News / Sports
Troy Smith, Brady Quinn and Darren McFadden via for Heisman Trophy Award on Saturday
The Heisman Trophy Award recognizing college football’s top player will be handed out on Saturday and barring any major upset Troy Smith will become the sixth Ohio State player to win the honor.
Smith played a major role in leading the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0 season and their invitation to the January 8, BCS Championship game in Glendale, Arizona. The Ohio State senior quarterback threw for 2,507 yards and 30 touchdowns as the Buckeyes won the Big 10 Championship. Along the way they beat Texas, Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan. Smith’s 167.9 passer rating was fourth in the nation while he completed 67 percent of his passes.
In all likelihood Smith will win the Heisman convincingly. Twice he led his team to victories over a #2 ranked team (Texas and Michigan) and displayed poise and confidence throughout the year.
His closest competitor may be Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn. Coming into the year the Irish’s senior quarterback was plastered on every college football magazine in the country. Quinn finished fourth in the Heisman voting last year and was hyped to take the trophy this season. While he did have a huge year with 3,278 yards passing and 35 touchdowns it was his mistakes in big games that will more than likely land him at number two this year.
Quinn only threw five interceptions all year but three of those came in Notre Dame’s 47-21 loss to Michigan. With losses to the Wolverines and USC, Quinn’s chances of capturing the trophy dropped.
Arkansas sophmore running back Darren McFadden earned his invitation to Saturday’s presentation after rushing for 1,558 yards and 14 touchdowns. McFadden also caught one touchdown pass while throwing three TD’s of his own. The Razorbacks leading rusher ran for over 150 yards in four separate games to lead Arkansas to the SEC West title. McFadden was held in check in the SEC Championship game against Florida. He managed just 78 yards on 21 carries.
The Heisman Trophy Award has been handed out since 1935. Pat winners include:
Reggie Bush (2005), Matt Leinart (2004), Ricky Williams (1998), Barry Sanders (1988), Tim Brown (1987), Vinny Testaverde (1986), Bo Jackson (1985), Herschel Walker (1982), Marcus Allen (1981), George Rogers (1980), Tony Dorsett (1976), Archie Griffin (1975 &1974) O.J. Simpson (1968), Steve Spurrier (1966), Roger Staubach (1963), Jay Berwanger (1935).
Troy Smith is expected to become the sixth quarterback in the past seven years to take the Heisman, Reggie Bush broke the string of five straight when he won it last year as USC’s running back.
The Award Presentation will be aired live at 8:00pm EST on ESPN.
