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Smith, Quinn, McFadden selected as finalists for Heisman Trophy
EnlargeBy Kiichiro Sato, AP
Ohio State QB Troy Smith was named one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy on Wednesday along with Notre Dame's Brady Quinn and Arkansas' Darren McFadden.
Smith is the heavy favorite to win the award Saturday night in New York.
The senior quarterback entered the season with plenty of Heisman hype and then backed it up with brilliant play for the unbeaten Buckeyes.
Smith is fourth in the nation in passer rating (167.9) and has thrown for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns with only five interceptions, leading Ohio State to the national title game against Florida on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz.
HEISMAN WATCH: Our experts unanimously pick Troy Smith
Quinn, the senior quarterback, was fourth in Heisman voting last season and has thrown 35 touchdown passes in 2006. McFadden, a sophomore, scored 16 touchdowns and led Arkansas to the Southeastern Conference title game.
Smith grabbed the lead in the Heisman race early this season. In Ohio State's first No. 1 vs. No. 2 game of the season, he threw for 269 yards and two scores against Texas in September. He was even better in the Buckeyes' second 1-2 game, throwing for 316 yards and four touchdowns in the regular-season finale against Michigan.
Smith is trying to become the sixth player from Ohio State to win the Heisman and first since running back Eddie George in 1995. It would be the seventh time a Buckeye came away with the award. Ohio State's Archie Griffin is the only two-time Heisman winner.
If Quinn pulls the upset, he'd be the eighth player from Notre Dame to win and would break a tie with USC as the school with the most. Tim Brown was the last Fighting Irish player, taking home the trophy in 1987.
Smith or Quinn could snap a string of three consecutive years when a junior has won the Heisman. USC quarterback Carson Palmer was the last senior to win it.
Last season, Reggie Bush was the third consecutive junior to win the award and third USC player in four years.
Regardless of who wins, it won't be a Southern California player for the first time in three years. Matt Leinart won it the year before Bush.
Quinn holds 30 Notre Dame records. He has thrown for 3,278 yards and only five interceptions this season, leading the Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl.
McFadden's season started slowly. He injured his foot in a bar fight in July and began the season hobbled. When he was healthy, he was the focal point of the SEC's biggest surprise team. He finished the regular season with 1,558 yards rushing.
Smith, Quinn, McFadden selected as finalists for Heisman Trophy
EnlargeBy Kiichiro Sato, AP
swapContent('firstHeader','applyHeader');NEW YORK (AP) ? Ohio State's Troy Smith and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn were selected as finalists for the Heisman Trophy on Wednesday, along with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.Smith is the heavy favorite to win the award Saturday night in New York.
The senior quarterback entered the season with plenty of Heisman hype and then backed it up with brilliant play for the unbeaten Buckeyes.
Smith is fourth in the nation in passer rating (167.9) and has thrown for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns with only five interceptions, leading Ohio State to the national title game against Florida on Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz.
HEISMAN WATCH: Our experts unanimously pick Troy Smith
Quinn, the senior quarterback, was fourth in Heisman voting last season and has thrown 35 touchdown passes in 2006. McFadden, a sophomore, scored 16 touchdowns and led Arkansas to the Southeastern Conference title game.
Smith grabbed the lead in the Heisman race early this season. In Ohio State's first No. 1 vs. No. 2 game of the season, he threw for 269 yards and two scores against Texas in September. He was even better in the Buckeyes' second 1-2 game, throwing for 316 yards and four touchdowns in the regular-season finale against Michigan.
Smith is trying to become the sixth player from Ohio State to win the Heisman and first since running back Eddie George in 1995. It would be the seventh time a Buckeye came away with the award. Ohio State's Archie Griffin is the only two-time Heisman winner.
If Quinn pulls the upset, he'd be the eighth player from Notre Dame to win and would break a tie with USC as the school with the most. Tim Brown was the last Fighting Irish player, taking home the trophy in 1987.
Smith or Quinn could snap a string of three consecutive years when a junior has won the Heisman. USC quarterback Carson Palmer was the last senior to win it.
Last season, Reggie Bush was the third consecutive junior to win the award and third USC player in four years.
