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CPD
Chasing Heisman
Monday, November 13, 2006
1. (1) Troy Smith, Ohio State
QB
Odds: 2-1
Next week: vs. Michigan
Comment: He's spent a season winning the Heisman, but he could still lose it against the Wolverines.
2. (2) Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
QB
5-1
Next week: vs. Army
Comment: Threw just 19 passes against Air Force, but completed four of them for touchdowns, and hasn't tossed an interception in six games.
3. (6) Ray Rice, Rutgers
RB
Odds: 12-1
Next week: at Cincinnati
Comment: Took advantage of his big moment, rushing for 131 yards and two touchdowns as Rutgers stayed unbeaten with win over Louisville.
4. (off) Darren McFadden, Arkansas
QB
Odds: 15-1
Next week: at Mississippi St.
Comment: With 403 rushing yards and four touchdowns the past two weeks, he's the reason the Razorbacks are rolling.
5. (5) Mike Hart, Michigan
RB
Odds: 20-1
Next week: at Ohio State
Comment: The whole world is watching, but even a huge game and Wolverines win won't get him the trophy, but should secure an invite.
6. (4) JaMarcus Russell, LSU
QB
Odds: 25-1
Next week: vs. Mississippi
Comment: Completed 85 percent of his passes and threw three touchdowns in leading win over Alabama.
7. (7) Steve Slaton, West Virginia
RB
Odds: 50-1
Next week: at Pittsburgh
Comment: Off the radar, ran for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Cincinnati.
Dropped out: (3) Colt McCoy, Texas QB.
Chasing Heisman
Monday, November 13, 2006
1. (1) Troy Smith, Ohio State
QB
Odds: 2-1
Next week: vs. Michigan
Comment: He's spent a season winning the Heisman, but he could still lose it against the Wolverines.
2. (2) Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
QB
5-1
Next week: vs. Army
Comment: Threw just 19 passes against Air Force, but completed four of them for touchdowns, and hasn't tossed an interception in six games.
3. (6) Ray Rice, Rutgers
RB
Odds: 12-1
Next week: at Cincinnati
Comment: Took advantage of his big moment, rushing for 131 yards and two touchdowns as Rutgers stayed unbeaten with win over Louisville.
4. (off) Darren McFadden, Arkansas
QB
Odds: 15-1
Next week: at Mississippi St.
Comment: With 403 rushing yards and four touchdowns the past two weeks, he's the reason the Razorbacks are rolling.
5. (5) Mike Hart, Michigan
RB
Odds: 20-1
Next week: at Ohio State
Comment: The whole world is watching, but even a huge game and Wolverines win won't get him the trophy, but should secure an invite.
6. (4) JaMarcus Russell, LSU
QB
Odds: 25-1
Next week: vs. Mississippi
Comment: Completed 85 percent of his passes and threw three touchdowns in leading win over Alabama.
7. (7) Steve Slaton, West Virginia
RB
Odds: 50-1
Next week: at Pittsburgh
Comment: Off the radar, ran for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Cincinnati.
Dropped out: (3) Colt McCoy, Texas QB.
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Heisman poll, November 14
STORY TOOLS
November 14, 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 in 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 12-of-19, 185 yards, 4 TDs 49 (9)
Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame 14-of-19, 207 yards, 4 TDs 31 (1)
Ray Rice, RB Rutgers 22 carries, 131 yards, 2 TDs 20
Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia 12 carries, 148 yards, 2 TDs 18
Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas 30 carries, 181 yards, 2 TDs 18
? Others: Mike Hart, RB, Michigan, 5; Chad Henne, QB, Michigan, 2; Colt Brennen, QB, Hawaii, 2; JaMarcus Russell, QB, Louisiana State, 1; Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee, 1; Jared Zabransky, QB, Boise, 1; John Beck, QB, Brigham Young, 1; Colt McCoy, QB, Texas, 1.
? The voters: Kirk Bohls (Austin American-Statesman); Scott Cain (Arkansas Democrat Gazette); Dennis Dodd (CBSSportsLine); Vahe Gregorian (St. Louis Post-Dispatch); Mike Griffith (Knoxville 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).
