MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — If there exists a formula for winning the Heisman Trophy, West Virginia seems to have found it: Surround quarterback with fast, slippery receivers. Necessitate scoring with young, permeable defense (perhaps not by design). Abet quarterback with creative offense designed around him. From this, quarterback Geno Smith has emerged as the presumptive Heisman front-runner.

Mountaineers Coach Dana Holgorsen refined the formula further. Drop eight defenders in coverage? Smith will pick whichever open receiver he pleases. Blitz? Smith will hit Tavon Austin, an electrifying slot receiver, on a quick route. What other options exist?

“You only get so many players on the field at a time,” Smith said, sympathizing with Baylor, which West Virginia beat Saturday, 70-63.

Smith passed for 656 yards and 8 touchdowns in the victory. In four games, he has thrown for 1,728 yards and 20 touchdowns, with no interceptions, statistics unrivaled in college football.