Regardless of who wins, it won't be a Southern California player for the first time in three years. Matt Leinart won it the year before Bush.
Quinn holds 30 Notre Dame records. He has thrown for 3,278 yards and only five interceptions this season, leading the Fighting Irish to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl.
McFadden's season started slowly. He injured his foot in a bar fight in July and began the season hobbled. When he was healthy, he was the focal point of the SEC's biggest surprise team. He finished the regular season with 1,558 yards rushing.
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duke_shoot
BB hound
I noticed that if Smith wins it tOSU will be tied for the lead for the most trophies. That is just super. If he doesn't win someone will have to ressurect that biggest whiner thread that was up last week. 
Good Luck Troy, You deserve it.
Good Luck Troy, You deserve it.
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They haven't flown five guys to New York for a few years now. The Heisman Trust has been bankrupt for a number of years, and flying in a bunch of runner ups and putting them up in a 1st class hotel is a waste of cash. Most trophies only have three or four finalists anymore.JonathanXC;680763; said:
By 2010 they'll probably just have an ESPN SportsNation poll and then present the trophy by tele-conference.
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DDN
Heisman finalists announced
OSU's Smith (the favorite), Notre Dame's Quinn and Arkansas' McFadden are in.
Dayton Daily News
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The guys who likely will give Troy Smith hugs and handshakes at Saturday's Heisman Trophy ceremony have been selected.
Along with Smith ? Ohio State's senior quarterback ? Notre Dame senior quarterback Brady Quinn and Arkansas sophomore running back Darren McFadden were selected as Heisman finalists Wednesday.
Smith is fourth in the nation in passer rating (167.9) and has 2,507 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions. He'll lead Ohio State against Florida in the national title game Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz. Smith is a heavy favorite to win the award.
Quinn, a Dublin native, was fourth in last season's voting. McFadden, scored 16 TDs and led Arkansas to the Southeastern Conference title game.
Heisman finalists announced
OSU's Smith (the favorite), Notre Dame's Quinn and Arkansas' McFadden are in.
Dayton Daily News
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The guys who likely will give Troy Smith hugs and handshakes at Saturday's Heisman Trophy ceremony have been selected.
Along with Smith ? Ohio State's senior quarterback ? Notre Dame senior quarterback Brady Quinn and Arkansas sophomore running back Darren McFadden were selected as Heisman finalists Wednesday.
Smith is fourth in the nation in passer rating (167.9) and has 2,507 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions. He'll lead Ohio State against Florida in the national title game Jan. 8 in Glendale, Ariz. Smith is a heavy favorite to win the award.
Quinn, a Dublin native, was fourth in last season's voting. McFadden, scored 16 TDs and led Arkansas to the Southeastern Conference title game.
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CPD
HEISMAN FINALISTS
Quinn, McFadden join Smith in N.Y.
Thursday, December 07, 2006 Doug Lesmerises
Plain Dealer Reporter
The obvious became reality Wednesday when Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith was named one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden were the other two finalists invited to New York for Saturday's announcement.
Smith is expected to be the landslide winner when the ballots from 924 voters are counted. The Web site stiffarmtrophy.com, which tabulates public proclamations from Heisman voters, had Smith far ahead of the competition Wednesday evening. The site had 68 first-place votes for Smith, two for McFadden, one for Quinn and one for Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan.
Smith and Quinn, who finished fourth in last year's balloting, were considered the preseason favorites along with Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, whose candidacy was derailed by a broken collarbone. McFadden emerged late in the season, playing some quarterback out of the shotgun for a surprise SEC contender.
A victory by Smith would give Ohio State its seventh Heisman, tying Notre Dame and Southern California for the most Heismans for a university. Smith would join two-time winner Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975), Les Horvath (1944), Vic Janowicz (1950), Howard Cassady (1955) and Eddie George (1995).
Smith will be in Orlando tonight at the College Football Awards show on ESPN as a finalist for the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, both given to the best all-around player, and the Davey O'Brien Award as top quarterback. He's expected to arrive in New York on Friday.
HEISMAN FINALISTS
Quinn, McFadden join Smith in N.Y.
Thursday, December 07, 2006 Doug Lesmerises
Plain Dealer Reporter
The obvious became reality Wednesday when Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith was named one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden were the other two finalists invited to New York for Saturday's announcement.
