Geno Smith the first threat to Landry Jones' Heisman candidacy
Published: 4/12/2012 7:25 AM
Last Modified: 4/12/2012 7:25 AM
Heisman Trophy balloting isn't much different than presidential elections in this sense: In order to win, you'd better carry key regions.
In order to carry regions, you'd better stand out in your own conference.
I think we can all agree that Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones will open the 2012 season as a Heisman candidate. Shortly after Alabama beat LSU to win the 2011 national championship, Bovada posted odds for the 2012 trophy. Jones ranked fourth at 7-to-1, behind USC quarterback Matt Barkley (7-to-2), Michigan QB Denard Robinson (5-to-1) and Wisconsin running back Montee Ball (5-to-1).
In order for Jones to remain viable over the long term, he'll need to post big numbers, play well in big games and get a big, championship-contending season from his team.
Returning to my original point, he'll also need to be a clear-cut best player in the Big 12. That way, he can carry the Southwest/Lower Midwest vote and at least give himself a shot to contend nationally.
Which brings us to West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith. He, too, was listed at 7-to-1 by Bovada. That was it as far as Big 12 contenders, until OU wide receiver Kenny Stills and Texas running back Malcolm Brown both showed up down the list at 75-to-1.
You know Smith is going to put up numbers under Dana Holgorsen. Recall his 407 yards and 6 touchdowns in the Mountaineers' Orange Bowl strafing of Clemson.
Jones is going to have to be better is all. His Sooners are going to have to be better than the Neers. (If you haven't circled Nov. 17 – OU at West Virginia – please do so immediately.)
I'll give you another potential Heisman roadblock – Collin Klein. The Kansas State quarterback didn't make Bovada's breakdown, but the Heisman Pundit website listed him along with Jones and Smith as the Big 12's three "contenders" for the trophy.
Klein is a longer shot than the other two because unlike the other two teams, the Wildcats aren't expected to contend for a Big 12 championship. That's a problem when you're a fullback-disguised-as-a-quarterback in Manhattan, Kan.
Still, it's worth recalling Klein accounted for 40 – 40! – touchdowns last year. What he'll need to do is run roughshod over both Miami and OU over the first three weeks of next season. He does that, and thereby jump-starts a championship-type season, he's in the race.
Otherwise, Jones and Smith are the Big 12's leaders out of the gate. Jones should put what he wants to against UTEP and Florida A&M, and then build off them against K-State Sept. 22 (recall that Jones threw for a school-record 505 yards and 5 touchdowns in Manhattan last year).
Smith's September includes games against Marshall, James Madison, Maryland and Baylor. Blah. His first big Heisman moment could come Oct. 6 at Texas.
OU is at Texas Tech that day. I would say that sets up well for Jones' candidacy, but mayhem tends to ensue every time the Sooners stagecoach to Lubbock.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
