Rise of Troy: Buckeyes QB wins Heisman Trophy
NEW YORK -- For Ohio State and Troy Smith, it's been that kind of year.
The Buckeyes were No. 1 from start to finish and their star quarterback had no real challenger in winning the Heisman Trophy.
Smith was a runaway winner Saturday night as the best player in college football, just two years after nearly derailing his career by taking money from a booster.
The senior quarterback moved to the front of the Heisman race in September with a flawless performance against Texas and finished off a perfect regular season by throwing four touchdown passes against Michigan.
Now, there's only one thing left for Smith to do: Beat Florida for the national championship on Jan. 8.
"Normally, I'm pretty cool in pressure situations, but my heart is pounding really fast now," Smith said.
"I'm at a loss for words. I just can't believe this is happening. ... It means everything. Just to be here in this situation. I love everybody back home in Columbus."
Like so many of the victories Smith has led the Buckeyes to this season, the Heisman win was a rout.
He received 801 first-place votes, the second most ever, and 1,662 points more than second-place finisher Darren McFadden of Arkansas, making it the second-most lopsided Heisman vote. Only O.J. Simpson's 1,750-point victory in 1968 was more onesided.
Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn was third and West Virginia running back Steve Slaton was fourth.
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