Let me start by saying that I am an ND grad, so my opinions of ND football are usually biased.... [MORE]

Dave

Jan 10, 2007 13:06

so the sugar bowl is almost over, anybody want to still say quinn deserved the heisman, under 200 yards thus... [MORE]

Matt

Jan 3, 2007 23:57

Couldn't agree with you more . . . NOW the Heisman is for the best player on the best team... [MORE]

Joanie

Dec 11, 2006 12:52

This article makes me want to wretch. Quinn sat there like a sad puppy while Ohio State's Troy Smith brought... [MORE]

JD

Dec 10, 2006 02:46

Notre Dame's porous defense helps Quinn. When every game you play is a 4 quarter game, there are many more... [MORE]

Chris

Dec 9, 2006 22:15

Mr. Barra--your article is dead on as it concerns this year's Heisman race. I think Quinn is and has been... [MORE]

TampaGator

Dec 8, 2006 17:52

are you actually the college football writer for this paper? did you watch these two teams this year? blame anyone... [MORE]

Scott

Dec 8, 2006 07:10

You missed the point of Barra's article. Hell, maybe you even missed the headline. The Heisman isn't a team award.... [MORE]

Lo-fi

Dec 8, 2006 10:22

Aww, is somebody a little sore that Brady Quinn didn't win...or even place second for the heisman? Troy won the... [MORE]

Matt

Dec 11, 2006 12:58

Matt: Apparently you missed the entire point of the article. No one said that it was a crime for player on... [MORE]

TampaGator

Dec 11, 2006 18:06

8 words - Tim Couch, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, Brady Quinn. Figure it out. [MORE]

John

Dec 7, 2006 11:17

It's true that Colt Brennan and Hawaii played an easy schedule - 118 out of 119. However, Ohio State's schedule wasn't... [MORE]

Burk

Dec 7, 2006 11:03

These are some of the craziest rankings I have seen yet! I would love to know that data that went... [MORE]

Ken`

Dec 12, 2006 13:56

It is clear who the best quarterback of the two are! Quinn put up more, with less, against better competition.... [MORE]

LC

Dec 7, 2006 08:25

Just look at the scores in the only games against top 25 teams they played this year....ND got thrashed and... [MORE]

Matt

Dec 9, 2006 21:41

Since this award should be based on what a player means to his team. Maybe the best way to compare... [MORE]

Jim DeFreeuw

Dec 7, 2006 08:17

Lets be honest wih ourselves.... The Heisman is not an MVP award for the player who is most valuable to... [MORE]

Myk

Dec 7, 2006 07:46

Myk...I agree in principle with all you stated except your last sentence. It is my understanding that the H trophy... [MORE]

Frank

Dec 7, 2006 10:43

Poise? Ability to scramble? Throw on the run? Hogwash. I find it incredibly interesting that you would fault Quinn in... [MORE]

Thomas

Dec 7, 2006 11:21

Rose to the occassion against Michigan, he did not quite play as well as you think, but he sure was... [MORE]

Patrick

Dec 7, 2006 16:07

Don't cash in your #1 overall pick and NFL sunday success just yet. If Smith shines under the immense pressure... [MORE]

Matt

Dec 10, 2006 23:01

"...let's see who is a higher draft choice and gets a larger contract to play on Sundays." What does that have...

Ken

Dec 12, 2006 14:13

My point was simply this, both QBs are very talented but the previous comments were slanted in stating that Troy... [MORE]

Patrick

Dec 12, 2006 16:21

Matt, Matt, Matt, Do you really think the BIG money guys will draft TS ahead of BQ simply because of their... [MORE]

Frank

Dec 26, 2006 11:49

Great article. Brady is the best QB in the country and he should win the Heisman. It is also likely... [MORE]

Knute

Dec 6, 2006 22:55

The reason Troy isn't projected as a top-5 pick in the draft is only because of his height. It seems... [MORE]

McC

Dec 9, 2006 21:32

"The reason Troy isn't projected as a top-5 pick in the draft is only because of his height." Can I just... [MORE]

Dubs

Dec 17, 2006 09:31

McC, NFL players are Bigger, Faster, and Better. That includes Taller as a rule. Did someone say TS didn't deserve the... [MORE]