Smith is expected to be the landslide winner when the ballots from 924 voters are counted. The Web site stiffarmtrophy.com, which tabulates public proclamations from Heisman voters, had Smith far ahead of the competition Wednesday evening. The site had 68 first-place votes for Smith, two for McFadden, one for Quinn and one for Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan.
Smith and Quinn, who finished fourth in last year's balloting, were considered the preseason favorites along with Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, whose candidacy was derailed by a broken collarbone. McFadden emerged late in the season, playing some quarterback out of the shotgun for a surprise SEC contender.
A victory by Smith would give Ohio State its seventh Heisman, tying Notre Dame and Southern California for the most Heismans for a university. Smith would join two-time winner Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975), Les Horvath (1944), Vic Janowicz (1950), Howard Cassady (1955) and Eddie George (1995).
Smith will be in Orlando tonight at the College Football Awards show on ESPN as a finalist for the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, both given to the best all-around player, and the Davey O'Brien Award as top quarterback. He's expected to arrive in New York on Friday.
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NFL won't follow Heisman balloting
First published: Thursday, December 7, 2006 people who hand out the Heisman Trophy were at it again Wednesday, extending invitations to a trio of top college players for an all-expense-paid weekend in New York City.They could have saved some money this year. And while they're at it, they could have trimmed the TV extravaganza announcing the award to one 30-second clip.
the $500-a-plate dinner, though, because it gives guys such as Eric Crouch and Jason White a chance to hang with football types again.
Troy Smith of Ohio State will win the Heisman on Saturday. If that comes as any sort of surprise, then you might be one of those still thinking Michigan is playing for the national title.
vote has all the suspense of a U.S. Open without Tiger Woods.
That's not to say Smith is a bad choice. Hard to argue with the quarterback who led his team to an undefeated season and a berth in the BCS Championship Game.
's story of overcoming a tough childhood and some of his own mistakes off the field is a compelling one, too. He's bringing his mother to New York, the first trip to the Big Apple for both of them, so expect to see some feel-good moments if you're a big enough fan to sit through the made-for-television coverage.
The better prize, though, probably will be won by one of the guys smiling and clapping while the hermetically sealed envelope is opened and Smith is declared the Heisman winner.
That would be Brady Quinn, who entered the season as the favorite to win the trophy but fell out of favor with voters when he stumbled against Michigan and his receivers dropped too many balls against Southern California.
The Heisman looks nice in a trophy case. But the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL can buy as many trophy cases as he wants.
That's what Quinn is likely to be in April when the makes millionaires out of a lot of players barely old enough to legally order a drink.
Smith? Not only is he not projected as a first-round pick, but one of his receivers, Ted Ginn Jr., probably will go before him.
It's not always the case with the Heisman, but there can be a big difference between getting a big award and getting big bucks. That's especially true with quarterbacks, who might thrive in a structured situation in college but lack the size or arm for starting in the NFL.
Crouch certainly didn't get rich after winning the Heisman at Nebraska in 2001. He never played a down in the NFL and is currently a seldom-used backup quarterback for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
meanwhile, wasn't even drafted and had to beg for an NFL tryout even after throwing 79 career touchdown passes at Oklahoma and winning the Heisman three years ago. He retired before throwing a pass for pay, saying two ACL tears slowed him down too much to play.
Heisman voters, NFL coaches and owners look at a lot of other things before making a decision on draft day. They run players through time and strength tests, find out how flexible they are, and even check to see if they are smart enough to learn their Xs and Os.
they don't do is look to see where a player finished in the voting for the Heisman.
Mario Williams didn't get a sniff from voters last year when a star-studded cast dueled it out for the award won by Reggie Bush. But the defensive end from North Carolina State did get $26.5 million guaranteed from the Houston Texans in a deal that could eventually earn him $62 million. Bush, of course, didn't do too badly himself, getting almost the same money from the New Orleans Saints.
Smith will be the runaway winner this year, the 24th quarterback to win the famous trophy first awarded to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago in 1935. Berwanger was also the first player ever chosen in the first NFL draft, but never played as a pro because the Bears didn't want to pay him his demand of $25,000 for two years.
