Will the Ravens finally let Troy Smith lead Baltimore?

It's about time.

With only a few more days before the brand new 2008-09 NFL football season explodes on your face, the Baltimore Ravens are still contemplating on when will they actually let the future arrive.

Of course, I'm referring to Troy Smith, the young quarterback who won a Heisman and yet, didn't see that many minutes last season, playing third string in the Ravens quarterback depth chart.

But after last year's starter Kyle Boller committed a team-high three turnovers in two preseason games, the Baltimore Ravens started looking for a positive change and as of press time, they're looking at Smith to give them just that.

This Saturday, the Heisman trophy winner will be put to the test against the St. Louis Rams in what would be Baltimore's third preseason game. I'm really hoping Smith does good because being a third string Heisman trophy winning quarterback is just not fair.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh claims he hasn't made up his mind on who will he start at quarterback when they begin their campaign for Super Bowl XLIII at Tampa, Florida. This Saturday's preseason game might just influence his decision drastically.

''He will play as much as we need to have him play,'' Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. ''The thinking is that Kyle has had 42 starts and we have a good idea of what he is and what he's been. We need to find out more about Troy Smith. He needs those reps. He needs them against a defense in a third preseason game where they're game-planning him a little bit and we'll see how he does.''

For what it's worth, Troy Smith is ready to take on the challenge, bringing with him a sense of confidence only the likes of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady has.

''I am confident in what I can do and what I will do,'' Troy Smith said. ''Obviously being a young player, I haven't had that much time on the field. I'm very, very thankful for the situation and the opportunity and I'm grateful for everything to come.''

Who will win Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

New York Giants 17.00

New England Patriots 4.50

Dallas Cowboys 7.00

Indianapolis Colts 8.50

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more football betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today's biggest sporting events.

Baltimore Ravens Troy Smith