[utgrad73]

Originally Posted by BB73

OK, next up is Michigan State.

It's the start of a series of tests that will see how well tOSU's defense holds up to power running games.

To prepare for the last 5 weeks of the season, here are paraphrases of some quotes we've all heard:

"Let's take them 1 game at a time."

"Every Big Ten team we play is a good football team."

"The coaches don't talk about the polls. We need to focus on the opponent each week, keep winning, and those things will take care of themselves."

"We need to get to work, look at film, and prepare for Michigan State."

"We need to keep getting better every day."

Such quotes serve the purpose of keeping a workmanlike approach for the team. Obviously the Buckeyes now control their own destiny regarding the BCS Championship game. The last thing the team needs is to have a bunch of smoke blown up their collective asses so they get caught looking ahead, or feeling satisfied with themselves.

This statement by the coach combines the comment about getting better every day/week, and a realistic attitude about being No 1. This is a coach who knows the pressure of national ranking as he weaves through each week with one win after another.

"We've improved each week but we understand that the only poll that counts is the last one," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said in a statement.

After Nos. 1 and 2 fall, Ohio State rises to top of AP rankings - NCAA Football - Yahoo! Sports