Heisman poll, November 14
STORY TOOLS
November 14, 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 in 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 12-of-19, 185 yards, 4 TDs 49 (9)
Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame 14-of-19, 207 yards, 4 TDs 31 (1)
Ray Rice, RB Rutgers 22 carries, 131 yards, 2 TDs 20
Steve Slaton, RB West Virginia 12 carries, 148 yards, 2 TDs 18
Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas 30 carries, 181 yards, 2 TDs 18
? Others: Mike Hart, RB, Michigan, 5; Chad Henne, QB, Michigan, 2; Colt Brennen, QB, Hawaii, 2; JaMarcus Russell, QB, Louisiana State, 1; Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee, 1; Jared Zabransky, QB, Boise, 1; John Beck, QB, Brigham Young, 1; Colt McCoy, QB, Texas, 1.
? The voters: Kirk Bohls (Austin American-Statesman); Scott Cain (Arkansas Democrat Gazette); Dennis Dodd (CBSSportsLine); Vahe Gregorian (St. Louis Post-Dispatch); Mike Griffith (Knoxville 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).
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cfn
It?s been ten years since the SEC produced a Heisman winner, Florida?s Danny Wuerffel. It was 11 years before that when Auburn?s Bo Jackson won the award. All things being cyclical in sports, it might be about time for college football?s top conference to deliver another Heisman Trophy winner.
If so, you better believe that man will be Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, who is forcing voters to pay attention to his exploits after tearing off 400 yards, four touchdowns and a touchdown pass in primetime, nationally televised wins over South Carolina and Tennessee. No matter how you size up Heisman wannabes, he fits the criteria. Plays for a championship contender. Check. Has the requisite numbers. Check. Plays big in big games. Check. Looks good on the highlight reels. Check. Had McFadden been healthy for the opener with USC, heck, he might not have been playing from so far behind over the past two months. Once the dust settles from this week?s Michigan-Ohio State game, Troy Smith will have fired his last salvo in the 2006 race. While he?s preparing for finals, McFadden will still have two huge games with national significance left with LSU and Florida, provided the Hogs hold on to the SEC West. If he continues carving up quality SEC defenses like a butcher, he just might sneak up on the favorites and pass them on the way to New York City. Check the calendar. It?s about time.
The following ranking is not a personal opinion, rather a handicapping of how the contenders would fare if a vote was taken today.
1. QB Troy Smith, Ohio State ? Smith rebounded like Greg Oden from his worst game of 2006, throwing four touchdown passes in a resounding 54-10 win over Northwestern. With No. 2 Michigan up next, he has a chance to either put the Heisman Trophy in a vault or leave the door open for someone else to make up ground over the next two weekends. In the history of this storied rivalry, no Buckeye quarterback has been more prolific than Smith, who?s accounted for 723 yards, five touchdowns no interceptions and two wins in two games against Michigan.
Last Week: 12-of-19 for 185 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT (Northwestern)
This Week: Michigan
2006 Season: 170-of-256 for 2,191 yards, 26 TDs and 4 INTs ? 58 carries for 221 yards and 1 TD
Barometer: Rising
2. QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame ? Quinn efficiently carved up Air Force for four touchdown passes on just 19 throws in Colorado Springs, leaving one more opportunity against Army to bolster the numbers before getting a make-or-break crack at USC in the Coliseum. One awful game from Troy Smith coupled with an Irish upset of the Trojans, and voila, we could have a new frontrunner before the calendar says December.
Last Week: 14-of-19 for 207 yards and 4 TDs (Air Force)
This Week: Army
2006 Season: 230-of-357 for 2,786 yards, 29 TDs and 4 INTs ? 2 rushing TDs
Barometer: Steady
3. RB Ray Rice, Rutgers ? Rutgers is all the rage these days, which has meant maximum publicity for Rice and his head coach Greg Schiano. Every time the Scarlet Knights needed a play in Thursday?s showcase game with Louisville, the sophomore delivered a seven or eight-yard run that softened the Cardinal defense. As long as Rice is playing an integral role in a perfect Rutgers season, he?s going to be hard to move outside the top 5.
Last Week: 22 carries for 131 yards and 2 TDs (Louisville)
This Week: at Cincinnati
2006 Season: 245 carries for 1,334 yards and 15 TDs
Barometer: Rising
Heisman Contender of the Week
4. RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas ? McFadden?s stock is soaring with Heisman voters after he followed up a career-high 219 yards against South Carolina with another monster game at Tennessee?s expense. As if 181 yards on 30 carries wasn?t enough, he added a touchdown pass for the second time in three games, which will look nice on a resume. McFadden has a chance to own the Southern region, which boasts no other candidates that can match his achievements.