Frank

Dec 26, 2006 12:00

The fact that Troy doesn't go to Notre Dame shouldn't cost him the Heisman either moron. [MORE]

JumboWeiner

Dec 6, 2006 22:19

Against like opponets ( Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State) Quinn has thrown for 840 yards, 11 Td's, and 4( of... [MORE]

Lamo

Dec 6, 2006 21:58

And Brady's team got slaughtered by Michigan, and beat Michigan State on 4th quarter turnovers. Brady is a good QB,... [MORE]

Greg

Dec 10, 2006 08:00

Let me start by off by admitting that I am a die-hard ND fan. I totally agree with your logic... [MORE]

chris daily

Dec 6, 2006 21:52

People that say Brady Quinn is more important to his team just don't have all their facts straight. While Brady... [MORE]

Randy

Dec 6, 2006 21:06

Without Quinn we would have lost more games than that. We for sure would have lost to MSU, UCLA, and... [MORE]

Jonathan

Dec 10, 2006 09:20

Before you talk about panzies on the schedule, better check the Sagarin ratings for schedule strength, and you'll find that... [MORE]

schlictr

Dec 6, 2006 21:03

Oh yes, the NFL scouts have it right ALL the time, just look at Alex Smith, Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf,... [MORE]

Matt

Dec 11, 2006 13:10

What about winning some of the games you played? Brady lost ever tough game he played, and he was part of... [MORE]

Jim Ellis

Dec 6, 2006 20:17

The award is named after a man who once coached a team that beat another team 222-0. it was 80-0... [MORE]

Terry

Dec 6, 2006 18:46

this isnt about notre dame its about quinn, their record has little to do with him, he had one bad... [MORE]

philly

Dec 6, 2006 18:07

Becasue he is the next coming of Charlie Ward! This is a discrace to the award. I am sick of the... [MORE]

Jim

Dec 6, 2006 17:57

It's staggering that there has not been a dissenting opinion on the shoo-in Heisman candidate among the talking heads for... [MORE]

Lo-fi

Dec 6, 2006 17:49

It's crazy to argue that troy smith had a better line than quinn purely based on sacks allowed. Troy is... [MORE]

Cole

Dec 6, 2006 17:02

I think the answer to the question is simple-- but if you're still confused, consider: a. Do you believe Brady Quinn... [MORE]

Patrick

Dec 6, 2006 17:01

The opposing defenses knew that Quinn was going to pass, they knew that ND couldn't run the ball and he... [MORE]

Rob

Dec 6, 2006 16:49

Quinn didn't have near the supporting cast of Smith. Both teams had games on their schedules that were not against... [MORE]

JD

Dec 6, 2006 16:37

My supporting cast was simply awful... seriously, no running game, no offensive line, in fact I was the only one... [MORE]

Jay

Dec 6, 2006 16:07

Your comments were fair and balanced, and I was impressed with the comparative records of each of these two very... [MORE]

Bob McCarthy

Dec 6, 2006 15:24

I find it funny that someone referred to ESPN as a hype machine for Troy Smith. Notre Dame is nothing... [MORE]

Matt

Dec 6, 2006 15:06

Saying that Colt Brennan should win the Heisman does nothing but disprove the whole argument that Quinn put up gaudy... [MORE]

Pat

Dec 6, 2006 15:53

You are blowing smoke I just can't figure out what kind of tobacco might be causing that smoke! Brady Quinn is... [MORE]

Ken

Dec 6, 2006 18:03

Notre Dame does not "create its own hype." It doesn't have to. Its a kickass school with the quite possibly... [MORE]

Joe

Dec 6, 2006 21:03

Your statemen that the reason Quinn was sacked more often is because of blockers is sophistry at best. Would one... [MORE]

Goberry

Dec 6, 2006 14:34

That line is a complete fallacy, clearly evident even to the most ardent of Troy Smith bandwaggoners. It is completely... [MORE]

T Money

Dec 7, 2006 11:28

Allen, I believe your article nails it right on the head in all topics mentioned and is certainly one of... [MORE]