It's hard to be critical of Smith, who completed two out of every three passes and threw for 30 touchdowns. But his win came partly because the favored Quinn didn't play up to voter expectations and Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson broke his collarbone midway through the season just as he seemed to be hitting his stride.
Quinn and Peterson, though, are assured big paydays once their names are called in the draft. Not so for Smith, who, though supremely talented and mobile, is undersized and occasionally wild with his throws.
Yes, the Heisman is a great tradition, a great honor, and it looks great over the fireplace. Too bad it can't guarantee NFL greatness.
NFL won't follow Heisman balloting
First published: Thursday, December 7, 2006 people who hand out the Heisman Trophy were at it again Wednesday, extending invitations to a trio of top college players for an all-expense-paid weekend in New York City.They could have saved some money this year. And while they're at it, they could have trimmed the TV extravaganza announcing the award to one 30-second clip.
the $500-a-plate dinner, though, because it gives guys such as Eric Crouch and Jason White a chance to hang with football types again.
Troy Smith of Ohio State will win the Heisman on Saturday. If that comes as any sort of surprise, then you might be one of those still thinking Michigan is playing for the national title.
vote has all the suspense of a U.S. Open without Tiger Woods.
That's not to say Smith is a bad choice. Hard to argue with the quarterback who led his team to an undefeated season and a berth in the BCS Championship Game.
's story of overcoming a tough childhood and some of his own mistakes off the field is a compelling one, too. He's bringing his mother to New York, the first trip to the Big Apple for both of them, so expect to see some feel-good moments if you're a big enough fan to sit through the made-for-television coverage.
The better prize, though, probably will be won by one of the guys smiling and clapping while the hermetically sealed envelope is opened and Smith is declared the Heisman winner.
That would be Brady Quinn, who entered the season as the favorite to win the trophy but fell out of favor with voters when he stumbled against Michigan and his receivers dropped too many balls against Southern California.
The Heisman looks nice in a trophy case. But the No. 1 draft pick in the NFL can buy as many trophy cases as he wants.
That's what Quinn is likely to be in April when the makes millionaires out of a lot of players barely old enough to legally order a drink.
Smith? Not only is he not projected as a first-round pick, but one of his receivers, Ted Ginn Jr., probably will go before him.
It's not always the case with the Heisman, but there can be a big difference between getting a big award and getting big bucks. That's especially true with quarterbacks, who might thrive in a structured situation in college but lack the size or arm for starting in the NFL.
Crouch certainly didn't get rich after winning the Heisman at Nebraska in 2001. He never played a down in the NFL and is currently a seldom-used backup quarterback for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
meanwhile, wasn't even drafted and had to beg for an NFL tryout even after throwing 79 career touchdown passes at Oklahoma and winning the Heisman three years ago. He retired before throwing a pass for pay, saying two ACL tears slowed him down too much to play.
Heisman voters, NFL coaches and owners look at a lot of other things before making a decision on draft day. They run players through time and strength tests, find out how flexible they are, and even check to see if they are smart enough to learn their Xs and Os.
they don't do is look to see where a player finished in the voting for the Heisman.
Mario Williams didn't get a sniff from voters last year when a star-studded cast dueled it out for the award won by Reggie Bush. But the defensive end from North Carolina State did get $26.5 million guaranteed from the Houston Texans in a deal that could eventually earn him $62 million. Bush, of course, didn't do too badly himself, getting almost the same money from the New Orleans Saints.
Smith will be the runaway winner this year, the 24th quarterback to win the famous trophy first awarded to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago in 1935. Berwanger was also the first player ever chosen in the first NFL draft, but never played as a pro because the Bears didn't want to pay him his demand of $25,000 for two years.
It's hard to be critical of Smith, who completed two out of every three passes and threw for 30 touchdowns. But his win came partly because the favored Quinn didn't play up to voter expectations and Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson broke his collarbone midway through the season just as he seemed to be hitting his stride.
Quinn and Peterson, though, are assured big paydays once their names are called in the draft. Not so for Smith, who, though supremely talented and mobile, is undersized and occasionally wild with his throws.
Yes, the Heisman is a great tradition, a great honor, and it looks great over the fireplace. Too bad it can't guarantee NFL greatness.
