Smith cements status as Heisman favorite

The OSU quarterback tied his career high with four touchdown passes.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, everyone's front-runner for the Heisman Trophy as he prepares for the biggest game of his college career, is spreading the love.
Saturday, after the top-ranked Buckeyes routed Northwestern, 54-10, Smith praised his offensive linemen and his classmates for getting Ohio State one victory away from college football's national championship and the Big Ten title.
"Our team has been a great shadow of the 16-17 seniors that we follow," said Smith.
"I enjoy getting to stand on the sidelines and watch the best player in the country," Buckeyes defensive end David Patterson said of Smith.
Smith's numbers against the Wildcats weren't extraordinary -- he completed 12-of-19 passes for 185 yards.
More importantly, he matched the career high he reached against Iowa and Indiana by throwing four touchdown passes to generate another rout for Ohio State.
"He was in control, he was in command," Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel said. "He knew exactly what was going on."
Impressive catch
Probably the most impressive pass completion came three seconds before halftime when Smith hit wide receiver Ted Ginn on a sideline pattern.
Ginn fought off the coverage of freshman cornerback Sherrick McManis then hauled in the pass for a 34-yard score that gave Ohio State a 33-10 lead.
"I'm not sure Teddy knew it was coming," Tressel said. "He was working so hard to get off coverage."
Ginn said, "I turned around, it was right there. I just stuck my hands out and kept it close to me."
Asked about the play, Smith deflected praise and credited his offensive linemen and Ginn.
"Without my guys up front blocking, fighting and scratching down in the trenches, we don't get those plays done," Smith said. "Ted made a great play on the ball. What more can you ask for from a guy who's fighting off a defender?"
Ways to improve
He also suggested there are many things he can do to improve.
"Decision-making for a quarterback is everything," Smith said. "There are a lot of things that you guys don't see that I could do better."
Wide receiver Brian Hartline led the Buckeyes with three receptions, two for touchdowns (14 and 9 yards).
Slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez tied Ginn and tight end Rory Nicol with two catches. Gonzalez's pair included a 6-yard pass in the third quarter that put Ohio State ahead, 40-10.
Now comes Michigan.
"It's called 'The Game' for a reason," senior center Doug Datish of Howland said. "It's a privilege and an honor to play in that game. It's going to be everything it's made out to be, something we're all looking forward to."
Senior running back Antonio Pitttman said, "It's going to be a big one, probably the biggest game I ever play in my whole football career.
"It's always one game at a time, one week at a time, and now the week is here."