Jim

Dec 6, 2006 14:30

You have hit the nail on the head. I always think of Paul Horning who won the Heisman when he... [MORE]

jerry

Dec 6, 2006 13:57

If the circumstances of these two players (i.e. team performance, records, individual stats, etc.) were reversed and Quinn was the... [MORE]

Mike

Dec 6, 2006 13:46

don't punish troy because he is on a more complete team. [MORE]

todd

Dec 7, 2006 08:53

Ok, well how do I put this, I think reading this artical you just fail to take Smiths career as... [MORE]

Chris

Dec 6, 2006 13:46

Why is anyone waisting their time with this issue. Both are good QBs in their own right. However the media... [MORE]

garvo

Dec 6, 2006 16:59

The article basically makes the samecomments that every other Notre Dame fan at the ESPN discussion board has made. This... [MORE]

Matt

Dec 6, 2006 13:43

I agree that Troy Smith has a good running offence and thats the reason why he hasnt passed as many... [MORE]

doug

Dec 7, 2006 01:52

Sounds like another bitter notre ame fan to me. Troy Smith will win the Heisman because he deserves it. He... [MORE]

Jason

Dec 7, 2006 03:10

What is amazing is that we are now going to give a Heisman to a player (Smith) who admitted to... [MORE]

Tim Regan

Dec 6, 2006 13:41

The genesis of Troy's campaign was the improvident evaluation of ND's dismissal of Willingham 2 years ago by John Saunders... [MORE]

NDNUT73

Dec 6, 2006 13:26

I love the comments that reference Smith's scrambling throw against Penn State and then compare how Smith did against Michigan.... [MORE]

Chris 2

Dec 6, 2006 12:47

Let Quinn have the Heisman. Troy Smith and the Buckeyes will enjoy the National Championship. [MORE]

Gregg

Dec 6, 2006 18:18

Great article Allen. You hit on the exact reasons for awarding the Heisman to Brady. The criteria you used to... [MORE]

Jim

Dec 6, 2006 12:47

Troy Smith had the award wrapped up before the season even started, thanks to the ESPN & ABC. They have... [MORE]

Brian Hale

Dec 6, 2006 12:35

You nailed it right on the head. Quinn ran for his life and was beaten severly in games and came... [MORE]

william

Dec 6, 2006 12:34

Its all about the best player in football that year, and most important to their team, which everyone has forgotten... [MORE]

Mark

Dec 6, 2006 12:25

Mark my words - Quinn will flop in the NFL and so will Smith. Smith is a product of hi... [MORE]

steve

Dec 6, 2006 12:23

Quinn was more critical to his teams success than Troy Smith, no doubt about it. OSU is better than ND... [MORE]

Charles Shinaver III

Dec 6, 2006 12:17

the guy has trouble throwing an accurate 5 yard crossing pattern with no pressure. i will take what's his name... [MORE]

bret

Dec 6, 2006 12:11

This article is one of the best fictions I have ever read. Against the highest ranked team that both have... [MORE]

JP

Dec 8, 2006 15:39

Where has Troy Smith been before football season 2006? Never even heard of him. Let's remember that the "best college... [MORE]

Ann

Dec 6, 2006 12:10

This is the problem with modern journalism, it is based completly on the writers opinion vs. the gathering of substantial... [MORE]

Rich

Dec 6, 2006 12:08

If you take Troy Smith away from tOSU, that team is STILL going to be a great, dominant team. Without... [MORE]

R-Dub

Dec 6, 2006 11:47

So, the self professed lover of ND, whose all time child and adulthood hero was Joe Montana, writes his second... [MORE]

tshade

Dec 6, 2006 11:44

Could it be? Or, just possibly, this is simply another example of the mindless sense of entitlement that domers have:... [MORE]

Chris

Dec 7, 2006 14:15

Great article although I'll admit I'm a big Irish fan. BQ was the shot in the arm that Domers needed... [MORE]

Frank

Dec 6, 2006 11:34

This is the absolute truth. Don't get me wrong, Troy is a better then average qb. But Even in Quinn's... [MORE]

Doug

Dec 6, 2006 11:13

You're taking Smith only if you have the rest of the OSU team! [MORE]

