OSU's 10 best quarterbacks
Friday, November 17, 2006
Even before finishing his impressive career as Ohio State's starting quarterback, Troy Smith has vaulted himself into the discussion of the Buckeyes' top all-time QBs. We list our Top 10, but keep this in mind: If Smith guides OSU to a win against Michigan and a national championship, he'll no doubt be considered the best to ever play the position in scarlet and gray:
1. Art Schlichter, 1978-81• First in career passing yards (7,547)
Extras
• 36-11-1 record as a starter
• Two-time All-Big Ten ('79 and '81)
The country boy from Miami Trace put up some big-time numbers during his four years as starter, the first under Woody Hayes and final three under Earle Bruce. His best year came as a sophomore, when he was an All-American as OSU went 11-1, losing only to No. 3 USC in the Rose Bowl.
But he's first for more than his numbers. Granted, several guys on this list could've put up the same numbers with the same opportunities. But he was a big-time leader and went 29-7 in his final three years, but 1-3 in bowl games.
2. Troy Smith, 2004-06
• Seventh in career passing yards (5,369)
• 24-2 as a starter
• 2-0 vs. Michigan
Perhaps no quarterback on this list advanced more in his career than Smith, who has gone from an also-ran in the recruiting race to superior thrower, runner and leader. He has willed OSU to two of its better wins against Michigan and a bowl stomping of Notre Dame.
3. Rex Kern, 1968-70
• 27-2 as a starter
• Three Big Ten championships
• One consensus national championship (1968), one National Football Federation national championship (1970).
In terms of leading teams to success, Kern might be at the top of this list. The '69 Buckeyes are thought of as perhaps one of the great teams in college football history, but they lost 24-12 to Michigan.
Kern is one of OSU's few All-Americans at quarterback, and he was 2-1 against Michigan with a 1-1 record in the Rose Bowl He ranks 12th in team history with 2,444 passing yards.
4. Bobby Hoying, 1993-95
• Second in career passing yards (7,232)
• 30-7-1 as a starter
• Third-round draft choice by Philadelphia
Perhaps more well-rounded than Schlichter, Hoying could be a bruising runner as well as an accurate passer, but the teams for which he played didn't fulfill the potential championship-wise.
Hoying was All-Big Ten in 1995 as a senior, and the Buckeyes shared just one Big Ten title in his time. He was 1-2 against Michigan and 1-2 in bowl games, which hurts his stock.
5. Cornelius Greene, 1973-75
• 31-3-1 as starter
• 2-0-1 vs. Michigan
• Two-time All-Big Ten
Greene remains the only player at OSU with a place on the career Top 20 lists in both passing (14th, 2,348 yards) and rushing (18th, 2,066 yards). He led three teams to Rose Bowls, but went just 1-2.
He was one of the first Buckeyes QBs to be equally as gifted running and throwing, and his record shows it.
Also: 6. Craig Krenzel, 2001-03; 7. Mike Tomczak, 1981-84; 8. Stanley Jackson, 1996-97; 9. Joe Germaine, 1996-98; 10. Frank Kremblas, 1957-58
Comments
By UpNorthBuckeye
November 21, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
I loved Rex Kern as a leader, greak fake artist with the ball. But, they used to bring in Ron Maciejowski when they needed some big passing yards quick. How can Kern be the #1 QB when the backup was a better passer?
I gotta go with Troy. He has all the physical elements PLUS the leadership of a Scoonie Penn. Scoonie took a mediocre hoops team to the final four, and Troy took a young, decent team to a national championship. Remember, before he became the starter we were 3 and 3.
By Byron Fox
November 20, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Without any doubt, OSU’s best quarterback ever has to be Troy Smith, “The Wolverine Killer” and Heisman winner. I can go back to Rex Kern, and I’ve not seen any qb at OSU play with the same will to win as Troy has, big game after big game. But for his being platooned in last year’s Texas game, OSU would be competing for its second straight National Championship in January. Troy’s game is remarkable, along with his cool demeanor and laser throwing arm. He’s the whole package.
By Dave
November 17, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
In the great Woody Hayes era of 3 yards and a cloud of dust method,can you imagine Rex Kern or Art Schlichter’s stats in a more predomiant throwing game? Speaking of throwing, I think Art covered his bet on that interception in the Rose Bowl!
