DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Quinn wins Maxwell award

Updated: Dec. 8, 2006, 1:53 AM ET
Quinn, Smith win at college football awardsAssociated Press


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Brady Quinn took this round from Troy Smith.

The Notre Dame quarterback won the Maxwell Award as the player of the year Thursday night, beating out Ohio State's Smith, the Heisman Trophy favorite.

Quinn, Smith and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden are the finalists for the Heisman, which will be handed out Saturday night in New York.

"Winning this award makes me look forward to Saturday night that much more," Quinn said. "When you go back and look at it, the so-called rivalry between me and Troy pretty much began with last year's Fiesta Bowl. Things just kind of went on from there. He and Darren have both had great seasons, and we've done pretty well for ourselves. We'll just see what happens in New York."

Smith won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's best quarterback at the College Football Awards show and earlier in the day was honored as player of the year by the Walter Camp Foundation.

"I am extremely overwhelmed and at a loss for words right now," said Smith, who led the top-ranked Buckeyes to a berth in the Tostitos BCS Championship Game against Florida on Jan. 8. "I can remember last year Vince Young clutching the Davey O'Brien Award and it meant so much to him. When you add the Walter Camp Award to that, it's amazing.

2006 Award Winners
Award Winner
Maxwell Brady Quinn
O'Brien Troy Smith
Walker Darren McFadden
Bilitnikoff Calvin Johnson
Mackey Matt Spaeth
Rimington Dan Mozes
Bednarik Paul Posluszny
Butkus Patrick Willis
Outland Joe Thomas
Thorpe Aaron Ross
Lombardi LaMarr Woodley
Nagurski James Laurinaitis
Groza Art Carmody
Ray Guy Daniel Sepulveda
2006 Award Tracker
"Vince's team went on to win the national championship after he won the Davey O'Brien, and that's exactly what I'm looking to do. There's nothing wrong with leaving legacies like that," he said.

The Big Ten offensive player of the year, Smith led Ohio State to a 12-0 record with 2,740 total yards. He threw a school-record 30 touchdown passes and led the Big Ten in passing efficiency.

Quinn passed for 3,278 and 35 touchdowns this season, leading the Fighting Irish (10-2) to a Sugar Bowl bid. Notre Dame will face LSU on Jan. 3 in New Orleans.

He is the fifth Notre Dame player to win the Maxwell and first since defensive lineman Ross Browner in 1977.

Rutgers tailback Ray Rice was the other finalists for the Maxwell Award.

McFadden, a sophomore who led Arkansas to the Southeastern Conference title game, won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back. He is the first SEC player to win the award since Georgia's Garrison Hearst in 1992.

"This is a tremendous honor because I know there are a lot of great running backs out there," said McFadden, the first Arkansas player to win the Doak Walker Award. "It means a whole to me because in the SEC, it's hard to rack up yards. It just shows how big of an accomplishment it is."

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was chosen as The Home Depot Coach of the Year for turning around the Scarlet Knights (10-2).

"We've wanted to change the culture at Rutgers, not just on the football field but with the university as well," Schiano said. "I think we've been able to do that."

Penn State's Paul Posluszny was the only repeat winner from 2005. For the second straight year, the Nittany Lions linebacker won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's best defensive player.

"I think it shows a lot about the defense that we play at Penn State," Posluszny said. "My teammate, Dan Connor, was also very deserving of the award. To win it twice and to be put in the same category as Pat Fitzgerald [the award's only other two-time winner], it's amazing."

Other award winners were: Joe Thomas, Wisconsin, Outland Trophy (best interior linemen); Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, Biletnikoff (best wide receiver); Aaron Ross, Texas, Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back); Patrick Willis, Mississippi, Butkus Award (best linebacker); Arthur Carmody, Louisville, Lou Groza Award (best kicker); and Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor, Ray Guy Award (best punter).

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

That's cool. I remember when Dennis Northcutt won the Maxwell award.... because he's good to the last drop. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Well,at least he gets a concelation prize. That way he'll have something to fall back on in his resume' when Smith takes the Heisman.

<img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

How bout them Irish huh? What a night for ND. Quinn winning the Maxwell and ND basketball destroying the NUMBER 5 team in the country Alabama in basketball. Go Irish!

ya Pitt ... Brady needs sumptin to fall back on ... *LMAO* ..

just wonderin .. u think Troy will be one of the 55% of the football players that OSU graduates or that he will be one of the 32%of the black football players they graduate??? I know brady will be one of the 95% of the football players ND graduates ... and he will do it in with a dual major in finance and computer science .. then after he's the first player drafted in the NFL and his playing days are over ... his plans now are for law school .. well actually I'm guessing he does while still playing .. but ya ... that Maxwell award will be the shining achievement on his resume ... <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Actually I believe Troy has completed his degree program.

Actually I think Troy has done quite well considering where he came from. After he gets drafted and has his hard work pay off he will be a wealthy man. Whether or not he is a smash in the NFL wont be able to take away what he achieved.

He wasnt born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he isnt the poster child for all american but no matter what..
He is simply the best QB in college right now based on performance in big games and his true leadership qualities.

