USC’s recent unprecedented string of Heisman success began in 2002 courtesy of Palmer’s masterful performance in a regular-season-finale victory over the Irish in front of a national TV audience, backing up Beano’s theory.

After rooting for Michigan’s defense to handcuff Smith, which it is very capable of doing; Quinn could get the opportunity to flip the script on the Trojans and heist the Heisman.

To make this column’s first paragraph read like “Dewey beats Truman,” Quinn will have to come up with an incredible performance in a victory over USC at the L.A. Coliseum on Nov. 25.

Or perhaps we should just say that the Fighting Irish have to beat the Trojans, since it will naturally require Quinn to have a superb outing to conquer Pete Carroll on his home field, where he’s won 31 consecutive games to date.

Of course, California will get first crack at ending USC’s string of success at home on Saturday. And Trojan fans aren’t alone in hoping that USC pulls through with a series of victories down the stretch.

Quinn is also rooting for the Trojans as he needs USC’s post-Oregon State status to rise so that any potential victory and outstanding individual performance receives the utmost value and swings votes his way.

Special feature Florida faces SEC upset

But in the end there are just too many jagged pieces that need to fall into place for Smith not to take home the Heisman. In fact, a win over Michigan coupled with another Irish loss could result in a record-breaking victory.

Finally, something the perpetually divided state of Ohio can agree on.