stats, Ginn is not receiving as much Heisman pub as Johnson because he is not the main man on his team and Calvin Johnson is.

It's not a matter of the two players being on the same team - We've seen concurrent candidacies by Bush/Leinart, Peterson/White and Dorsey/McGahee in recent years. In all of those cases though, the duos were a QB and an RB - positions where the major statistical productions are independent of one another. Ted Ginn's receiving production however comes in part as a direct result of the Heisman-worthy production of Troy Smith. You could have a chicken-or-egg argument about which one makes the other look good, but the QB usually gets the benefit of the doubt in cases like these. Meanwhile, down in Atlanta, Calvin Johnson is catching passes (well, in most games anyway) from Reggie Ball - and we ALL know which one of those two is making the other look good.

CFN has been pointing out for weeks now that the only way for Ted Ginn to become relevant in the Heisman discussion is for him to produce on plays where Troy Smith does not also produce a stat from the play - end arounds, reverses, passes, and in the return game. He's started to do that the last couple weeks, and if he keeps it up, he might be sitting alongside Troy Smith in NYC. With the way the Heisman politics work though, it's already tough enough for receivers. For a receiver who plays alongside a Heisman candidate QB though, you almost have to throw out their receiving numbers. For all intents and purposes, when Heisman voters and pundits are comparing Ginn and Johnson, it's gonna be Johnson's receiving numbers vs. Ginn's non-receiving numbers.

Not saying it's fair, but it's a reason and an answer to your (sort of) question.

 

[lvbuckeye]

The key will be to establish a running game. Doesn't have to be dominant, just enough to keep them honest. I think this is where a bruiser like Beanie will come in to play with Pitt bouncing a couple outside. TS wins the Heisman on November 18...mark my words.

i think it will be more a case of coming out throwing like crazy, hit 'em with some screens and draws, then pound the rock once we're up 3 TDs...

 

[Best Buckeye]

i think it will be more a case of coming out throwing like crazy, hit 'em with some screens and draws, then pound the rock once we're up 3 TDs...

LOL up 3 td's ? I would love to see that. The spread will probably be about 1.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

Don't forget Michigan's Hart in Heisman race



(October 24, 2006) ? Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is the front-runner, Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn is sitting slightly off the pace and Michigan running back Mike Hart has a chance to close fast for an upset in the run for the 2006 Heisman Trophy.
If the top-ranked Buckeyes finish the regular season undefeated, Smith figures to be the school's first Heisman winner since Eddie George in 1995. But if they lose, Quinn and Hart would have a shot.
Hart's big chance will be Saturday, Nov. 18, when Michigan plays at Ohio State. If he has a productive afternoon and his Wolverines upset the Buckeyes, the Heisman stock of the Section III Onondaga Central High School product would soar.
Here are their 2006 performance lines:

SMITH ? 131 of 193 (.679) for 1,715 yards, with 21 TD passes, 2 intercepted passes and a 176.4 passer rating (fourth in Division I-A) in eight games.
QUINN ? 175 of 278 (.630) for 1,938 yards with 18 TD passes, 4 intercepted passes and a 140 passer rating (34th in Division I-A) in seven games.

HART ? 191 carries for 1,032 yards (4.8 yards per carry); 8 rushing TDs; 129 yards rushing per game; and 9 catches for 91 yards in eight games.
All three candidates will be padding their stats against inferior opponents in the next few weeks:

Smith's Buckeyes host Indiana Saturday and plays at Illinois Nov. 4 and at Northwestern Nov. 11 before the Nov. 18 showdown vs. Michigan.
Hart's Wolverines host Northwestern Saturday, Ball State Nov. 4 and will be at Indiana Nov. 11 before the Ohio State game.

Quinn's Irish are at Navy Saturday, host North Carolina Nov. 4, are at Air Force Nov. 11 and host Army Nov. 18 before closing the season at Southern California on Nov. 25.
Quinn's best chance to become Notre Dame's first Heisman winner since Tim Brown in 1987 would be for Hart to be held under 150 yards in a Michigan upset over Ohio State plus a strong performance by himself in a win over the Trojans.
West Virginia running back Steve Slaton might have the best shot among the other Heisman contenders, assuming the undefeated Mountaineers win at Louisville Nov. 2. He's only a sophomore and shares star billing with QB Patrick White.

 

[osugrad21]

Link

Heisman poll, Oct. 24
STORY TOOLS


October 24, 2006
? The Rocky Mountain News Heisman poll is the longest-running weekly Heisman Trophy poll in the country, in its 20th year. The final poll in December correctly has predicted the Heisman winner 16 of the previous 19 seasons. There are 10 voters, two from each of five regions of the country. The tabulations are on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis. First-place votes in parentheses. This week's poll with statistics from last weekend:
Name, position School Statistics Points
Troy Smith, QB Ohio State 15-of-23, 220 yards, 4 TDs 50 (10)
Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia 19 carries, 128 yards, TD 28
Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame 27-of-45, 304 yards, 2 TDs 18
Marshawn Lynch, RB California 21 carries, 150 yards, 2 TDs 12
Michael Hart, RB Michigan 31 carries, 126 yards, 2 TDs 10
? Others: Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois, 9; Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers, 6; James Davis, RB, Clemson, 5; P.J. Hill, RB, Wisconsin, 3; Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State, 2; Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech, 2; Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee, 2; LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan, 2; Ian Johnson, RB, Boise State, 1.
? The votes: Kirk Bohls (Austin (Texas) American-Statesman); Scott Cain (Arkansas Democrat Gazette); Dennis Dodd (CBSSportsLine); Vahe Gregorian (St. Louis Post-Dispatch); Mike Griffith (Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel); Randy Holtz (Rocky Mountain News); John Lindsay (Scripps Howard News Service); Michael Lewis (The Salt Lake Tribune); John Rohde (The Oklahoman); Michael Vega (The Boston Globe).