He did something nobody before him did at his college. (one can argue that being an overhyped QB at or coming out of Notre Dame isnt that exclusive)

And when all the dust settles hopefully he will have a national championship , and a heisman, but nobody will be able to take away his stellar record handing out ass whuppings to the likes of Michigan and on a less significant note, overrated cream puffs like Notre Dame in games when everybody was watching and everything was on the line.

I am sure that in a a season or two when the next Golden Boy Klaussen takes the reigns he too will be continually put up on a pedstal even after getting knocked off time and time again.

Troy climbed to the top of the pedestal on his own. He became a leader of men and that is what he will have looking back at him in the mirror everyday for the rest of his life. That is just as good as a law degree in my book.

Diam, this is all well and good and it's fun to watch you guys banter back and forth, but the one that will be remembered is the one that excels the most at the next level......

banter back and forth??? i'm just joining ... no back and forth yet .. *L* ..

all i did was defend Brady ... winning the maxwell will be nuttin on Brady's resume ... NUTTIN ..

folks i respect WON'T TAKE SHOTS AT HIM while I'm around .... and thats what Pitt did .... Troy had a GREAT year and so did Brady .... i can accept that ... unfortunatly theres the hundreds of dolts like assasin that want to take what i said and turn it into a rant that is tottally irrelivent to what Pit and I said .. wont waste my time with them ...

and we all know who will be a better player at the next level .. and i wont waste my time or anyone elses debating that ... we'll find out in 3 or 4 years when one is playing well and the other is selling insurance ... <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

You can call me a dolt and thats fine diam but when Brady lays a steamer against LSU and folks start looking at his performances agaisnt NFL style defenses I am not so sure he is going to be the #1 pick. So that law degree might be coming in handy sooner rather than later.

I didn't read the whole thing, but Brady is a great QB. In fact, at this level, both he and Troy have been the two best in football the last 3 years, IMO. Brady has nothing to apologize for.

Having said that, I don't think EITHER will be selling insurance in three years. I think Brady will be the #1 pick. I think Smith will be a first day pick because of his height. I think Brady will be incredible at the next level. I think Smith has the potential (though I hate that word) to be a very good QB at the next level.

I think Smith deserves the trophy. That doesn't take anything away from Brady as he is a great player and a quality guy. I am happy to have been able to watch both of them play at this level and can't wait to see them at the next.

I hope you guys are wrong about BQ being the # 1 pick, because that's where the Browns are going to be picking,....

I did not say I didn't want him on the team,...I'm just saying I want to build the trenches first.

I don't think we pick there. I think Detroit does and they will definately take Quinn.

I think he does too so I hope nobody misconstrued what I was saying.... the award isn't supposed to go the player who projects out the best at the next level, that award is called "the #1 pick in the draft" award..... and when you look at the teams competing for the #1 pick, it will likely be a QB...

I do not usually respond to your threads because of the nonsense that ensues when you post. But I have to ask. You are saying that Brady Quinn and Troy Smith have been the best 2 QB's in the NCAA for the past 3 seasons? 3 seasons as a whole, individual seasons?

So what's wrong with selling insurance,..... <img src="/images/graemlins/naughtydevil.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes, he's saying they were better than Leinart and Young as sophomores and juniors....... I know where you're going with that... <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Zinger. Give the man a ribbon. <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

That was not my intent Diam.

My intent was to take a shot at the entire university of Notre Dame!

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

And if you're still around,I'm doing it "while you're around"! Ever since you guys were "pre-ordained" with a national TV contract with an inferior athletic program,I've loathed them. You being here won't change that.
<img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Their program has been the most overhyped,overrated program in the nation to date. and looking at their current ranking,that hasn't changed. And now that I've responded? Maybe it will be back and forth?

<img src="/images/graemlins/naughtydevil.gif" alt="" />

I'm very interested to see how Troy pans out ... his ACCURACY and decision making are things I need to see at the next level .. i personally dotn' think they will be good enough .. but i been wrong before ...

Ooohrah ... someones gotta do it .. *L*

Yes Brady should be much better at the next level looking at the measurables. I'll be shocked and thrilled if I'm wrong about that.

<img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

But by God,I'm going to bask in the moment!

I see him in an Antwaan Randle El role,....

It's just business Pit... It's just business... between a network and a marketable university... no different than a shoe deal or court naming rights or anything else... It's just business and if OSU or Maryland or any other school in the land had the opportunity to do it, they would jump on it...

Diam,
U and other have no idea how Brady or Troy will pan out! How many QBs with socalled great arms..etc. flunk at the next level. The NFL draft is full of so called can't miss QBs that were great in college and suck in the pro's. So stating all this non-sense is silly. All we know right now is that those two young men had good college careers and very good seasons. One led his team to bigger wins than the other. After that, its all guess work.

So you're admitting that Quinn is better? <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Quinn is a big game QB.. as long as that game is Navy, Air Force..etc.. LMAO!!! <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Let alone they should all really be in 1-AA

It was a Cathlic kissathon DC,pure and simple.

