BUCKEYES BULLY GOPHERS, 52-10

Ohio State tailback Boom Herron scores in the second quarter  of Saturday's 52-10 win at Minnesota. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota was the scrawny kid in the fuzzy gopher costume on Saturday night, while Ohio State played the role of the big bad bully who knocked him down and ran off with his bag of candy, as the No. 11 Buckeyes pummeled the Halloween hosts, 52-10, at TCF Stadium in Minneapolis.

"Wherever we go we have to let them know that we're not playing around, we're coming to take something that's ours," OSU junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor said. "We don't want to sit back and let teams jump in and feel like they have a chance to win."

BUCKEYES LOOK TO RIGHT THEIR ROAD WOES AT MINNESOTA

MINNEAPOLIS — Ohio State has been an absolute juggernaut at home this season, outscoring the opposition by an average score of 47-11.

However, when the No. 11 Buckeyes stray away from the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium, they have been quite pedestrian to say the least. In the Buckeyes two road games this season — Illinois and Wisconsin — they are 1-1 and have been outscored 44-42. That's quite the contrast from playing at the Horseshoe, where the Buckeyes are 6-0 and have embarrassed the opposition by five touchdowns per game.

FORMER BUCKEYE, HEISMAN WINNER TROY SMITH TO START FOR 49ERS

Former Ohio State star Troy Smith, right, talks to Ted Ginn Jr. on the sidelines during the BCS title game in New Orleans in 2008. (The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

LONDON — Former Ohio State star Troy Smith has been named the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday when they play the Denver Broncos in London, head coach Mike Singletary announced on Wednesday.

"I think Troy Smith gives us a good opportunity to win the game," Singletary told the Associated Press. "He's been studying since he's been here and getting with the coaches as much as he possibly can. He has enough of the offense to play."

TUESDAY NOTES: BOOM HERRON LEADING; BROWN DONE FOR SEASON

Dan "Boom" Herron
(The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Daniel Herron has quietly led the No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes this season in both rushing yards and touchdowns.

The junior tailback from Warren — most commonly referred to as "Boom" — has rushed for 520 yards and 11 touchdowns for the 7-1 Buckeyes this season, and yet, when most people talk about Ohio State's impact players, his name almost never comes up in conversation.

That's certainly not the case in the Buckeyes locker room, as "Boom" is always front and center.

'PHILLY' BROWN IMPRESSING; 'PITTSBURGH' BROWN MAY BE DONE

Corey "Philly" Brown runs for 18 yards on an end around during the Buckeyes 49-0 win over Purdue on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. (The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State true freshman wide receiver, Corey "Philly" Brown, is fast becoming an impact player for the No. 11 Buckeyes offense.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound track star from just outside of Philadelphia is beginning to settle into his role as the No. 3 wide receiver  — behind senior Dane Sanzenbacher and junior DeVier Posey — and he's displaying those speedy attributes that made him a state champion sprinter at Cardinal O'Hara (Pa.) High School.

TBT VIDEO: PURDUE POSTGAME WITH OHIO STATE WR PHILLY BROWN

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times postgame (Purdue) video footage with Ohio State Buckeyes freshman wide receiver Corey "Philly" Brown ...

TBT VIDEO: PURDUE POSTGAME WITH SANZENBACHER, SWEAT, J. BOREN

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, linebacker Andrew Sweat and offensive guard Justin Boren during Saturday's (Purdue) postgame press conference.

Dane Sanzenbacher

Andrew Sweat

Justin Boren

BUCKEYES DOMINATE PURDUE, 49-0

Ohio State tailback Dan "Boom" Herron runs past the Purdue defense during the Buckeyes 49-0 victory on Saturday at Ohio Stadium. (The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State took a page out of the Wisconsin playbook on Saturday afternoon against Purdue — line up and shove the football down the opponent's throat.

The No. 10 Buckeyes (7-1, 3-1 Big Ten) came out pounding the rock in Saturday's 49-0 win, using all five plays of their opening series of the game running the football with junior tailback Dan "Boom" Herron, who totaled 45 yards on the drive — including a 10-yard scoring jaunt less than two minutes into the contest.

It was abundantly clear early on that the Buckeyes' game plan was to physically punish Purdue (4-3, 2-1), a team that upset Ohio State on the road just a year ago.

GAME PREVIEW: NO. 10 BUCKS HOPING TO GET RID OF THAT BITTER TASTE

COLUMBUS — Ohio State managed to stay atop the college football polls for one week before being knocked off by Big Ten foe Wisconsin last Saturday night in Madison.

