Noted perfectionist Geno Smith, who introduced a new audience to his relentless quest to be all that he can be at Big 12 media day in July, has put together stunning performances in back-to-back games to start this 2012 season and assumed the lead position in the Heisman Trophy competition.

He is arguably the best quarterback and the best player in the country, but the guy consistently presents the idea he’s just getting started. So, as recourse, we wonder what he could possibly do better.

Is perfection attainable? I’d say no, and Geno admits as much. The game is hard and teams or circumstance just don’t let you do whatever you want. That doesn’t prevent Geno from pushing toward that pristine performance. He was very close against Marshall — Example of circumstance: Throwing a ball at everyone’s feet when a screen pass collapsed — and then against against JMU — Example of other teams: He was nearly sacked and then rolled right and nearly threw an interception.

Afterward he seriously responded to the “What could you have done better?” by responding matter-of-factly, “What did I have, five incompletions? I could have completed all five of those.” The question was posed by Pat Southern and it was absolutely relevant. These seem like silly conversations or the type of things that would make me snarky, but it’s appropriate. And the response was in stride because, deep down, he believes he could have completed passes when he threw incompletions.

And the freaky part is he’s very much gaining on his goal.Recalling a moment from halftime Saturday, quarterbacks coach Jake Spavital said “He’s very close to it.”

“He had five incompletions and we talked about how we had to play with a faster tempo and other adjustments,” Spavital said. “He told me he wasn’t going to throw another incomplete pass.”

Spavital wasn’t worried about that. He was instead concerned with a three-and-out on the team’s fifth possession or the drive that followed and ended with time running out to end the half. Two hours later, though, Smith’s words had Spavital’s attention.

“He went out there and went 11-for-11 in the second half,” Spavital said. “I really only thought he was joking about it.”