gophers/ncaa

The lasting image from Ohio State's 2006 season was not the 12-0 start, Troy Smith's Heisman Trophy campaign, James Laurinaitis' breakout season or the Game of the Century victory against rival Michigan. No, the thing that burned in the memory was the sight of Florida running roughshod over the Buckeyes in a 41-14 thrashing in the national championship game. "It was not a good showing by us, obviously," Laurinaitis said. "It was an embarrassment for us and the Big Ten the way we performed. But that was last year. This is a different season, a different team." Different everything, except one thing. Ohio State is still a ridiculously talented team.

Picked to finish third in the Big Ten in part because of the bevy of offensive stars they lost from last season, the Buckeyes enter tonight's game against the Gophers ranked No. 8 nationally, undefeated at 4-0 and suddenly the popular pick to repeat as conference champions.

It's the same old, same old. Just different names leading the way, starting with Laurinaitis, a junior All-America linebacker and Wayzata graduate who has become the undeniable face of the program.

"The thing is, everybody looked at who we lost on offense," Laurinaitis said. "It's a natural reaction. But when you're at a place like this, you know the talent is always going to be there. Guys just step in and grab on their opportunity."

Every team has holes to fill each season, but the Buckeyes had jumbo-sized shoes to fill. They lost eight players to the NFL draft, including Smith, wide receivers Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and Roy Hall, tailback Antonio Pittman and center Doug Datish. That is a ton of offensive star power.

Main attraction

The questions on offense coupled with the loss of six starters on defense left many wondering whether the Buckeyes would slip down the pecking order, both nationally and in the Big Ten.

It hasn't happened. If anything, the Buckeyes have exceeded expectations, especially on offense. But it's their defense that has taken the leading role, and Laurinaitis is the star attraction.

Ohio State ranks second nationally in total defense, third in scoring defense, fifth in pass defense and seventh in run defense. The Buckeyes owned one of college football's top defenses in 2006, but they are perhaps even better this season.

The same applies to Laurinaitis, the Nagurski Award winner last season who is having another All-America-caliber season. He leads the Buckeyes with 29 tackles and has three sacks and two interceptions. He has collected seven interceptions, six sacks and 12 tackles for loss in his career.

"He's one of those guys who has a knack [for the ball]," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "He has a calmness about him that he can slow the game down and just see what's happening and then react accordingly."

Laurinaitis admits he feels different this season. As many big plays as he made a year ago, he feels more confident and aware of his surroundings. He is reacting more than thinking, which is a big step in any player's development.

Laurinaitis is eligible to enter the NFL draft next spring, but he said he isn't thinking that far ahead. He insists he's having too much fun right now to focus on anything else.

"Things have really slowed down for me," he said. "Last year I was focused on getting lined up and directing the defense. This year I have a lot more confidence and I'm just playing."

Not looking ahead

Laurinaitis' leadership and playmaking ability have had a calming effect on a defense that, despite its impressive statistics, is still relatively young. The Buckeyes start six sophomores (including three in the secondary) and only one senior on defense.

Laurinaitis said he expects the defense to get its toughest test so far tonight. He was quick to note the Gophers are ranked 15th nationally in total offense, 15th in rushing and are averaging 35.5 points per game, despite leading the nation in turnovers with 16.

"We know they have some firepower," Laurinaitis said.