My issue with picking Krenzel here is that he was the biggest beneficiary of a superior defense, arguably one the greatest (and entirely underrated) defensive lines to ever go through the college ranks. FWIW, Smith, Anderson, Peterson, and Scott were all first day draft picks, and have thus far combined for 72 NFL starts and 161 NFL games played. If the
OSU defense gave the Krenzel lead offense a few extra possessions, either from TOs or 3-and-outs,
OSU might add a FG or a TD, but when the
OSU defense gave Troy extra possessions, they struck right back for demoralizing, game ending TDs.
When Krenzel lead the team, I usually wondered if they'd score 17 points and whether or not that'd be enough to win with that defense. When Troy took the field, I usually wondered if they'd cover the spread.
I don't want to besmirch Krenzel. He was a GREAT QB. But, in my book, its Troy and then everybody else. January 8 is inconsequential to the discussion to me, because Troy didn't play D, didn't design a defensive game plan that gave a four-year starter from a SEC program soft zone coverage, and Troy didn't play O-Line either.