Troy Smith's title performance a Heisman faceplant
Published: 1/8/2007 10:31 PM
Last Modified: 1/8/2007 10:31 PM
Smith couldn't even sprint away from Florida's DTs.
AP
I didn't give my Heisman vote to Ohio State's quarterback because he took money from a booster two years ago. No player who accepts illegal gifts shall ever get my Heisman vote.
But honestly, tonight's BCS national championship game is another reason why I didn't vote for Smith. He's simply not worthy.
If Smith had never taken that $500 cash – to pay his mother's cell phone bill, which was rung up by former teammate and current jailbird Maurice Clarett, Buckeye Nation tells me – I probably would have put him No. 3 on my ballot this year. But not No. 1. And Monday night's meltdown was a good example why.
Smith had too many average games this season. My brother, who was born in Ohio and for most of his life claimed to be a Buckeyes fan, said he wouldn't have voted for Smith either because Smith simply didn't have a dominating season like a Heisman winner should. He was a good player in a great offense, augmented by a punishing offensive line, two fabulous receivers and a gifted running back.
But one big play in an otherwise pedestrian game against Penn State midway through the season, and half the voting public was ready to cast Smith's image in the Heisman pose. Smith played great against Michigan, but might not even be playing in Glendale if it weren't for a foolish late-hit penalty against a Wolverine defender.
Monday night, against a fast and fierce Florida pass rush, with his best receiver sidelined and his other targets covered by the Gators' electric-blanket secondary, Smith is being exposed as a spectacularly unspectacular – and unworthy – Heisman Trophy winner.
– John E. Hoover
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
