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Geno Smith's unique advantage in the 2012 Heisman race - Printable Version

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Geno Smith's unique advantage in the 2012 Heisman race - bitcruncher - 07-31-2012 08:07 AM

I doubt he wins the Heisman, unless WVU wins the B12's BCS bid. But it's nice to see a chance to build some support for his chances... 04-rock
Geno Smith's unique advantage in the 2012 Heisman race
Quote:While most of the preseason Heisman buzz is going to the likes of returning vote getters Matt Barkley and Montee Ball, West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith is gaining traction as a viable alternative should any of the front runners falter.

That's no surprise since, barring injury, Smith is a lock to put up outstanding numbers in 2012. The third-year starter threw for 4,385 yards and 31 touchdowns last season in his first crack at new coach Dana Holgorsen's offense, so year two in that system should produce more of the same.

But while much of the focus about Smith has been on his prolific passing numbers, the fundamentals of his candidacy provide him an advantage that may be unprecedented in Heisman history.

First, let's review Heisman voting procedures. It's important to remember that the Heisman vote is split up into six regions: The Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, the Southeast, the Southwest, the Midwest and the Far West. Each region has 145 media votes, totaling 870 across the country (former Heisman winners comprise the rest of the electorate).

As a matter of practice, it is common for voters to have a predilection toward players who come from their region. This is not necessarily the result of a bias so much as a natural tendency to latch on to the close and familiar. A writer in San Jose is going to see and hear more about a Stanford quarterback on a day-to-day basis than he will a quarterback from Boston College. A reporter in Jacksonville is probably going to know what Aaron Murray looks like without a helmet, but may have no idea what Landry Jones looks like unadorned.

To win the Heisman, a player must expand his name recognition beyond his own region. He must become a national candidate whose persona and accomplishments become known from one end of the country to another. This is not always easy to do, which is why schools sometimes run campaigns.

Which brings us back to Smith.