We’ve been going through a series here at Buckeyes Wire. It’s a debate on which Ohio State football player is the best to wear specific jersey numbers, and we’re now up to No. 10 and we’re pretty sure where this one is going, but we’re still game.
Before we get into all the fun, here’s an update on where we stand with all the jersey numbers we’ve debated to date:
Jersey No. 1 | Jersey No. 2 | Jersey No. 3 | Jersey No. 4 | Jersey No. 5 | Jersey No. 6 | Jersey No. 7 | Jersey No. 8 | Jersey No. 9
We’re doing this because we know you’re bored looking at every square inch of your home. We’re all getting a little stir crazy from being cooped up due to the measures put in place to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, and there are only so many classic games you can watch — unless it’s Ohio State beating Michigan over, and over, and over again.
Anyway, in the long, illustrious history of Ohio State football, there is sure to be some disagreement, but that only makes it more fun.
We will continue to go as high as makes sense, or until toilet paper is stocked back on grocery store shelves. We’ll have the results of all of these polls further down the road, but in the meantime, chime in and vote below.
Here we go Mark, kick things off …
Next … Mark’s thoughts
Contact/Follow Mark Russell
Another one that seems fairly obvious. The most recent Heisman winner in Ohio State’s decorated history, none other than Troy Smith. But let’s be clear, there have been some outstanding players to wear No. 10 on the banks of the Olentangy.
Rex Kern, quarterback of the 1968 national championship team. Art Schlichter, who held many OSU passing records for over 30 years. Even Joe Burrow wore No. 10 while a Buckeye. However, only one has the number retired with his name hung next to it in the ‘Shoe – and that’s Smith.
Troy Smith was a highlight reel waiting to happen every Saturday, and he absolutely showed up biggest when in marquee matchups. Smith could beat you with his arm or his legs which made him particularly tough to contain. One of my favorites… outmaneuvering a slew of Penn State defenders and then slinging the ball 50 plus yards for the score in what would be a Heisman defining moment.
Of course, Smith had his share of moments against TTUN that put him in legend status at OSU. Who could forget Smith getting the start as a redshirt sophomore for an upset in 2004 while accounting for 386 total yards and three scores. Or the “Game of the Century” when Smith led No. 1 Ohio State to a victory over No. 2 Michigan to send the Bucks to the BCS National Championship Game.
There have been some greats to wear No. 10 at Ohio State, but none better than Troy Smith.
Next … Phil responds
Contact/Follow Phil Harrison
I’m going to go a little off the grid here. Okay, who am I kidding? Mark said it all. The No. 10 has had a lot of really good quarterbacks in Ohio State history, but none of them brought home the bronze statue aside from Troy Smith. Also, how about an honorable mention shout out for former OSU linebacker Ryan Shazier?
Regardless, besides all the accolades mentioned by Mark, I believe Smith was responsible for ushering in a new era of offensive football at Ohio State. Before him, dual-threat quarterbacks were more the exception than the norm. After Smith, almost every single quarterback that has come through those tunnels has had an element of running and passing ability.
He set the new bar for the quarterback position in Columbus, and Justin Fields is continuing what began surprisingly under the punt and defense friendly Jim Tressel.
Next … Brock wraps it up
Contact/Follow Brock Netter
I’ll make this simple.
It’s Troy Smith.
Big Ten Player of the Year. AP Player of the Year. Unanimous All-American. Heisman Trophy winner.
There’s a reason No. 10 is retired at Ohio State. Because of the legend that is Troy Smith. End of discussion.
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