Seems pretty clear that those who vote for the Heisman havent been dazzled by Trace's performance so far this year, based on casual observation of the various TV sports talking heads.
Now Im not fixated on him winning that award, because its clear he will go down as our greatest ever QB and perhaps have the highest winning percentage to boot.
But with a large number of other QBs out there putting up incredible stats, some coming out of the blue, Trace's performance seems to be more of a ho-hum effort to those that dont know him or follow him closely. A 51% completion %age thru three games is way down from last year.
With an improving OL, I was hoping for perhaps 15% points or more better than that. even with the loss of Gisicki, Hamilton and SB. But reality has shown that the players in their places lack enough experience to step in and immediately establish the same rapport with Trace as their predecessors. Experience is a huge factor in well timed passes and knowing what to expect from the WR's/TE's and for them, where to expect the ball to be, but the voters wont see that as an important factor in their voting.
I for one will be surprised if as the season wears on, Trace doesnt start completing 60-75% of his passes, as better chemstry in the passing game develops. But since this is trace's final year, his numbers may never reach last years level in the low 60% range. And that will probably cost him any chance at the Heisman.
So it boils down to watching him do what he does best....win games. And with OSU, MI, MSU and WI remaining on our schedule, he still has a chance to show his unique skills and carry a bunch of young whipper-snappers with him across the finish line of the BT championship.
Maybe that will be enough.
Now Im not fixated on him winning that award, because its clear he will go down as our greatest ever QB and perhaps have the highest winning percentage to boot.
But with a large number of other QBs out there putting up incredible stats, some coming out of the blue, Trace's performance seems to be more of a ho-hum effort to those that dont know him or follow him closely. A 51% completion %age thru three games is way down from last year.
With an improving OL, I was hoping for perhaps 15% points or more better than that. even with the loss of Gisicki, Hamilton and SB. But reality has shown that the players in their places lack enough experience to step in and immediately establish the same rapport with Trace as their predecessors. Experience is a huge factor in well timed passes and knowing what to expect from the WR's/TE's and for them, where to expect the ball to be, but the voters wont see that as an important factor in their voting.
I for one will be surprised if as the season wears on, Trace doesnt start completing 60-75% of his passes, as better chemstry in the passing game develops. But since this is trace's final year, his numbers may never reach last years level in the low 60% range. And that will probably cost him any chance at the Heisman.
So it boils down to watching him do what he does best....win games. And with OSU, MI, MSU and WI remaining on our schedule, he still has a chance to show his unique skills and carry a bunch of young whipper-snappers with him across the finish line of the BT championship.
Maybe that will be enough.