Last Week: 30 carries for 181 yards and 2 TDs ? 1 TD pass (Tennessee)
This Week: at Mississippi State
2006 Season: 197 carries for 1,219 yards and 12 TDs ? 2 TD passes ? 1 TD catch
Barometer: Rising
5. RB Mike Hart, Michigan - Healthy for an entire season, Hart has positioned himself to have a clear view of the top spot currently occupied by Troy Smith. If Hart out performs Smith in a Wolverine win, can he switch positions with the Buckeye quarterback? Considering the historical magnitude of this weekend?s game don?t rule it out.
Last Week: 19 carries for 92 yards and 1 TD (Indiana)
This Week: at Ohio State
2006 Season: 278 carries for 1,373 and 11 TDs ? 13 catches for 122 yards
Barometer: Steady
6. RB Steve Slaton, West Virginia ? After taking a hit in the Louisville game two weeks ago, Slaton steadied his Heisman campaign with a nifty 12 yards per carry and a pair of touchdown runs. He?s firmly in the hunt to become a finalist, but won?t win the award and is losing some support by playing in the same backfield with Pat White, who?s had a touchdown run in the last seven games.
Last Week: 12 carries for 148 yards and 2 TDs (Cincinnati)
This Week: at Pittsburgh
2006 Season: 181 carries for 1,363 yards and 12 TDs ? 14 catches for 165 yards
Barometer: Steady
7. QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii ? Brennan was recently named a semifinalist for the Davey O?Brien Award, a clear sign his exploits are not being lost on the national media. What makes his candidacy so unique and compelling for a WAC quarterback is that it?s been built on more than just fancy passing numbers. Yes, the 43 touchdown passes are the attention-grabber, but Brennan is also No. 1 nationally in passing efficiency and has led the Warriors to seven straight wins and more than 60 points in four of the last five games.
Last Week: 27-of-40 for 406 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT ? 1 rushing TD (Louisiana Tech)
This Week: vs. San Jose State
2006 Season: 275-of-380 for 3,753 yards, 43 TDs and 7 INTs ? 52 carries for 266 yards and 3 TDs
Barometer: Rising
8. RB Ian Johnson, Boise State ? Johnson?s meteoric rise up the Heisman charts has paralleled the ascent of his unbeaten Bronco team, however, a partially collapsed left lung leaves his status for this week?s game with Utah State very much up in the air. The nation?s leading scorer can afford to miss one week, but if he?s played his final regular season game, it?ll be next to impossible to climb any higher than where he rests right now.
Last Week: 29 carries for 149 yards and 1 TD (San Jose State)
This Week: vs. Utah State
2006 Season: 222 carries for 1,466 yards and 21 TDs
Barometer: Steady
9. QB Colt McCoy, Texas ? It looked like it was going to be another banner night for McCoy, who led the Longhorns down the field for a score on their opening drive. It wasn?t meant to be, however. McCoy suffered a stinger lunging for a score, sitting out all but the first series of Texas? crippling loss in Manhattan. He?ll dip a little further during this week?s bye before getting back to action a week from Friday against Texas A&M.
Last Week: 4-of-4 for 51 yards ? 1 rushing TD (Kansas State)
This Week: Idle
2006 Season: 174-of-250 for 2,102 yards, 27 TDs and 4 INTs ? 64 carries for 181 yards and 2 TDs
Barometer: Falling
10. WR Ted Ginn, Ohio State ? With the entire world watching this Saturday, Ginn has the perfect venue to parlay a show-stopping performance into a ticket to New York City as a finalist. More likely, however, he?ll finish somewhere outside the top 5, especially since the Buckeyes will be off the next two weekends, while others can still be impressing the voters.