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Arkansas' McFadden a pain in the neck for foes
Do-it-all tailback compiled TDs from all over the field
December 7, 2006
By Noah Trister the associated press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Four months ago, the Heisman Trophy was the furthest thing from Darren McFadden's mind.
The season was still a month away - if he was lucky, that is. McFadden had dislocated his toe in a fight outside a Little Rock club, and he wasn't sure when he'd be back on the field.
"There was a point I got so down on myself I didn't know if I would be able to play because of the different things people were telling me," the Arkansas running back said this week. "So going into the season I didn't know what to expect. I didn't think any of the things I have been doing were possible and I'm just really thankful."
? Click to enlarge image
Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, left, created headaches for opposing defenses all season. He's one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy.
John Amis / The Associated Press
The McFadden file Season stats
Rushing yards/TDs - 1,558/14
Receiving yards/TDs - 149/1
Passing yards/TDs - 72/3
McFadden returned quickly, and his preseason mistake quickly was forgotten around Arkansas, where he's led the No. 12 Razorbacks to their best season in years. Now McFadden is a Heisman finalist, another highlight in a remarkable season for both him and his teammates. He'll join Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith and Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn in New York on Saturday for the trophy presentation.
McFadden has rushed for a school-record 1,558 yards this season, but the numbers don't tell the whole story.
"You kind of get numb to it. You expect him to make unbelievable plays," Arkansas offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said. "But each week there's one play that you just go, 'That's not right.'"
McFadden is strong enough to grind out extra yards after contact, but it's his breakaway speed that has earned the most attention. Once he's in the open field, he becomes a nightmare for defensive backs, who are often helpless to catch him, no matter how good their angles.
And over the last few weeks, the nation has learned something truly terrifying: McFadden, an occasional quarterback in high school, can throw. The Razorbacks have used him at quarterback a bit - where he can either run, pass or hand off to Felix Jones, Arkansas' other 1,000-yard back.
McFadden has thrown three touchdowns in eight pass attempts this season. He's also scored on a 70-yard screen pass and a 92-yard kickoff return.
"Just about every game he amazes everybody with something that he pulls," quarterback Casey Dick said. "Sometimes we ask him to throw the ball, he can throw it. He can run it, make people miss. He's just a complete back that can do everything."
Playing through pain
McFadden grew up watching the Razorbacks and went to high school in the Little Rock area. He made an immediate impact at Arkansas in 2005, rushing for 1,113 yards and earning Southeastern Conference freshman of the year honors. His high hopes coming into this season were momentarily derailed when he injured his toe in the wee hours one July morning.
"I knew I was hurting myself and hurting my teammates by not being able to practice and prepare with them," McFadden said. "It was just real tough for me."
But McFadden has always been able to fight through pain - he played the entire 2005 season with a small cartilage tear in his knee. He was back for this year's opener, a 50-14 loss to Southern California.
Arkansas (10-3) won 10 straight after that loss, and the Razorbacks won seven SEC games for the first time since joining the league before the 1992 season. Arkansas will face No. 6 Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day.
Coaches insisted McFadden's preseason incident was out of character - and he's backed up those claims ever since. Quick to credit his offensive line, McFadden sounds relieved about his recovery from that summer injury and grateful for his increasing recognition.
The only hint of controversy lately has involved his touchdown celebrations - earlier this season, McFadden would raise his arms and flex immediately after crossing the goal line. Officials frowned upon that, and coach Houston Nutt told McFadden to cut it out. It hasn't been an issue since.
See you next year?
McFadden isn't favored to win the Heisman - no sophomore has. But the exposure this year should make him a front-runner heading into 2007. And nobody, least of all his coach, seems to begrudge him all this attention. "He doesn't say that much about it, and of course he's so unselfish and he gives all the credit to his offensive line, tight ends, fullbacks, those guys," Nutt said. "If anything, it's brought our team closer together.
"First time in a long time someone is talking about a Heisman Trophy candidate from the University of Arkansas."
Arkansas' McFadden a pain in the neck for foes
Do-it-all tailback compiled TDs from all over the field
December 7, 2006
By Noah Trister the associated press
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Four months ago, the Heisman Trophy was the furthest thing from Darren McFadden's mind.