To say that the loss to the Badgers — who physically dominated the Buckeyes all game long — was disappointing would be a major understatement. To say that it was humbling would be dead on correct.

"You have to take the loss for what it is," OSU senior wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher said. "We fought hard and it didn't come out on our side. You have to kind of convey to these guys that in that loss you have to take the good that came out of it, but you have to watch the bad. You don't want to watch the film but you have to and you've got to have a short memory."

BUCKEYES READY TO BOUNCE BACK

(The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Although the Ohio State Buckeyes fell flat in a losing effort to No. 13 Wisconsin, Head Coach Jim Tressel believes his players have a great opportunity to learn from their mistakes with the Purdue Boilermakers coming to Columbus this week.

"I think, as we've always talked about leadership and maturity that it's not really tested until those adverse moments," Tressel said. "So I think you'll see a good demonstration of our level of maturity and leadership and so forth and I have confidence we have the right kind of people."

TBT VIDEO: HEAD COACH JIM TRESSEL

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel during Tuesday's media luncheon at the Fawcett Center.

In this video, Tressel talks about quarterback Terrelle Pryor and his performance against Wisconsin ...

HOMAN, BRYANT WILL NOT PLAY SATURDAY AGAINST PURDUE

Ross Homan
(The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — Ohio State senior linebacker Ross Homan will be out this week against Purdue — and perhaps beyond — Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel said on Tuesday.

Homan, who suffered a foot injury in Saturday night's loss at Wisconsin, may not return until after the Buckeyes bye week in November.

"Ross Homan is going to be out," Tressel said. "He'll be out for a couple of weeks probably, but his thing will be fine."

A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THOSE TEAMS IN THE BCS TOP 10

Oklahoma landed at the top of the first BCS rankings released on Sunday night, but they still have a few bumps coming up on their title road. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Listed below is the first BCS Rankings (Top Ten) and what still lies ahead for each team ...

1. OKLAHOMA
Record: 6-0. BCS Average: .9215. This Week: at No. 11 Missouri. Notable games remaining: Saturday at No. 11 Missouri, Nov. 27 at No. 14 Oklahoma State.

BADGERS BEAT UP TOP RANKED BUCKEYES, 31-18, IN MADISON

Wisconsin wide receiver David Gilreath (85) returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown in the Badgers 31-18 victory over No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday night. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin didn't use gadget plays to win and they didn't rely on smoke and mirrors, they just came out in front of the 81,194 fans at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday night and smacked the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes in the mouth — over and over and over again.

The No. 16 Badgers (6-1, 2-1) used a punishing running attack — led by junior tailback John Clay and a physical offensive line — to take down the top ranked Buckeyes, 31-18, making it the second consecutive week the No. 1 team in the country has fallen to defeat.

GAME PREVIEW: NO. 1 BUCKEYES HEADING TO HOSTILE CAMP RANDALL

MADISON, Wis. — Last week against Indiana, the Ohio State Buckeyes had to prepare for one of the best passing attacks in the nation. This week, it's all about stopping the run.

The No. 1 Buckeyes (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) grounded Indiana's high octane passing game last Saturday by getting after quarterback Ben Chappell and making him throw under pressure. Chappell came into the contest averaging 343 yards and three touchdowns per game with only one interception. He left Saturday's 38-10 defeat with 106 yards passing, no touchdowns and two interceptions.

TBT VIDEO: WISCONSIN PREVIEW WITH OSU SENIOR DE CAMERON HEYWARD

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State senior defensive end Cameron Heyward previewing the No. 1 Buckeyes Saturday night showdown at Wisconsin.

In this video, Heyward talks about the atmosphere at Camp Randall Stadium, as well as the Badgers backfield duo of John Clay and James White ...

In this video, Heyward speaks about the Badgers huge offensive line and preparing for so many different offenses as of late ...

TBT VIDEO: WISCONSIN PREVIEW WITH BUCKEYES HEAD COACH JIM TRESSEL

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel previewing this Saturday night's showdown at No. 16 Wisconsin.

In this video, Tressel speaks about playing night games at Camp Randall Stadium, whether or not Wisconsin will have more incentive to beat the Buckeyes now that they're No. 1, and the OSU's need to remain focused ...

In this video, Tressel talks about the importance of Terrelle Pryor being a multi-threat this Saturday night, as well as his great performance in Madison as a freshman and more ...

TUESDAY NOTES: WILLIAMS SHINING, BIG HANK'S IMPACT AND MORE ...

Nathan Williams
(The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — When defensive end Thaddeus Gibson decided to forgo his senior season at Ohio State to enter the 2010 NFL draft, the Buckeyes were in desperate need of finding a player to fill his dynamic role.