Last Week: 2 catches for 40 yards and 1 TD (Northwestern)
This Week: Michigan
2006 Season: 51 catches for 677 yards and 8 TDs ? 1 punt return TD ? 1 TD pass
Barometer: Falling
Also Getting Votes .?. QB Pat White (West Virginia), RB Marshawn Lynch (Cal), WR Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech), RB P.J. Hill (Wisconsin), QB JaMarcus Russell (LSU), QB John David Booty (USC), QB Zac Taylor (Nebraska), QB Chad Henne (Michigan), QB Chris Leak (Florida), RB Garrett Wolfe (Northern Illinois), QB John Beck (BYU) and QB Kevin Kolb (Houston)
It?s been ten years since the SEC produced a Heisman winner, Florida?s Danny Wuerffel. It was 11 years before that when Auburn?s Bo Jackson won the award. All things being cyclical in sports, it might be about time for college football?s top conference to deliver another Heisman Trophy winner.
If so, you better believe that man will be Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, who is forcing voters to pay attention to his exploits after tearing off 400 yards, four touchdowns and a touchdown pass in primetime, nationally televised wins over South Carolina and Tennessee. No matter how you size up Heisman wannabes, he fits the criteria. Plays for a championship contender. Check. Has the requisite numbers. Check. Plays big in big games. Check. Looks good on the highlight reels. Check. Had McFadden been healthy for the opener with USC, heck, he might not have been playing from so far behind over the past two months. Once the dust settles from this week?s Michigan-Ohio State game, Troy Smith will have fired his last salvo in the 2006 race. While he?s preparing for finals, McFadden will still have two huge games with national significance left with LSU and Florida, provided the Hogs hold on to the SEC West. If he continues carving up quality SEC defenses like a butcher, he just might sneak up on the favorites and pass them on the way to New York City. Check the calendar. It?s about time.
The following ranking is not a personal opinion, rather a handicapping of how the contenders would fare if a vote was taken today.
1. QB Troy Smith, Ohio State ? Smith rebounded like Greg Oden from his worst game of 2006, throwing four touchdown passes in a resounding 54-10 win over Northwestern. With No. 2 Michigan up next, he has a chance to either put the Heisman Trophy in a vault or leave the door open for someone else to make up ground over the next two weekends. In the history of this storied rivalry, no Buckeye quarterback has been more prolific than Smith, who?s accounted for 723 yards, five touchdowns no interceptions and two wins in two games against Michigan.
Last Week: 12-of-19 for 185 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT (Northwestern)
This Week: Michigan
2006 Season: 170-of-256 for 2,191 yards, 26 TDs and 4 INTs ? 58 carries for 221 yards and 1 TD
Barometer: Rising
2. QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame ? Quinn efficiently carved up Air Force for four touchdown passes on just 19 throws in Colorado Springs, leaving one more opportunity against Army to bolster the numbers before getting a make-or-break crack at USC in the Coliseum. One awful game from Troy Smith coupled with an Irish upset of the Trojans, and voila, we could have a new frontrunner before the calendar says December.
Last Week: 14-of-19 for 207 yards and 4 TDs (Air Force)
This Week: Army
2006 Season: 230-of-357 for 2,786 yards, 29 TDs and 4 INTs ? 2 rushing TDs
Barometer: Steady
3. RB Ray Rice, Rutgers ? Rutgers is all the rage these days, which has meant maximum publicity for Rice and his head coach Greg Schiano. Every time the Scarlet Knights needed a play in Thursday?s showcase game with Louisville, the sophomore delivered a seven or eight-yard run that softened the Cardinal defense. As long as Rice is playing an integral role in a perfect Rutgers season, he?s going to be hard to move outside the top 5.
Last Week: 22 carries for 131 yards and 2 TDs (Louisville)
This Week: at Cincinnati
2006 Season: 245 carries for 1,334 yards and 15 TDs
Barometer: Rising
Heisman Contender of the Week
4. RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas ? McFadden?s stock is soaring with Heisman voters after he followed up a career-high 219 yards against South Carolina with another monster game at Tennessee?s expense. As if 181 yards on 30 carries wasn?t enough, he added a touchdown pass for the second time in three games, which will look nice on a resume. McFadden has a chance to own the Southern region, which boasts no other candidates that can match his achievements.
