Bubba
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Smith struggles, but delivers game-changing play
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is riding such a wave even his worst statistical performance in a year is likely to further his Heisman Trophy candidacy.
Bothered by Penn State's secondary and sloppy conditions Saturday in Ohio Stadium, Smith still offered the signature highlight befitting many Heisman winners, while also lifting the No. 1 Buckeyes to a 28-6 victory.
Smith's 37-yard touchdown pass to freshman Brian Robiskie with 12:56 remaining extended OSU's lead to 14-3 after he retreated 15 yards behind the line and nearly into a quarterback sack that would have taken OSU out of field-goal range.
"I did one of the things that coach [Jim Tressel] always says don't do, and that's reverse field," Smith said. "You can't live by that. But Brian Robiskie stayed alive … You need moments like that when you're down and out, when things aren't going the way you want them to."
Other than that improvisation, Smith encountered nothing but trouble with a Penn State secondary that intercepted his second pass attempt of the game and his first try of the second half.
Those interceptions were Smiths' first picks in five games and 152 attempts and typified his struggles in a 12-for-22, 115-yard day.
This article was written by an obvious Buckeye fan. (Bruce Hooley covered the Big Ten for 19 years and now is host of a daily talk show on WBNS-AM1460 in Columbus, Ohio.) The defense won this game for the Buckeyes and this guy still gets credit. BQ would have been thrown under the bus by the media in this situation. Whatever.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is riding such a wave even his worst statistical performance in a year is likely to further his Heisman Trophy candidacy.
Bothered by Penn State's secondary and sloppy conditions Saturday in Ohio Stadium, Smith still offered the signature highlight befitting many Heisman winners, while also lifting the No. 1 Buckeyes to a 28-6 victory.
Smith's 37-yard touchdown pass to freshman Brian Robiskie with 12:56 remaining extended OSU's lead to 14-3 after he retreated 15 yards behind the line and nearly into a quarterback sack that would have taken OSU out of field-goal range.
"I did one of the things that coach [Jim Tressel] always says don't do, and that's reverse field," Smith said. "You can't live by that. But Brian Robiskie stayed alive … You need moments like that when you're down and out, when things aren't going the way you want them to."
Other than that improvisation, Smith encountered nothing but trouble with a Penn State secondary that intercepted his second pass attempt of the game and his first try of the second half.
Those interceptions were Smiths' first picks in five games and 152 attempts and typified his struggles in a 12-for-22, 115-yard day.
This article was written by an obvious Buckeye fan. (Bruce Hooley covered the Big Ten for 19 years and now is host of a daily talk show on WBNS-AM1460 in Columbus, Ohio.) The defense won this game for the Buckeyes and this guy still gets credit. BQ would have been thrown under the bus by the media in this situation. Whatever.