Wayne

Dec 6, 2006 11:11

Everything needs to be factored into for voting on a Heisman winner. The voters have forgotten all about this! [MORE]

Chris

Dec 6, 2006 11:07

Tim - Before you call someone stupid, maybe you should finish the article (stupid)! John - The answer lies in who... [MORE]

Wayne

Dec 6, 2006 11:06

I'm pretty sure that Quinn gave away two Michigan touchdowns when he threw an interception and then fumbled the ball,... [MORE]

James

Dec 6, 2006 11:05

I'm pretty sure that Brady's interception that you're talking about bounced right off the hands of his tight end, up... [MORE]

Randy

Dec 6, 2006 15:16

i live in ohio,and hear everyday from the local sports station,how great ohio state's qb is...If MR.quinn had the play-makers... [MORE]

R.E. Predieri

Dec 6, 2006 11:02

To read factual stats, for a change, rather then having to listen to prejudicial remarks of many, many across the... [MORE]

J Jordan

Dec 6, 2006 14:40

I agree that the Heisman has become a bit of a joke over the years. Your analysis that give Quinn... [MORE]

Terry Fox

Dec 6, 2006 10:57

Allen, Your article Quinn's Supporting Cast Should Not Cost Him the Heisman on December 6th is the most intelligent and... [MORE]

Disappointed Fan

Dec 6, 2006 10:55

How can you say Troy Smith is only as good as a dozen others at his position? That is Insane.... [MORE]

Ryan

Dec 6, 2006 10:54

Wins and losses would be all that mattered if Troy Smith and Brady Quinn were each one-man teams. However, the... [MORE]

Lo-fi

Dec 6, 2006 18:00

Regardless of missing out on all examples of other players who could be Heisman worthy, your article does bring up... [MORE]

Eric

Dec 6, 2006 10:52

Brady Quinn is without question, the best QB ever to play at Notre Dame....a school that has had 4 quarterbacks... [MORE]

jack barthel

Dec 6, 2006 10:47

Outstanding article. I have expressed and certainly agree with your assessment 100%. My argument all year has been that, yes... [MORE]

Kevin

Dec 6, 2006 10:38

Excellent article, now send it to the jokers at ESPN, Fowler, Corso, Mark May and the rest of the Troy... [MORE]

Moe Fortin

Dec 6, 2006 10:36

Very good article and right on the money. The award is not for the Quarterback on the #1 team. It... [MORE]

Joe R

Dec 6, 2006 11:06

Allen Barra, please don't tell me you are comparing T. Smith to the likes of Jason White, Chris Wnke, Danny... [MORE]

David

Dec 6, 2006 10:35

You are missing the point completely. Fact - OSU has at least 20 players who would be starters in any college... [MORE]

s

Dec 6, 2006 12:30

You couldn't possibly have seen any OSU or ND football games this year. I don't care about the statistics. If... [MORE]

John

Dec 6, 2006 10:24

If they were on the same team, Quinn would be the QB and Troy would be playing...safety. Quinn is going to... [MORE]

James

Dec 6, 2006 11:04

The NFL begs to differ.... Quinn is absolutely a better QB then Smith. Let's look back at your comments in... [MORE]

Pete M

Dec 6, 2006 12:47

If Troy Smith and Brady Quinn played on the same team, I would want Brady Quinn under center hands down.... [MORE]

Craig

Dec 6, 2006 13:28

The NFL can not produce one victory for ND,so exactly what is your point? [MORE]

Ken

Dec 6, 2006 19:55

Thank you for putting Heisman in the historic perspective. Quinn would win, if this were the sixties. Heck, it's a... [MORE]

Jamers Coombes

Dec 7, 2006 11:05

John hit the nail on the head! The only action he would see if he played for Ohio State would... [MORE]

Joe

Dec 7, 2006 12:21

IF QUINN, RAISED IN DUBLIN,OHIO, A COLUMBUS SUBURB, CHOSE TO GO TO OHIO STATE, SMITH WOULD BE PLAYING DEFENSE! [MORE]