The season was still a month away - if he was lucky, that is. McFadden had dislocated his toe in a fight outside a Little Rock club, and he wasn't sure when he'd be back on the field.
"There was a point I got so down on myself I didn't know if I would be able to play because of the different things people were telling me," the Arkansas running back said this week. "So going into the season I didn't know what to expect. I didn't think any of the things I have been doing were possible and I'm just really thankful."
? Click to enlarge image
Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, left, created headaches for opposing defenses all season. He's one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy. John Amis / The Associated Press
The McFadden file Season stats
Rushing yards/TDs - 1,558/14
Receiving yards/TDs - 149/1
Passing yards/TDs - 72/3
McFadden returned quickly, and his preseason mistake quickly was forgotten around Arkansas, where he's led the No. 12 Razorbacks to their best season in years. Now McFadden is a Heisman finalist, another highlight in a remarkable season for both him and his teammates. He'll join Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith and Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn in New York on Saturday for the trophy presentation.
McFadden has rushed for a school-record 1,558 yards this season, but the numbers don't tell the whole story.
"You kind of get numb to it. You expect him to make unbelievable plays," Arkansas offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said. "But each week there's one play that you just go, 'That's not right.'"
McFadden is strong enough to grind out extra yards after contact, but it's his breakaway speed that has earned the most attention. Once he's in the open field, he becomes a nightmare for defensive backs, who are often helpless to catch him, no matter how good their angles.
And over the last few weeks, the nation has learned something truly terrifying: McFadden, an occasional quarterback in high school, can throw. The Razorbacks have used him at quarterback a bit - where he can either run, pass or hand off to Felix Jones, Arkansas' other 1,000-yard back.
McFadden has thrown three touchdowns in eight pass attempts this season. He's also scored on a 70-yard screen pass and a 92-yard kickoff return.
"Just about every game he amazes everybody with something that he pulls," quarterback Casey Dick said. "Sometimes we ask him to throw the ball, he can throw it. He can run it, make people miss. He's just a complete back that can do everything."
Playing through pain
McFadden grew up watching the Razorbacks and went to high school in the Little Rock area. He made an immediate impact at Arkansas in 2005, rushing for 1,113 yards and earning Southeastern Conference freshman of the year honors. His high hopes coming into this season were momentarily derailed when he injured his toe in the wee hours one July morning.
"I knew I was hurting myself and hurting my teammates by not being able to practice and prepare with them," McFadden said. "It was just real tough for me."
But McFadden has always been able to fight through pain - he played the entire 2005 season with a small cartilage tear in his knee. He was back for this year's opener, a 50-14 loss to Southern California.
Arkansas (10-3) won 10 straight after that loss, and the Razorbacks won seven SEC games for the first time since joining the league before the 1992 season. Arkansas will face No. 6 Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day.
Coaches insisted McFadden's preseason incident was out of character - and he's backed up those claims ever since. Quick to credit his offensive line, McFadden sounds relieved about his recovery from that summer injury and grateful for his increasing recognition.
The only hint of controversy lately has involved his touchdown celebrations - earlier this season, McFadden would raise his arms and flex immediately after crossing the goal line. Officials frowned upon that, and coach Houston Nutt told McFadden to cut it out. It hasn't been an issue since.
See you next year?
McFadden isn't favored to win the Heisman - no sophomore has. But the exposure this year should make him a front-runner heading into 2007. And nobody, least of all his coach, seems to begrudge him all this attention. "He doesn't say that much about it, and of course he's so unselfish and he gives all the credit to his offensive line, tight ends, fullbacks, those guys," Nutt said. "If anything, it's brought our team closer together.
"First time in a long time someone is talking about a Heisman Trophy candidate from the University of Arkansas."
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ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Smith a Heisman shoo-in, but how good is he?
BY JEFF SHAIN
[email protected]
Troy Smith, meet Gino Torretta.
Only 60 hours or so now until Smith joins one of sports' most select clubs as winner of the 73rd Heisman Trophy. But unlike some years when one guy truly rose above the rest, this election seems more like last man standing.
