This week in Heisman history: Troy’s revenge

The first-ever meeting between Ohio State and Texas in football took place on Sept. 10, 2005, and resulted in Vince Young leading the Longhorns to a dramatic 25-22 victory over the Buckeyes at night in Columbus, Ohio. Overcoming that early-season hurdle helped spark Texas to its first national title since 1970.

One year later, almost to the day, Texas and Ohio State met for the second time in Austin, Texas. This time the outcome was different, though the spectacular play of a quarterback was once again key.

This time, that quarterback was a Buckeye.

This week in Heisman history, it was Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith who led the No. 1 Buckeyes to a convincing 24-7 road romp over No. 2 Texas. The Buckeye triumph in a hostile environment on Sept., 9, 2006, helped set the tone for an undefeated Ohio State regular season and catapulted Smith to the top of the Heisman race.

It was Smith’s dramatic improvement as a passer that made all the difference. Known prior to the season as a dangerous dual-threat athlete more likely to beat you with his legs than his arm, the senior was nonetheless far more effective through the air than on the ground against the Longhorns, especially in the first half.

A 5-play, 50-yard drive late in the first quarter culminated in a 14-yard scoring toss to Anthony Gonzalez as the Buckeyes got on the scoreboard first. Texas, led by future Heisman runner up Colt McCoy, came back to tie it at 7-7 with just 1:55 left before halftime. But Smith worked his magic and drove Ohio State 66 yards in 5 plays before hitting Ted Ginn on a 29-yard touchdown pass with just 16 seconds to play in the half. Smith ended the half with 219 yards in the air, two touchdown passes and a seven-point lead.

Thanks to the Buckeye defense, that was all he needed.

Smith guided Ohio State to 10 more points and finished the game 17 of 26 for 269 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Following the marquee win, the Buckeyes were the overwhelming choice for No. 1 in the AP poll, collecting 59 of 68 first-place votes. Ohio State went on to reel off 10 more victories to finish 12-0 and earn a berth in the BCS title game against Florida.

Meanwhile, Smith spent the rest of the 2006 season pulling away from his Heisman competition, throwing for 2,507 yards with 30 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also added 233 rushing yards and one more TD on the ground. Smith’s Heisman victory — the seventh by a Buckeye — was overwhelming, as he garnered the second-most first-place votes in Heisman balloting history.

To win the Heisman, a player must shine on the big stage. That’s exactly what Smith did 10 years ago this week.