Last Week: 30 carries for 181 yards and 2 TDs ? 1 TD pass (Tennessee)
This Week: at Mississippi State
2006 Season: 197 carries for 1,219 yards and 12 TDs ? 2 TD passes ? 1 TD catch
Barometer: Rising
5. RB Mike Hart, Michigan - Healthy for an entire season, Hart has positioned himself to have a clear view of the top spot currently occupied by Troy Smith. If Hart out performs Smith in a Wolverine win, can he switch positions with the Buckeye quarterback? Considering the historical magnitude of this weekend?s game don?t rule it out.
Last Week: 19 carries for 92 yards and 1 TD (Indiana)
This Week: at Ohio State
2006 Season: 278 carries for 1,373 and 11 TDs ? 13 catches for 122 yards
Barometer: Steady
6. RB Steve Slaton, West Virginia ? After taking a hit in the Louisville game two weeks ago, Slaton steadied his Heisman campaign with a nifty 12 yards per carry and a pair of touchdown runs. He?s firmly in the hunt to become a finalist, but won?t win the award and is losing some support by playing in the same backfield with Pat White, who?s had a touchdown run in the last seven games.
Last Week: 12 carries for 148 yards and 2 TDs (Cincinnati)
This Week: at Pittsburgh
2006 Season: 181 carries for 1,363 yards and 12 TDs ? 14 catches for 165 yards
Barometer: Steady
7. QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii ? Brennan was recently named a semifinalist for the Davey O?Brien Award, a clear sign his exploits are not being lost on the national media. What makes his candidacy so unique and compelling for a WAC quarterback is that it?s been built on more than just fancy passing numbers. Yes, the 43 touchdown passes are the attention-grabber, but Brennan is also No. 1 nationally in passing efficiency and has led the Warriors to seven straight wins and more than 60 points in four of the last five games.
Last Week: 27-of-40 for 406 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT ? 1 rushing TD (Louisiana Tech)
This Week: vs. San Jose State
2006 Season: 275-of-380 for 3,753 yards, 43 TDs and 7 INTs ? 52 carries for 266 yards and 3 TDs
Barometer: Rising
8. RB Ian Johnson, Boise State ? Johnson?s meteoric rise up the Heisman charts has paralleled the ascent of his unbeaten Bronco team, however, a partially collapsed left lung leaves his status for this week?s game with Utah State very much up in the air. The nation?s leading scorer can afford to miss one week, but if he?s played his final regular season game, it?ll be next to impossible to climb any higher than where he rests right now.
Last Week: 29 carries for 149 yards and 1 TD (San Jose State)
This Week: vs. Utah State
2006 Season: 222 carries for 1,466 yards and 21 TDs
Barometer: Steady
9. QB Colt McCoy, Texas ? It looked like it was going to be another banner night for McCoy, who led the Longhorns down the field for a score on their opening drive. It wasn?t meant to be, however. McCoy suffered a stinger lunging for a score, sitting out all but the first series of Texas? crippling loss in Manhattan. He?ll dip a little further during this week?s bye before getting back to action a week from Friday against Texas A&M.
Last Week: 4-of-4 for 51 yards ? 1 rushing TD (Kansas State)
This Week: Idle
2006 Season: 174-of-250 for 2,102 yards, 27 TDs and 4 INTs ? 64 carries for 181 yards and 2 TDs
Barometer: Falling
10. WR Ted Ginn, Ohio State ? With the entire world watching this Saturday, Ginn has the perfect venue to parlay a show-stopping performance into a ticket to New York City as a finalist. More likely, however, he?ll finish somewhere outside the top 5, especially since the Buckeyes will be off the next two weekends, while others can still be impressing the voters.
Last Week: 2 catches for 40 yards and 1 TD (Northwestern)
This Week: Michigan
2006 Season: 51 catches for 677 yards and 8 TDs ? 1 punt return TD ? 1 TD pass
Barometer: Falling
Also Getting Votes .?. QB Pat White (West Virginia), RB Marshawn Lynch (Cal), WR Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech), RB P.J. Hill (Wisconsin), QB JaMarcus Russell (LSU), QB John David Booty (USC), QB Zac Taylor (Nebraska), QB Chad Henne (Michigan), QB Chris Leak (Florida), RB Garrett Wolfe (Northern Illinois), QB John Beck (BYU) and QB Kevin Kolb (Houston)
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Bleed S & G
Taking Crazy Pills
or my personal favorite when quinn throws the video game hail maryHodge;660470; said:
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ulukinatme
Old Skool
I wouldn't point fingers, Troy has fewer attempts/completions and still has more yards per completion. Sounds like hes throwing bombs more often than Brady
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ulukinatme;661389; said:I wouldn't point fingers, Troy has fewer attempts/completions and still has more yards per completion. Sounds like hes throwing bombs more often than Brady
You'd have to watch the film and see the YAC yards to know for sure.