By Mel
November 17, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this
I’ll give Troy Smith 10 to 1 odds that if he leads the Buckeyes over Michigan tomorrow, then he’ll he be considered a better bet than Art Schlichter. GO BUCKS!
By Ron
November 17, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
Hey, how about Les Horvath? Carl really likes him.
I don’t know how you compare say, Kern against Smith. A much different game at the Shoe these days. Smith has been very impressive this year, almost no mental mistakes. Krenzel in 02 was awesome. But for 3 years Kern was the team leader. Of course Brockington and Hayden in the backfield had alot to do with their success back then. I don’t know, best ever…impossible question.
By Dave
November 17, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Another key moment in Troy Smith’s career was his performance in the 2002 Alamo Bowl. Quite a “go-to” guy.
By Donald
November 17, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Fellas, this is tough. I probably agree that Art Schlichter is the best. He did things for this program that no one ever has done even without the stats ( which are the most imppresive). But if Troy Smith wins “The Game” again saturday and takes us back to the National Championship, his name has to go along with shlichter. He’s done too much over the last few years not to have the Honor of being mentioned with the best. Plus come on.. HE’s the Wolverine Killer!!!!!
By Sarah
November 17, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
I agree with the comments above, Stanley Jackson has got to be someone’s idea of a joke. What grounds would any sports writer have to list him as number 8 on OSU’s all time quarterback list? He was REPLACED by Joe Germaine and you have him listed above Joe? Crazy.
By Ken
November 17, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
Cornelius Greene was undoubtedly the best ever at the OSU. He had impressive numbers for any quarterback (over 2,000 running and passing) but Greene did it while having the most prolific runner (2 Heisman’s) in his backfield. He may have even been a more gifted runner than Griffin.
Greene did not get his deserved recognition because of Griffin and may have been a major factor in him winning two Heisman trophies.
By DENNIS GANNON
November 17, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
WHAT ABOUT KRENZEL? A THINKING MAN’S QUARTERBACK. GOT US TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. IF I HAVE TO CHOOSE FROM THE ABOVE, IT’S REX KERN.
By Tom
November 17, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this
I Know Troy Smith has had two great years and hopefully, he’ll have another, but I consider Art Schlichter the best quarterback … he started every game from the time he walked on campus … has more wins than any other OSU QB ever … won both times he played at Michigan … career leader in passing, could run the option and was a great leader.
By Tom
November 17, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this
I Know Troy Smith has had two great years and hopefully, he’ll have another, but I consider Art Schlichter the best quarterback … he started every game from the time he walked on campus … has more wins than any other OSU QB ever … won both times he played at Michigan … career leader in passing, could run the option and was a great leader.
By Dont'e Murphy
November 17, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
It just has to be ”oh Troy” Smith. He shows glimpses of Michael Vick in his first two seasons and is now passing like he’s a faster Peyton Manning! LOL!!! Well….. Maybe Eli!
By Brian
November 17, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this
What about Herbie? (LOL)
By Corey Stone
November 17, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
I was with you until I saw Stanley Jackson. As soon as I saw that name the whole article quickly became a joke.
By Dave Sobecki
November 17, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this
This is a joke, right? Stanley Jackson on the list at all is ridiculous, but AHEAD of Joe Germaine? Please.
By tom
November 17, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this
What about Steve Belisari?
By Carl Beyer
November 17, 2006 05:25 AM | Link to this
I vote for Les Horvath, OSU’s first Heisman trophy winner. He played in the 1940s and was a great one
By Carl Beyer
November 17, 2006 05:23 AM | Link to this
I vote for Les Horvath, OSU’s first Heisman Trophy winner. He played in the 1940s and was a great one
By Carl Beyer
November 17, 2006 05:21 AM | Link to this
How about OSU’s first Heisman Trophy winner Les Horvath. He played in the days when quarterbacks didn’t pass much, but so what. It’s all-around performance that counts. I’d like to see football go back to the days of 3 yards and a cloud of dust, rather than all this passing. Sometimes I think they should rename the present sport Passball.