If on Saturday Ohio State had trailed Ohio University before rallying late for a win - as happened two years ago - the Buckeyes would have paid a price in the polls. A columnist writes the system is flawed...Plus, info on Ross Homan, Terrelle Pryor, etc.
Coaches such as Ohio State's Jim Tressel are sometimes faced with the dilemma of trying to satisfy poll voters while not fully embarrassing overwhelmed opponents.Cleveland, Ohio -- Plain Dealer Ohio State coverage includes beat writer Doug Lesmerises' report that the Buckeyes remain the nation's second-ranked team in the Associated Press and coaches polls.
Ohio State routed Ohio University, 43-7, on Saturday in Ohio Stadium. Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch comments that the poll system is wrongly influenced by the winning margins for powerhouse teams over inferior opponents:
If the Buckeyes had struggled against the Bobcats the way they did in 2008 - Ohio couldn't hold its fourth-quarter lead in a 26-14 loss - it probably wouldn't have been treated like a victory by poll voters, who will have a heavy hand in determining which two teams play for the national championship.
It seems ridiculous to have to think about that in a nonconference game against a MAC opponent in week three, but this silly system seems to demand "statements" and the Buckeyes have to live with it.
Ohio State's next three games are against teams it will be expected to easily defeat at home on Saturday against Eastern Michigan and on Oct. 9 against Indiana; at Illinoison Oct. 2.
Buckeyes watch
Other Plain Dealer Ohio State coverage includes Doug Lesmerises'game story on OSU's 43-7 win over Ohio University; his "On the Clock;" his Buckeyes' report card on Saturday's game; Bill Lubinger's story on the Posey brothers playing against each other - OSU wide receiver DeVier Posey and OU cornerback Julian Posey; Bill Livingston's column on Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
Actions speak
Linebacker Ross Homan continues to deliver for the Buckeyes without saying much about it, writes Tom Archdeacon for the Dayton Daily News:
Orhian Johnson had to smile.
After a moment’s thought, he had unwrapped the riddle of Ross Homan, the Ohio State linebacker of so few words and so many big, big plays.
“You know how they say you got to watch out for the silent types?” asked Johnson, the Buckeyes’ starting strong safety. “That’s Ross. He shows you quiet guys can give you lots of trouble.”
Sideline to sideline
Three points on Saturday's Buckeyes game from Tim May of the Columbus Dispatch.
ESPN.com's Big Ten Blog by Adam Rittenberg summarizes what happened this week in the conference.
The difference between the Big Ten and Mid-American Conference, by Bill Tilton for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.
The Bottom Line on Saturday's game by Ray Stein of the Columbus Dispatch.
A story on Terrelle Pryor and his 16 straight pass completions, by Steve Helwagen for bucknuts.cm.
Ohio State notes by John Kampf for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.
OSU-OU game story by Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch.