TROY SMITH WINS HEISMAN

Troy Smith went to New York this weekend as the favorite to win the Heisman trophy and the Senior QB from The Ohio State University did just that. Smith is fourth in the nation in passer rating (167.9) and has thrown for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions, leading his team to the national title game against the Florida Gators next month.

Smith jumped out front of the Heisman race early in the season when he led his team in Ohio State’s first #1 vs. #2 games against the Texas Longhorns in September. In that game, as people continue to remind me, Smith threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns against the Longhorns whippin them 24-7. In the second #1 vs. #2 in the regular season against Michigan, Smith was even better throwing for 316 yards and four touchdowns beating the Wolverines 42-39.

Smith, who blew away McFadden & Quinn, receiving 2540 point to McFadden’s 878 and Quinn’s 782, received 801 first place votes, the second most ever, second only to O.J. Simpson in 1968. Smith thanked his head coach Jim Tressel for putting the ball in his hands and letting him know that he had trust in him in being his quarterback to lead The Ohio State University. Smith then thanked Ted Ginn Sr., calling him his father, his dad and making him into the man that he is today.

Smith is the sixth player from Ohio State to win the Heisman, first since Eddie George won in 1995. Ohio State’s Archie Griffin is the only two-time Heisman winner. Smith winning this year breaks a three-year streak of junior players winning; the last senior player to win was USC QB Carson Palmer.