ED CHRISTOPHER

Dec 6, 2006 10:22

As a Bucks fan I can tell you that we are glad Quinn chose ND and we have Smith playing... [MORE]

Jay

Dec 6, 2006 16:18

Mr. Barra, Congratulations on your fine article. As a lifelong Notre Dame fan, I would like to add one more point for... [MORE]

Tom Surber

Dec 6, 2006 10:16

Your observations backed up with reason and fairness is truly professional. It makes me wonder why the "national" commentators, especially... [MORE]

Johnn Trotter

Dec 6, 2006 10:09

you are exactly right, troy smith is over hyped and is not qualified to shine quinn's shoes. if both were... [MORE]

mike badarack

Dec 6, 2006 10:04

hahaha i think its hillarious how all u guys still think he should win the heisman this year. Everybody was... [MORE]

ryan

Dec 7, 2006 21:37

It's nice to see that someone else agrees that Quinn is an outstanding quarterback not just those of us here... [MORE]

Carie M

Dec 6, 2006 09:57

Allen-From your comments on the ridiculous primacy of the Heisman in this age of specialization to the notion that Troy... [MORE]

stan

Dec 6, 2006 09:57

Troy Smith, vs. Penn State: 12-22, 115 yds, 1 TD, 2 INTs Brady Quinn, vs. Penn State: 25-36, 287 yds, 3... [MORE]

Tim

Dec 6, 2006 09:55

Amnesia by convienience - You must have forgotten the Michigan comparison. Also, include a W/L chart now! [MORE]

JuJu

Dec 6, 2006 20:02

Great article. Personally I think this award has been so tarnished over the last 10 years that it has lost... [MORE]

Mark

Dec 6, 2006 09:51

If Brady Quinn had gone to Ohio State four years ago (and they were second on his list), he would... [MORE]

Garr Isacco

Dec 6, 2006 09:42

So much for the argument that Quinn deserved to win! [MORE]

Jay

Dec 10, 2006 04:28

thanks for an intelligent explanation regarding heisman winners. yes, i'm an irish fan, and i know brady quinn made some... [MORE]

gloria dillon+

Dec 6, 2006 09:38

To quote your lead-in: "Despite the fact that nearly every leading player in the country gets to play in a bowl... [MORE]

Vince

Dec 6, 2006 09:31

"Also you say he doesn't play defense... but I sure seem to recall him setting up the offenses of Michigan... [MORE]

Gary

Dec 6, 2006 11:58

Just to clarify to Vince, Quinn did not thrown an interception against USC. I think something else to note is the... [MORE]

Woody

Dec 6, 2006 11:59

Vince, to quote your conclusion: "Also you say he doesn't play defense... but I sure seem to recall him setting up... [MORE]

Reggie

Dec 6, 2006 12:21

I don't really care who wins the Heisman because it has become a bit of a joke, but I think... [MORE]

JD

Dec 6, 2006 12:39

Uhh Bowling Green? Norther Illinois? Cincinnati? and Illinois gave them all they can handle. I do not want to hear... [MORE]

Joe

Dec 6, 2006 12:57

Vince did you watch the games? You obviously did not watch either USC or UM games. 2 of the picks... [MORE]

Tim Regan

Dec 6, 2006 13:51

Thank you Mr.Barra! Finally someone has seen the obvious.Hopefully,all the voters will read this article prior to casting their ballots. [MORE]

Mark

Dec 6, 2006 09:28

Brady in my opinion did a much better job running an offense with fewer skilled positions. You might say he... [MORE]

ed Naufel

Dec 6, 2006 09:25

Perhaps the best gauge of their Heisman worthiness would be to have Smith and Quinn change teams. Would Smith have... [MORE]

Bill

Dec 6, 2006 09:18

Brilliant Article. [MORE]

Bryan

Dec 6, 2006 08:45

Great article; great analysis. Quinn has played with a lower quality of talent on his team, and has made them... [MORE]

Lorne

Dec 6, 2006 08:39

Troy Smith will be a decent CFL Quarterback while Brady Quinn will be a star in the NFL! [MORE]

Ray

Dec 6, 2006 08:27

Finally someone is thinking with their head and not their ***. The author is correct in his thinking. His thoughts... [MORE]

