Buckeyes are No. 1, but coach wary of trap

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: October 18, 2007 - 7:18 PM

Given the way this season has unfolded, it's understandable if Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is a touch uncomfortable with his team being ranked No. 1 this week.

Of course, Tressel gets uptight over even the slightest detail.

"You know I'm never comfortable," he said. "When was the last time you saw me comfortable?"

Good point. But after holding down the top spot throughout the 2006 season, the Buckeyes shouldn't be too uptight being on the hot seat.

Ohio State took over at No. 1 after LSU lost at Kentucky last week. It was the latest in a season of upsets, causing one reporter to ask Tressel if he would prefer to be ranked No. 2 or even lower.

Tressel said the ranking doesn't matter, but he acknowledged the potential trap for his team. All five of Ohio State's remaining opponents -- Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan -- have 5-2 records.

"We always say adversity is a lot easier to handle than success," Tressel said. "I think that's natural."

Back to reality

Purdue coach Joe Tiller did not mince words after his team suffered back-to-back lopsided losses to Ohio State and Michigan following a 5-0 start.

"I think when you eat a little humble pie, if you're a competitive person, it snaps you back into reality," he said. "I think our players, from what I understand, got a little ahead of themselves, and that's never good. Now they got their feet back on the ground."

Asked to explain, Tiller said, "They started talking about things that were irrelevant versus the task at hand. 'Playing on a national stage' makes for good sound bites, but the reality is you need to focus on your assignments, your responsibilities and be accountable for what you're doing."

Ringing endorsement

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio had high praise for tailback Javon Ringer, the Big Ten player of the week who ranks seventh nationally in rushing at 133.1 per game.

"He is the truth in every respect," Dantonio said. "As a player, as a competitor, as an unselfish person, as a man of faith. He carries himself just like you would want your son to carry himself."

Laurinaitis recognized

Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, a Wayzata High School graduate, was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which goes to nation's top linebacker. Laurinaitis has collected 52 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions for the nation's top-ranked defense.

Chip Scoggins • ascoggins@startribune.com

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