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Cornerback6
Optimism Lover
Braids has thrown over 100 passes more than Troy and only has 3 more passing touchdowns. A clown can read those stats and figure out that if Troy were to throw the same amount, he'd be pushing high 30's in TDs.
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timBUCK2
Tim the Enchanter... WOLVERINE SLAYER!!
Both BQ and TS are great quarterbacks and undisputed leaders of their respective teams. I'm certain the ND fans wouldn't trade BQ for TS - nor would tOSU fans trade TS for BQ.
The primary difference between Quinn and Smith is marquee game play:
(#3) ND VS (#13) UM - Quinn had an embarrassing performance against the only 'great' team ND's played so far this season. BQ created key turnovers (3 for scores) resulting in a blowout that's actually worse than the final score indicates.
Spread Result: Michigan Covers +31.5
(#8) ND AT (#9) USC - Time will tell...
-------------------
(#1) OSU AT (#2) UT - Smith' stellar performance leads Buckeyes a surprisingly lopsided victory.
Spread Result: OSU Covers +20
(#1) OSU VS (#2) UM - Time will tell...
------------------
Even if TS has a similarly bad game against UM, he still has a more impressive victory (#2 Texas) under his belt. With the dissapointing loss of USC to Oregon State, BQ will have to have a ridiculous, lights out performance against #9 Southern Cal to hang with Troy's performance.
The Heisman goes to the best college player on the best college team, which is why Troy has been the undisputed Heisman leader since week 3.
The fact that BQ might go higher in the draft and might have better 'pro potential' is irrelevant to the Heisman trophy winner. In fact, the only reason Quinn is still 2nd in the Heisman race is because he has The Luck of the Irish.
The primary difference between Quinn and Smith is marquee game play:
(#3) ND VS (#13) UM - Quinn had an embarrassing performance against the only 'great' team ND's played so far this season. BQ created key turnovers (3 for scores) resulting in a blowout that's actually worse than the final score indicates.
Spread Result: Michigan Covers +31.5
(#8) ND AT (#9) USC - Time will tell...
-------------------
(#1) OSU AT (#2) UT - Smith' stellar performance leads Buckeyes a surprisingly lopsided victory.
Spread Result: OSU Covers +20
(#1) OSU VS (#2) UM - Time will tell...
------------------
Even if TS has a similarly bad game against UM, he still has a more impressive victory (#2 Texas) under his belt. With the dissapointing loss of USC to Oregon State, BQ will have to have a ridiculous, lights out performance against #9 Southern Cal to hang with Troy's performance.
The Heisman goes to the best college player on the best college team, which is why Troy has been the undisputed Heisman leader since week 3.
The fact that BQ might go higher in the draft and might have better 'pro potential' is irrelevant to the Heisman trophy winner. In fact, the only reason Quinn is still 2nd in the Heisman race is because he has The Luck of the Irish.
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THROW DOWN
Smith has Buckeyes at No. 1, but Irish's Quinn still has fighting chance at Heisman
By WENDELL BARNHOUSE
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
TROY SMITH
More photos
Ohio State senior quarterback Troy Smith has remained the Heisman Trophy favorite as his team has been No. 1 all season.
And while the Buckeyes face another No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown when Michigan visits Columbus on Saturday, Smith has seen his Heisman candidacy evolve into a two-man race.
Notre Dame senior quarterback Brady Quinn has been lurking all season. Quinn has relentlessly updated his r?sum?. In his last three games against mediocre competition, he has 11 TD passes and 848 yards passing.
Smith can solidify his grip on the bronze stiff-arming statuette in his regular-season finale against No. 2 Michigan. He has bedeviled the Wolverines the past two seasons (723 total yards, five TDs).
The Heisman has become a two-man race thanks to injuries (Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, Texas' Colt McCoy), flaws (fumbles by West Virginia's Steve Slaton) and low profiles (Hawaii's Colt Brennan and Rutgers' Ray Rice).