David Kuner

Dec 6, 2006 08:24

The notion that Troy Smith was sacked fewer times than Brady Quinn solely because the Buckeyes have a more effecrive... [MORE]

Mark Ira Kaufman

Dec 6, 2006 06:25

You have a point that Smith's elusiveness has helped him to have lower sack statistics than Brady Quinn, after all... [MORE]

ndstoehr

Dec 6, 2006 13:01

You have just proven that someone who has never played a sport at the level being discussed should not express... [MORE]

Stephen Browning

Dec 6, 2006 05:09

Mr. Browning, There is no need to insult ND and their coach with name calling. It's pretty obvious where you... [MORE]

Mike M

Dec 7, 2006 09:05

I am assuming that you played college football, but it is apparent that the fact that you are an athlete... [MORE]

ndstoehr

Dec 7, 2006 16:30

Your argument suggests someone other than Smith or Quinn should win the award. Such as Brennan. You give absolutely no... [MORE]

Tim

Dec 6, 2006 02:20

First off, I agree with the author that the Heisman Trophy has morphed to an extent that downplays the accomplishments... [MORE]

rjm09

Dec 6, 2006 13:44

I watched almost every game of Smith living in Ohio and he is great, but who cares if he makes... [MORE]

Tim Regan

Dec 6, 2006 14:01

I look at it this way. Would Notre Dame be the same team without Brady Quinn? The answer of course... [MORE]

Brad K

Dec 6, 2006 17:07

Smith had less rushing yards this year because he had time. He scrambled less. He had more time. He was... [MORE]

Brian

Dec 6, 2006 19:05

"The primary knock on Quinn is that his team lost to Michigan and USC by a combined total of 46... [MORE]

Tim

Dec 6, 2006 02:13

"What about pass blocking? Here Smith had a substantial boost over Quinn: His offensive line allowed him to be sacked... [MORE]

Tim

Dec 6, 2006 02:11

"Against slightly tougher opposition, Quinn performed at the same level of effectiveness as Troy Smith" How did Brady fair against Michigan?... [MORE]

Tim

Dec 6, 2006 02:09

"Thirty-five or 40 years ago, Brady Quinn of Notre Dame (no. 11) would be a clear favorite for the Heisman... [MORE]

Tim

Dec 6, 2006 02:06

So what exactly do you disagree with? He played against equal competition and had a supporting case substantially below that... [MORE]

Rob

Dec 6, 2006 09:15

There are few sportswriters who will admit in public to the foolishness that has become the Heisman trophy. The sad... [MORE]

John

Dec 6, 2006 09:18

Clot Brennan may have the numbers...but he played no one. I would like to see how well he would fair... [MORE]

Fernando

Dec 6, 2006 09:19

While I admit up front that I am a Domer, I agree that the NC QB is likely to win... [MORE]

Sean

Dec 6, 2006 09:21

He's not just putting stock in pure numbers. He is looking at the players' statistics, within the context of who... [MORE]

Brian

Dec 6, 2006 09:22

Obviously, Tim, you didn't read past the first page. Hawaii played the 101st toughest schedule and threw the ball 70... [MORE]

Jeff

Dec 6, 2006 09:29

It's not about just stats (as you clearly would know if you'd read the rest of the article), but level... [MORE]

JimBo

Dec 6, 2006 10:14

If you look at the total of Brady Quinn's accomplisments, there is no contest. To say nothing of the questions... [MORE]

RM

Dec 6, 2006 10:33

Tim. You are overlooking on intangible. Brady Quinn shaves his arms. That should automatically push him ahead of Troy Smith... [MORE]

Chris

Dec 6, 2006 10:38

The ROCKET finished 2nd to Ty Detmer of B.Y.U. Another waist of the Heisman hardware [MORE]

jim 41

Dec 6, 2006 11:46

Rocket finished runner-up to Ty Detmer for the Heisman. [MORE]

Mark

Dec 6, 2006 12:52

Great exposition of a take on the whole Heisman meaning and voting process that likely escapes most who follow CFB.... [MORE]

mike

Dec 6, 2006 13:32