2. Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State (1). It's technically still his race to lose, so call this 1(b). He probably needs to pad the stats before playing Michigan and then hope for a big win. It's pretty simple: beat Michigan and Ohio State plays for the national title and Smith probably wins the Heisman. Lose and it is going to be tough to accomplish either goal.
3. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan (3). Should Quinn have a horrible game in a loss to, say, USC and should Michigan stomp on Ohio State, Mike Hart will have a compelling case. He's been so steady all year long and will have an enormous stage. November football is all about the ground game and if Hart can do his usual work against the Buckeyes and lead the Wolverines to a win, he will be tough to turn down. Then again, I'm not sure that anyone else appreciates Hart quite the way I do. Yes, the Michigan defense is unbelievable, but so was the 1985 Bears D. You don't think Walter Payton was still pretty valuable to that team?
4. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers (4). 79 yards and a score against a mediocre UConn team isn't terribly exciting, but since Slaton and Lynch didn't play and James Davis had a real rough outing, who is going to take his place? I never thought I'd see the day that a Rutgers running back stayed at #4 in my Heisman poll by default. What's next, a cure for the common cold? A day going by without The Game dissing G-Unit? The end of reality television as we know it? Hey, if Rutgers can be undefeated heading into November, I can dream.
5. Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia (5). Slaton and the Mountaineers were on a bye last week, but his time to make a big splash is fast approaching. Not only does West Virginia have five games left on the schedule (giving Slaton plenty of chances to rack of stats and highlights), they also have a huge, prime time game against #5 Louisville coming up on Thursday night. With USC's loss to Oregon State, it just became a very realistic possibility that the winner of this game could be playing in the BCS title game. Think 200 yards and a couple of scores this Thursday could help a Heisman campaign? Here's your chance, Mr. Slaton. (Sorry, I always wanted to write like a New York Times columnist, even if for just a sentence.)
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.