That's not to slight the Ohio State triggerman, who delivered the eye-pleasing goods as he deftly steered the Buckeyes through the crucible of being No. 1 all year.
But voting for the quarterback of an unbeaten No. 1 seems too easy, almost a default fallback. You at least would like to stack his season against another worthy candidate to feel good about the choice.
However, no viable rival stepped forward this year.
Mike Hart was essential to Michigan's success, staying healthy to be the run-game workhorse that opened up the aerial option. And Arkansas' Darren McFadden was the centerpiece of Arkansas' rise, adding a touch of flair as quarterback in the Hogs' ''Wildcat'' package.
But neither could deliver a signature day that would lift their profiles. Each of their best outings -- Hart at Ohio State, McFadden vs. LSU -- ended in losses.
Adrian Peterson? Oklahoma's horse might have been Smith's best rival until busting his collarbone in October.
West Virginia's Steve Slaton? Arguably the snazziest runner of the bunch, but his spotlight night also came in defeat. He also disappeared when needed against South Florida.
Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson? The highlight-film winner, equivalent to being named Mr. Congeniality. Imagine the possibilities with a QB who could get him the ball.
Hawaii's Colt Brennan? Ahead of David Klingler's NCAA-record TD pace as he picked on WAC defenses, fell short when the big boys came to town in the stretch run.
Notre Dame's Brady Quinn? One huge day against a living, breathing defense would have helped.
And so we have Smith, essentially in a walkover.
It's not unlike the scenario 14 years ago, when UM's Torretta was the choice among a tame group of candidates.
Torretta had a perfectly good season, throwing for 3,060 yards and 19 TDs in leading the Hurricanes to a Sugar Bowl national-title matchup against Alabama. But he didn't make anyone's jaw drop, either.
Marshall Faulk was runner-up, by the way, though doubts lingered then about the sophomore's pedigree while piling up big yards at San Diego State. We later found out he was good at any level.
Over time, we might discover the same about Smith, too.
ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Smith a Heisman shoo-in, but how good is he?
BY JEFF SHAIN
[email protected]
Troy Smith, meet Gino Torretta.
Only 60 hours or so now until Smith joins one of sports' most select clubs as winner of the 73rd Heisman Trophy. But unlike some years when one guy truly rose above the rest, this election seems more like last man standing.
That's not to slight the Ohio State triggerman, who delivered the eye-pleasing goods as he deftly steered the Buckeyes through the crucible of being No. 1 all year.
But voting for the quarterback of an unbeaten No. 1 seems too easy, almost a default fallback. You at least would like to stack his season against another worthy candidate to feel good about the choice.
However, no viable rival stepped forward this year.
Mike Hart was essential to Michigan's success, staying healthy to be the run-game workhorse that opened up the aerial option. And Arkansas' Darren McFadden was the centerpiece of Arkansas' rise, adding a touch of flair as quarterback in the Hogs' ''Wildcat'' package.
But neither could deliver a signature day that would lift their profiles. Each of their best outings -- Hart at Ohio State, McFadden vs. LSU -- ended in losses.
Adrian Peterson? Oklahoma's horse might have been Smith's best rival until busting his collarbone in October.
West Virginia's Steve Slaton? Arguably the snazziest runner of the bunch, but his spotlight night also came in defeat. He also disappeared when needed against South Florida.
Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson? The highlight-film winner, equivalent to being named Mr. Congeniality. Imagine the possibilities with a QB who could get him the ball.
Hawaii's Colt Brennan? Ahead of David Klingler's NCAA-record TD pace as he picked on WAC defenses, fell short when the big boys came to town in the stretch run.
Notre Dame's Brady Quinn? One huge day against a living, breathing defense would have helped.
And so we have Smith, essentially in a walkover.
It's not unlike the scenario 14 years ago, when UM's Torretta was the choice among a tame group of candidates.
Torretta had a perfectly good season, throwing for 3,060 yards and 19 TDs in leading the Hurricanes to a Sugar Bowl national-title matchup against Alabama. But he didn't make anyone's jaw drop, either.
Marshall Faulk was runner-up, by the way, though doubts lingered then about the sophomore's pedigree while piling up big yards at San Diego State. We later found out he was good at any level.
Over time, we might discover the same about Smith, too.
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