Thus far through six games, Nathan Williams has been that man.

Williams, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior from Washington Court House (OH), brings the same type of abilities to the table that Gibson — who's now with the Pittsburgh Steelers — brought to the Buckeyes last season.

He is sort of a hybrid type of player, a defensive end who's much too quick for opposing tackles, and an outside linebacker who can run with and physically dominate tailbacks and tight ends.

TBT VIDEO: SENIOR LB BRIAN ROLLE

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State senior linebacker Brian Rolle, following Saturday's 38-10 win over Indiana.

In this video, Rolle talks about stopping Indiana's high powered passing game, and looks forward to this Saturday's big road tilt with No. 16 Wisconsin ...

TERRELLE PRYOR NAMED BIG TEN OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Terrelle Pryor
(The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has been named the Big Ten offensive player of the week for the second time in three weeks, the conference announced on Monday morning.

Pryor, who threw for a career-high 334 yards and three touchdowns on 24-of-30 passing during Saturday's 38-10 win over Indiana, shared the honor this week with Wisconsin junior tailback John Clay.

THE BEST DAMN TEAM IN THE LAND

Photo of the Ohio State football team  by The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is the new No. 1 team in the land.

After South Carolina's upset of defending national champion Alabama on Saturday, the Buckeyes sit atop both the Associated Press and USA Today (coaches) polls, which were released on Sunday afternoon.

Ohio State — who was ranked No. 2 last week — moved up to the top spot after cruising past Indiana on Saturday, 38-10.

TBT VIDEO: INDIANA POSTGAME WITH BUCKEYES QB TERRELLE PRYOR

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor following his career performance against Indiana on Saturday ...

In this video, Pryor talks about his 60-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Saine, as well as his overall thoughts on his performance ...

In this video, Pryor speaks about his injured quad, the great protection from his offensive line, and his thought on his decision making against Indiana ...

TBT VIDEO: TRESSEL WINS 100TH

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel being presented with a trophy for winning his 100th game as the Buckeyes mentor ...

TRESSEL WINS 100TH, PRYOR HAS CAREER DAY IN 38-10 VICTORY

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor had a career day on Saturday afternoon in the Buckeyes 38-10 win over Indiana. (Photo by The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor's strained left quad may not be completely healed, but his arm is just fine.

Pryor had arguably his best game as a collegiate quarterback in the No. 2 Buckeyes 38-10 win over Indiana on Saturday afternoon, completing 24 of 30 passes for a career-high 334 yards and three touchdowns. And he did it all in about two and a half quarters of play.

GAME PREVIEW: TRESSEL EYEING 100TH WIN AS BUCKEYES HEAD MAN

COLUMBUS — When the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes welcome Indiana into the Horseshoe this Saturday afternoon, it will be about more than just staying unbeaten in the Big Ten.

OSU head coach Jim Tressel will be going for win No. 100 as the Buckeyes mentor this Saturday against the 3-1 Hoosiers, something his players will certainly use as motivation.

"Definitely," OSU senior defensive tackle Dexter Larimore said, when asked if helping Tressel reach the milestone is a motivating factor for the Buckeyes. "It would be great to be the team that can give him that 100th win, that can propel him to that next standard of college coaching.

"It does mean a lot because he's a guy that's whole life is dedicated to us."

TBT VIDEO: PUNTER BEN BUCHANAN

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times footage of Ohio State punter Ben Buchanan talking about kicking in the wind at Illinois, the special teams as a whole and his feelings on tackling ...

TRESSEL: 'UNLESS WE GET SOME MIRACLE' STONEBURNER IS OUT

Jake Stoneburner (AP Photo)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State tight end Jake Stoneburner will likely miss his second straight game this Saturday against Indiana, Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel said on Thursday.

"I don't think he'll be ready to go ... " Tressel said of Stoneburner. "Unless we get some miracle, a big jump, I don't think he'll be available this week."

With Stoneburner likely out this Saturday, sophomore Reid Fragel will make his second straight start.

OFFENSIVE SCHEME WILL LIKELY HINGE ON TIGHT END'S STATUS

Jake Stoneburner by
The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — With all of the offensive talk this week being about quarterback Terrelle Pryor's strained left quad and the Buckeyes running game woes, there hasn't been much attention being paid on perhaps one of the most important cogs of the Ohio State attack — Jake Stoneburner.

Stoneburner, who injured his ankle during the Buckeyes 73-20 win over Eastern Michigan two weeks ago, may not be able to go again this Saturday against Indiana. According to OSU tight ends coach John Peterson, the Buckeyes will not know Stoneburner's playing status until at least later today.