A look at the two top contenders and the long shots who might show up for the presentation in New York on Dec. 9:
Troy Smith Ohio State
Why he's worthy: Much like Texas' Vince Young last season, Smith has concentrated on passing instead of running. He's completing 66 percent of his passes with 26 touchdown passes and just four interceptions.
Why he's not: Being the seasonlong favorite can be counterproductive. Smith could face the same voter boredom/backlash that cost Peyton Manning the Heisman in 1997.
Make or break game: Saturday against Michigan. How Smith performs and the outcome of the game should help voters decide if his seasonlong status as the favorite was fitting.
Brady Quinn Notre Dame
Why he's worthy: He wears a gold helmet. He's a senior quarterback. He has 2,786 yards passing and 29 touchdowns against just four interceptions for a team with a 9-1 record.
Why he's not: Quinn wasn't impressive in Notre Dame's only loss and most of his statistics have come against average to below-average competition.
Make or break game: At USC on Nov. 25. Quinn's performance in a nationally televised prime-time game against a storied rival could influence the voters. That game will be freshest in the voters' minds.
The long shots Colt McCoy, Texas
Why he just misses: The redshirt freshman was making a run before the injury and the loss at Kansas State slowed the momentum.
What he needs to do: He needs big numbers against Texas A&M and in the Big 12 title game to snag an invitation to New York.
Darren McFadden, Arkansas
Why he just misses: He's arguably the nation's best running back but his Heisman campaign has started too late.
What he needs to do: If the voters hold their votes, and the Razorbacks win the SEC title behind McFadden, he could move up.
Ray Rice, Rutgers
Why he just misses: Like McFadden, he's an impressive runner but the Scarlet Knights are late to the party.
What he needs to do: If he piles up the yards against West Virginia and Rutgers goes undefeated, he could make the short trip to Manhattan.
THROW DOWN
Smith has Buckeyes at No. 1, but Irish's Quinn still has fighting chance at Heisman
By WENDELL BARNHOUSE
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
TROY SMITH
More photos
Ohio State senior quarterback Troy Smith has remained the Heisman Trophy favorite as his team has been No. 1 all season.
And while the Buckeyes face another No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown when Michigan visits Columbus on Saturday, Smith has seen his Heisman candidacy evolve into a two-man race.
Notre Dame senior quarterback Brady Quinn has been lurking all season. Quinn has relentlessly updated his r?sum?. In his last three games against mediocre competition, he has 11 TD passes and 848 yards passing.
Smith can solidify his grip on the bronze stiff-arming statuette in his regular-season finale against No. 2 Michigan. He has bedeviled the Wolverines the past two seasons (723 total yards, five TDs).
The Heisman has become a two-man race thanks to injuries (Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, Texas' Colt McCoy), flaws (fumbles by West Virginia's Steve Slaton) and low profiles (Hawaii's Colt Brennan and Rutgers' Ray Rice).
A look at the two top contenders and the long shots who might show up for the presentation in New York on Dec. 9:
Troy Smith Ohio State
Why he's worthy: Much like Texas' Vince Young last season, Smith has concentrated on passing instead of running. He's completing 66 percent of his passes with 26 touchdown passes and just four interceptions.
Why he's not: Being the seasonlong favorite can be counterproductive. Smith could face the same voter boredom/backlash that cost Peyton Manning the Heisman in 1997.
Make or break game: Saturday against Michigan. How Smith performs and the outcome of the game should help voters decide if his seasonlong status as the favorite was fitting.
Brady Quinn Notre Dame
Why he's worthy: He wears a gold helmet. He's a senior quarterback. He has 2,786 yards passing and 29 touchdowns against just four interceptions for a team with a 9-1 record.
Why he's not: Quinn wasn't impressive in Notre Dame's only loss and most of his statistics have come against average to below-average competition.
Make or break game: At USC on Nov. 25. Quinn's performance in a nationally televised prime-time game against a storied rival could influence the voters. That game will be freshest in the voters' minds.
The long shots Colt McCoy, Texas
Why he just misses: The redshirt freshman was making a run before the injury and the loss at Kansas State slowed the momentum.
What he needs to do: He needs big numbers against Texas A&M and in the Big 12 title game to snag an invitation to New York.
