There's this movie I'm thinking of where there is a slight, almost imperceptible shift in the way things are. A tiny moment after which things look the same and everyone carries on as normal, but the outcome has been altered. I have no idea what movie that was — it may even be a whole bunch of them all mixed up.
The point is that I felt the shift this weekend. It wasn't so much that Troy Smith had a quiet game in another Ohio State route or that Brady Quinn was doing anything particularly magical on Saturday afternoon, but somehow, someway, I am now sure that Quinn is going to win the Heisman.
The slight change has occurred and even though I don't know what it is, or even if there really is a movie like this, I'm going with the whole premise. Therefore, Quinn is on the top of this Heisman list.
Call it a hunch.
Smith's candidacy is tied up in the fact that Ohio State is the number one team in the country. His numbers are really good, particularly his incredible TD/INT ratio and QB rating of 174.3. However, Smith hasn't had any truly monster statistical games and his biggest prime time moment, at Texas, came during the second week of the season. If the Buckeyes lose to Michigan — a very real possibility — Smith's primary Heisman argument is mitigated dramatically. Quinn, on the other hand, can survive losses. He had a horrible game against Michigan and people are already forgetting it. The Irish could lose to USC and he will still be a top candidate on the strength of his numbers, the Notre Dame prestige, and the preseason hype. If the Buckeyes go down and voters look beyond Smith for a winner, Quinn is going to look awfully good. Plus, a ton of Heisman voters predicted him to win the award and nothing makes writers feel better than being right about a pick. I'm telling you, this thing is going to get interesting.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
So you could say you're cheating toward Quinn. Just don't overpursue.
2 - RedNeck
First, let me get this out. I'm' a Buckeye homer.
Quinn came from the town that I live in, his sister married AJ Hawk, so he almost feels like family, and I wouldn't feel too terribly should he win it. However, Troy does more week in and week out. Yes Texas was week 2, but that was a 3 score win outside of the friendly confines of 'the shoe' in not so friendly conditions. That game was "the game" early in the year. The way Texas got handled, and the continued success has diminished what was acommplished back in September in Austin.
I've got nothing against Q, but looking at how things have gone this year, I would have to disagree with Brady getting past Troy. Even if, heaven forbid, the Buckeye's should happen to lose to the team up north. If he throws 4 picks against them and their defense... maybe so. Other then that, I just don't see it happening. If the Domer's lose to SC after they got punked last weekend, his Heisman bid is toast...
IMHO.
3 - Jet in Columbus
The mere fact that Troy Smith is so unpredictable and able under any conditions should be a lock in his favor.
I've watched him fire bullets at almost anyone anywhere on the field in a split-second decision with deadly accuracy.
The fact that he's carrying less and passing more shows how much he's grown and how flexible he is.
Even if I weren't a Buckeye, I'd say he deserves it.
4 - DJRadiohead
Brady is close enough that if he has the game against USC that Carson Palmer had against ND a couple years ago, he could vault right into this thing.
Right now, Smith and Quinn appear to be the leaders. I like Slaton's chances to get a lot of support if he puts up a truly special performance against Louisville.
5 - Adam Hoff
The weird thing is that I agree with all those comments. Smith has been incredibly good and deserving and I hope he wins. I just keep picturing Quinn going for 400 yards and a bunch of scores against USC and all of the voters nodding and patting themselves on the back, saying, "See, I knew it would be Brady Quinn." I feel it in my bones.
Also, the poll was getting boring with the same guys on top, so switching it up seemed like it would be fun.
6 - Chris Clouse
I am a Buckeyes fan so I'm dissapointed that Smith isnt on top of the list. I think that Brady Quinn has had a couple of lucky weeks and Smith is so much more consistent. I am happy to see him rushing a lot more lately because he makes big plays for the Bucks on the ground. He does need to have a good game against Michigan though and get his stats better(which should be no problem this week)and as long as they win this week, we will be in the BCS bowl. It will be very hard for him to win the Heisman if they lose to Michigan though.
7 - Don Kontner
Hopefully it won't come down to the passing yards. Troy hasn't had to put up huge numbers, but he can. He's only been playing 3 quarters of a game recently and doesn't throw near as much as Brady. He hasn't run the ball as much as last year either, but he can. Personally, I don't Brady is half the quarterback Troy is and in a big game (or any game for the matter), I'll take Troy every time. Brady is a good quarterback, but he is not a Troy Smith. I'd vote for Hart before I'd ever vote for Brady. Troy is special and it seems every game he makes at least one play that is highlight reel material and he seldom makes a mistake. And just when you think you have him contained or sacked ..... touchdown.
8 - Dominick Evans
I agree with most of your assessments. I believe Smith is only near the top because OSU is currently in first place. However, I think that Brady Quinn is a better QB all around...and I'm not just saying that because I like Notre Dame more then the Buckeyes.
I am disappointed Mike Hart isn't up higher. You are right, he has been consistent...When I watch him I find it amazing that as small as he is he can have three guys on him, and still be upright...staggering forward to get the first down, or the touchdown he needs.
I just find that hilarious to watch, because he has a goal in mind, and you can tell he is working his ass off for that goal.
I can't wait to see how things play out on the 18th though. With the Michigan defense being as strong as it is (we like to feed our defense in Michigan...those guys are big boys!) its anyone's guess what will happen.