The dustup started after Howard questioned whether the Ohio State receiver shows up in big games, and Griffin fired back during Fox's broadcast of the Buckeyes' game against Northwestern.
Two Heisman Trophy winners are now arguing about this year's Heisman race, and it is getting personal. Desmond Howard, the 1991 winner and ESPN analyst, questioned Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's candidacy on First Take, asking for one example of Smith being the difference-maker in a big game against top competition. Howard argued that despite Smith's eye-popping numbers and highlight catches, he had not produced enough signature moments to deserve the award.
That did not sit well with Robert Griffin III, the 2011 Heisman winner, who used his Fox broadcast of Ohio State's game against Northwestern on Nov. 14 to respond directly. Griffin said Smith has in fact shown up in big games all over the place and told Howard to stop hating on the receiver simply because he plays for Ohio State, Michigan's rival. Griffin added that the Heisman winners need to do better by each other in what he called their Heisman brotherhood.
Howard's Michigan ties have fueled plenty of social media reaction, with many questioning whether his criticism of Smith is really about the rivalry. Smith remains widely viewed as the best player in college football this season.