TBT VIDEO: OSU DT DEXTER LARIMORE

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times press luncheon footage of Ohio State senior defensive tackle Dexter Larimore on Tuesday afternoon at the Fawcett Center.

In this video, Larimore talks about playing Indiana's potent offense, as well as coach Jim Tressel as a person and how much it will mean to the team to help him win his 100th game at OSU ...

In this video, Larimore speaks about the Buckeyes losing Tyler Moeller for the season ...

PRYOR'S STATUS, MOELLER OUT FOR SEASON, JORDAN HALL AND MORE ...

Photo of Terrelle Pryor by The
Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — There were quite a few issues on the docket during Ohio State's press luncheon on Tuesday afternoon, and of course, the injury status of Buckeyes junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor was at the top of the list.

According to head coach Jim Tressel, Pryor — who strained his left quad in the third quarter of last Saturday's win at Illinois — should have no problem being able to go this Saturday against Indiana. However, the Buckeyes mentor stated that he doesn't know as of yet if the star signal caller will be back to 100-percent effectiveness.

"Sunday we did a little bit of drills and weight lifting and all that, so we didn't test it, per se," Tressel said of Pryor. "(Monday) was our day off and he was in doing his film study and rehab and all. I don't know who's 100 percent after five games that has as much wear and tear as a guy that has his hands on the ball that much, but I think he'll be fine."

TBT VIDEO: TUESDAY LUNCHEON WITH BUCKEYES HEAD COACH JIM TRESSEL

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times press luncheon footage of Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel on Tuesday afternoon at the Fawcett Center.

In this video, Tressel talks about what the Buckeyes will see when they face Indiana this Saturday in Columbus ...

In this video, Tressel talks about the status of quarterback Terrelle Pryor ...

In this video, Tressel speaks about the loss of senior Tyler Moeller for the season ...

A COUPLE OBSERVATIONS FROM SATURDAY'S WIN AT ILLINOIS

Photo of Terrelle Pryor
by The Associated Press

COLUMBUS — Perhaps the biggest thing I took away following Ohio State's 24-13 victory over Illinois on Saturday is that the Buckeyes are in deep trouble if Terrelle Pryor would miss an extended period of time due to injury.

When Pryor went down in the third quarter with a strained left quad muscle, you could see the air being let out of every single offensive player on the team. They were absolutely demoralized.

Moments later, when the Buckeyes signal caller came running out of the locker room and back onto the field, it was apparent that the team had more of a bounce in their step — most notably tailback Dan "Boom" Herron, who played inspired football following Pryor's return, ripping through the Illini defense for nearly 100 yards on 19 carries in the final two quarters.

MOELLER POSSIBLY OUT FOR SEASON

Tyler Moeller
(TBT/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State senior nickelback Tyler Moeller appears to have torn his pectoral muscle and could be done for the season.

The fifth-year senior, who had come back from a major head injury this season, suffered the the torn muscle early in Saturday's game at Illinois when he attempted to tackle Illini tailback Mikel Leshoure.

Following the game on Saturday, OSU head coach Jim Tressel said that he didn't know how bad the injury was but that it was "a muscle."

Moeller had an MRI today. The results should be revealed in the next day or two.

Moeller leads the Buckeyes in tackles for loss (4.5) and forced fumbles (2), and is fourth in total tackles (20). He also has an interception this season.

BUCKEYES GRIND OUT 24-13 VICTORY IN BIG TEN OPENER AT ILLINOIS

Ohio State tailback Dan Herron runs in the game-clinching touchdown during Ohio State's 24-13 win at Illinois on Saturday. (AP Photo/Robin Scholz)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — It wasn't pretty, but then again, it never usually is in the Big Ten.

The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) got things done Woody Hayes-style on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, using a punishing defense and a pounding run game to take down Illinois (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten), 24-13, in the Big Ten season opener.

GAME PREVIEW: BUCKEYES LOOK TO KEEP ON ROLLING IN CHAMPAIGN

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Ohio State (4-0) will travel to Illinois on Saturday with perhaps the best offense the Buckeyes have had since Jim Tressel became head coach in 2001.

The second-ranked Buckeyes are averaging a ridiculous 49 points per contest thru four games this season, and have racked up more than 2000 total yards. The most dangerous thing about the Buckeyes attack though is that they hit you with balance, averaging 267 yards passing and 240 on the ground.

"When I look at our offense it's like pick your poison," OSU junior wide receiver DeVier Posey said. "You have Brandon Saine, Boom Herron, you have Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry — you all got to see flashes from (Berry) last week, that kid can definitely do something with the ball in his hands.