NEW YORK - Winning the Heisman Trophy was easy. The hard part for Troy Smith was staying composed.

To the surprise of no one, the Ohio State quarterback was a runaway winner Saturday night of the award that honors college football's best player.

Seconds after his name was called, he hugged everyone important in his life - coaches and family - let out a deep, deep sigh and headed for the podium.

“Normally, I'm pretty cool in pressure situations, but my heart is pounding so fast now,” he said.

“I'm at a loss for words. I just can't believe this is happening. ... It means everything. Just to be here in this situation. I love everybody back home in Columbus.”

Just two years after nearly derailing his career by taking money from a booster, Smith received 801 first-place votes and won the Heisman by 1,662 points - both the second-best marks in the 71-year history of the award.

The senior moved to the front of the Heisman race in September with a flawless performance against Texas and finished off a perfect regular season by throwing four touchdown passes against Michigan.

Now, there's only one thing left for Smith to do: Beat Florida for the national championship on Jan. 8.

Like so many of the victories Smith has led the Buckeyes to this season, the Heisman win was a rout.

Arkansas running back Darren McFadden finished second, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn was third and West Virginia running back Steve Slaton was fourth.

Only O.J. Simpson's 1,750-point victory in 1968 was more onesided than Smith's.