Geno Smith’s Preseason Honor Is Well Deserved
By Zach Pugh
When the Big 12 announced its’ preseason Offensive Player of the Year, there was a bit of shock in Oklahoma.
West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith was awarded the honor over Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones. Oh the outraged felt from Sooner fans!
How could this happen? Jones plays in a much tougher conference and faced a slate of tougher defenses, right?
Be careful making that assumption.
Fans within the Big 12 probably don’t know much about Smith outside of his performance against Clemson in last years’ Orange Bowl. While it’s true the Big East has been a weaker conference than the Big 12, which can be debated, Geno Smith more than proved himself worthy of the honor.
Looking at the competition Smith faced last season, it was actually tougher than what the Big 12 had to offer in terms of defense. The Big East had five teams in the top 50 in points allowed per game, while Smith’s new conference only had three. And that’s only when you generously add a new member, TCU.
Now, look at the same defensive competition Smith faced last season in terms of yards allowed per game. The Big 12 had only one team in the top 50. The Big East had five teams in the top 50. Don’t forget Smith also threw for 463 yards while helping the offense put up 21 points against the second best defense in the nation, LSU.
When you compare Smith and Jones in 2011, what you see can be considered splitting hairs, but Smith edges out Jones. Smith passed for 4,385 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2011, Jones passed for 4,463 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, in 36 fewer attempts than Smith. Jones threw 15 interceptions, while Smith only threw seven. Smith ended 2011 with a 152.6 pass efficiency rating and OU’s Jones finished with a 141.6 rating.
Landry Jones is a great college quarterback and has great chance to lead his team to a BCS championship this season, but in terms of preseason recognition, Geno Smith deserves the honor.