Ohio State football fans have long debated the best player in the history of the program, with Archie Griffin and Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Orlando Pace frequently topping the list. However, recent letters published in The Columbus Dispatch highlight an alternative opinion that places former quarterback Troy Smith above both.
Larry Cheek of Dublin wrote to Brian White at The Columbus Dispatch, explaining his case for Smith as Ohio State’s greatest. “It’s easy for me to choose Troy Smith as the best player because of those around him, especially toward winning three times against Michigan. A late hit in the ’06 contest, No. 2 vs. No. 1, not only gave OSU another chance to score (a TD pass to Brian Robiske), but it also crowned Jim Tressel as the new rivalry king, dethroning Lloyd Carr minutes before fans flooded the Horseshoe. (…) Back to the 2006 slugfest: Without the supporting cast of players like Antonio Pittman, Anthony Gonzalez, Ted Ginn Jr., James Laurinatis, A.J. Hawk and Beanie Wells, the hype and performance wouldn’t have existed. Yet, without No. 10 on the field, no magic was in the night air.” Cheek’s comments focus on Smith’s leadership during pivotal wins against Michigan and his ability to perform in critical moments.
White responded by noting that public sentiment remains strong for Griffin and Pace following a recent vote ending Aug. 19: “Smith was great at Ohio State, but I’m not sure many will agree with you on that lofty status. Our vote that ended Aug. 19 ended with Archie Griffin as the all-time best, and in the final round he defeated Orlando Pace. The four finalists were Griffin, Pace, 1995 Heisman winner Eddie George and linebacker Chris Spielman. Pace outdistanced George and Griffin topped Spielman to reach the championship match.”
Another letter from Dennis Singleton of Dayton emphasized the importance of offensive linemen such as those led by Orlando Pace: “I’ve always felt the most important unit of a football team is the offensive line, which is also the least recognized. Last year, untimely injuries just before that last game on the schedule caused the Buckeyes offense to stumble so terribly that day. But then they scrambled to create a cohesive unit again even with backups that stormed through the playoffs against much stronger competition. Those talented players at the so-called skill positions who get all the credit are important, but what matters more to me is how the offensive line looks going into the season.”
White acknowledged this view in his response: “It must be a relief for the Buckeyes to enter a season without the offensive line being mentioned as a weakness. They have experience and talent there. So the focus on what’s questionable moves to quarterback, running back and interior defensive line.”
The debate over Ohio State’s top player continues among its supporters with key figures such as Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Orlando Pace remaining central in these discussions.