Darren McFadden, Arkansas
Why he just misses: He's arguably the nation's best running back but his Heisman campaign has started too late.
What he needs to do: If the voters hold their votes, and the Razorbacks win the SEC title behind McFadden, he could move up.
Ray Rice, Rutgers
Why he just misses: Like McFadden, he's an impressive runner but the Scarlet Knights are late to the party.
What he needs to do: If he piles up the yards against West Virginia and Rutgers goes undefeated, he could make the short trip to Manhattan.
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Quinn now has 2 of 10 first place votes in the USA-Today survey.
usatoday
With three weeks remaining in the season, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith remains the clear-cut leader in the latest USA TODAY Heisman Trophy poll.
Smith, who has thrown 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions, received eight of 10 possible first-place votes for a total of 48 points. His last chance to impress voters comes this Saturday when the top-ranked Buckeyes face No. 2 Michigan.
Should Smith stumble against the Wolverines, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn is in position to make a run. Quinn received the other two first-place votes and has 36 points. The senior threw for four touchdowns as the Irish defeated Air Force and stayed on track for their showdown with Southern California at the end of the month.
Rutgers running back Ray Rice kept his hold on third place, but gained ground on the leaders after his strong play in an upset of Louisville. The sophomore now has 25 points and could continue his upward movement if the Scarlet Knights can continue to stay unbeaten.
Michigan's Michael Hart, the nation's sixth-leading rusher, remains in fourth place with 13 points. Hart, like Smith, will have the nation's attention for a final push in this week's monumental game in Columbus.
Arkansas running back Darren McFadden joins the poll for the first time this year in fifth place. The sophomore garnered 12 points after running for 181 yards and two touchdowns and throwing for another score in a 31-14 defeat of Tennessee.
Four other players also received votes with West Virginia's Steve Slaton and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan holding down sixth and seventh place with eight and five points, respectively. Boise State's Ian Johnson and
Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson are eighth and ninth.
Voting is done by a panel of 10 writers and editors from USA TODAY and USA TODAY.com. Points are tabulated on 5-4-3-2-1 basis.
usatoday
With three weeks remaining in the season, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith remains the clear-cut leader in the latest USA TODAY Heisman Trophy poll.
Smith, who has thrown 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions, received eight of 10 possible first-place votes for a total of 48 points. His last chance to impress voters comes this Saturday when the top-ranked Buckeyes face No. 2 Michigan.
Should Smith stumble against the Wolverines, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn is in position to make a run. Quinn received the other two first-place votes and has 36 points. The senior threw for four touchdowns as the Irish defeated Air Force and stayed on track for their showdown with Southern California at the end of the month.
Rutgers running back Ray Rice kept his hold on third place, but gained ground on the leaders after his strong play in an upset of Louisville. The sophomore now has 25 points and could continue his upward movement if the Scarlet Knights can continue to stay unbeaten.
Michigan's Michael Hart, the nation's sixth-leading rusher, remains in fourth place with 13 points. Hart, like Smith, will have the nation's attention for a final push in this week's monumental game in Columbus.
Arkansas running back Darren McFadden joins the poll for the first time this year in fifth place. The sophomore garnered 12 points after running for 181 yards and two touchdowns and throwing for another score in a 31-14 defeat of Tennessee.
Four other players also received votes with West Virginia's Steve Slaton and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan holding down sixth and seventh place with eight and five points, respectively. Boise State's Ian Johnson and
Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson are eighth and ninth.
Voting is done by a panel of 10 writers and editors from USA TODAY and USA TODAY.com. Points are tabulated on 5-4-3-2-1 basis.
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OmahaBeef
Intergalactic Planetary Planetary Intergalactic
DCBuckFan;662391; said:
I agree with all that. But its still not like Troy has much to worry about. 8 first place votes to 2 isnt exactly close. Also, as long as Troy plays well against _ichigan (which he will) he has nothing to worry about.
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OregonBuckeye
Semper Fi Buckeyes
OmahaBeef;662429; said:
But it lets you know that they're ready to pounce at any mistake he makes but are more forgiving of Brady Quinn.
Hey asshole voters, Quinn has thrown the ball 100 more times than Troy. Get you heads out of your asses and you'll see there's no comparison. Brady couldn't hold Troy's jockstrap.
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