Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith has so far turned the race for the Heisman Trophy into a one-man show. The Buckeyes have tons of talent on both sides of the ball but it is Smith’s poise under pressure and field-generalship that has coach Jim Tressel’s charges at the top of every poll.
I was even more convinced that Smith was the real deal when, during the OSU/Texas game, I spotted him handing the ball to tailback Antonio Pittman and then sprinting 10 yards downfield to throw a block for his teammate.
Smith and OSU receiver/kick returner Ted Ginn, Jr. were on this year’s preseason All-America team and took part in our All-America Weekend last May. These guys are not only great football players but terrific young men as well. My 11- and 13-year-old sons were along for the fun and were immediately befriended by both Smith and Ginn.
Ohio State takes on Iowa this Saturday. I like Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz and quarterback Drew Tate. However, I think the Buckeyes will shuck their corn this year.
In the photo below, OSU’s Troy Smith (#10 in front) put on his game face for us at the Playboy All-America Weekend. The other players in the photo from left to right are Dwayne Jarrett (USC), Justin Blalock (Texas), Garrett Wolfe (Northern Illinois), Frank Okam, Jr. (Texas), Patrick Willis (Mississippi), Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma), Brandon Meriweather (Miami) and H.B. Blades (Pitt). And, oh yes, that’s Troy’s teammate, Ted Ginn, Jr., in back.
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