If you're Cathic,you're Notre Dame.
They have a huge national fan base based on religion and it has nothing to do with talent or football greatness. It was a marketing ploy to exploit the religious followers of Notre Dame. Untill they stunk it up so bad they couldn't even get the ratings to pay the bills.

Sad but true.

actually it has everything to do with football greatness, it just hasn't been recent football greatness... so what you're saying is that their pride in their football greatness if from years ago and shouldn't matter... hmmm, where have I heard that before... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

And for the record, I know a lot of Catholics who like ND for just that reason...

DC,
The point Pit is making is that OSU or Maryland cannot make that type of TV deal. No NCAA team can make a TV deal like that outside of their conference. Local coverage, yes, Regional coverage no, and only the conference. National TV contract, HELL NO!!!.. BTW - you know good and well that if it was possible, DUKE would have on also!!!

I understand that... I just don't see it as a reason to hate the team... I hate Duke for lots of reasons that are better than that... <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Like what,...their graduation rate <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Nah, I won't get into here and derail this whole ND vs OSU thing y'all have going...

I don't hate Duke( or ND) but I do not like some of the bias that they get in the media. ( I'm not talking about Dukeee V either..haha).

Ah, go ahead and derail, I care less about graduation rates. Ohio State isn't the only program that doesn't care about its student athletes.

You don't know what you're missing... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Part of my hatred is because they are good every year and they have beaten Maryland a few times when they shouldn't have... those parts I recognize as jealousy and I control them...

In the bigger picture though I hate them because of their "squeeky clean" image when I've seen some cheap shots out of Duke players that would make Ron Artest blush.... from the time Christian Laettner stepped on the guys head to the time Battier loaded up and elbowed the kid from Georgia Tech after a rebound and broke his nose... they called a foul on the guys broken nose...

Then there is the whole ranking thing where... you watch, Alabama will plummet like 10 spots for losing to Notre Dame.. Duke loses to an unranked team and drops 2 spots.....

Then there are the simple in-game calls, which .... well if you've ever watched a Duke game, you know what I'm talking about.

No DC,what I'm saying is they have a huge national fan base that is centered around religion. But the program didn't live up to the hype at the time.

It was a slight to the rest of the NCAA and an unfair $$$ advantage to Notre Dame.

They're a "part" of the NCAA not the center of it. And now,even now,they're one of the most overrated programs in the country because of it.

Not that you will "take the time" to read this but your statement..



led me to believe that you havent watched Troy in big games versus real defenses. These attributes of his are the things that floor me the most in terms of his improvement as a passer.


And the other one...


I am not sure we all do. I would look at their respective performances against common teams or similar competition. And without trying to be a jerk , I havent seen Quinn take the team on his back and get it done when it counted sans the near win in South Bend last year vs USC, who when it came down to it wasnt quite the defensive juggernaut.

All Troy Smith has done is win big games by taking them over in crunch time. I have saw that out of Brady against the Michigan States, Army Navy's of the world but not consistently against top 25 competition.

In terms of measurables Quinn is a great prospect but niether ideal measurables nor pure athleticisim are a gaurantee of anything in the NFL.

It will take some time to truly find out but their respective Bowl games will tell alot about their ability against NFL style Defenses.

We will start seeing then.

[color:"white"] That was not my intent Diam.

My intent was to take a shot at the entire university of Notre Dame! [/color]

Ahhh ... thats much better .... *L*

[color:"white"] And now that I've responded? Maybe it will be back and forth?
[/color]

ya .. maybe ... *L* ... there will definetly be back and forth .. not sure how good it will be as your standing on pretty shaky ground for this argument .. *L*

[color:"white"] And if you're still around,I'm doing it "while you're around"! Ever since you guys were "pre-ordained" with a national TV contract with an inferior athletic program,I've loathed them. You being here won't change that.
[/color]

u can hate them all u want .. but teh cheap shots .. not going without volleys back .. i have been known to "mix it up" every now and them .. just in case u didnt knwo that .. *L*

pre-ordained??? huh .... NBC wanted football ... ND was a VIABLE OPTION ... so they gave us a SICK ASS AMOUNT OF $$$ to telivise our home games .... what were we suppose to say ... were not that good we dotn want the money??? *LOL* .. be piS$ed at NBC for that .. not us ... and if we had said NO .. they prolly would have just offered us more money .. *L*

and oh BTW when the contract was signed .. we were still a pretty damm good football team ... Lou was still coaching .. he didnt do to bad .... *L*

[color:"white"] Their program has been the most overhyped,overrated program in the nation to date. [/color]

by to date .. what do u mean?? this year .. the last 5 years or since the inception of college football .. thats a broad statement u made and i need clarification before kicking your ass with it .. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />


[color:"white"] and looking at their current ranking,that hasn't changed. [/color]

oh really .. where should they be ranked and why??? cant wait to hear this one ... and please try and keep the hate to a minimum .. it makes u look bad .. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Psssssssssssst .... DC ..... alot has to do with jealousy .... if OSU was offered even 1/2 the cash ND was they'd be out of the big 10 quicker than Mo was kicked out of school .... *LOL* ..