SIX BUCKEYES NAMED TO ALL-BIG TEN FIRST TEAM, THREE ON SECOND TEAM

Dane Sanzenbacher (The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

CHICAGO — Six Ohio State Buckeyes were selected to the All-Big Ten Conference first team, by the media on Monday evening.

Senior wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, senior guard Justin Boren and junior center Mike Brewster were named to the offensive first team, while senior defensive end Cameron Heyward, senior linebacker Brian Rolle and senior cornerback Chimdi Chekwa were selected to the first team defense.

TBT AWARDS: TERRELLE PRYOR, BRIAN ROLLE ARE TOP PLAYERS

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

Now that Ohio State's regular season has come to a close, it's time to pass out some awards to those Buckeye players who are deserving of higher recognition.

We'll call it the "The Buckeye Times Big Ten" ... and like the Big Ten Conference, there will actually be 11 awards handed out. I know, I know, there will be 12 awards next season.

So without further ado, the award winners for 2010 are ...

LATEST BCS STANDINGS, BOWL PROJECTIONS (AS OF NOV. 29)

Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and the No. Tigers are just one win away from playing for a national title. They face No. 19 South Carolina on Saturday in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

After rallying to beat arch-rival Alabama last Friday, Auburn has found itself at the top of the latest Bowl Championship Series standings, released on Sunday night. They are .0002 points ahead of last week's No. 1, Oregon. If each team wins their final game this weekend, they will more than likely square off for all of the Tostitos in the BCS Championship Game in Glendale.

Ohio State, after blowing out Michigan on Saturday 37-7, moved up two spots to No. 6, while Boise State and LSU both lost this past week causing a major shakeup in the Top 10.

For the complete standings, click here.

Listed below is The Buckeye Times BCS bowl game projections (as of Nov. 29) ...

Tostitos BCS Championship Game

January 10, 2011 — Glendale, Ariz.

University of Phoenix Stadium

Auburn Tigers (SEC/BCS) vs. Oregon Ducks (PAC-10/BCS)

MICHIGAN POSTGAME WITH OHIO STATE SOPHOMORE JORDAN HALL

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times interview footage with Ohio State sophomore tailback/returner Jordan Hall during the Michigan postgame press conference at Ohio Stadium ...

MICHIGAN POSTGAME WITH OHIO STATE TAILBACK BOOM HERRON

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times interview footage with Ohio State junior tailback Dan "Boom" Herron during the Michigan postgame press conference at Ohio Stadium ...

BUCKEYES MAKE IT SEVEN STRAIGHT AGAINST MICHIGAN SATURDAY, 37-7

Ohio State wide receiver DeVier Posey celebrates after hauling in a 33-yard touchdown pass in Saturday's 37-7 win over Michigan at Ohio Stadium. (The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — 'That school up north' shall rise again.

But it isn't going to be this year.

Eighth-ranked Ohio State — behind incredible "Senior Day" performances by juniors Terrelle Pryor and Dan "Boom" Herron — won their seventh straight game against arch-rival Michigan on Saturday, 37-7, giving the Buckeyes a share of their record-tying sixth Big Ten title in a row.

OHIO STATE-MICHIGAN PREVIEW: 'THE GAME' HAS A WHOLE LOT AT STAKE

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has won six straight games against arch-rival Michigan, and are heavy favorites to make it seven when the two take the field at Ohio Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

With a victory, the eighth-ranked Buckeyes (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) would win at least a share of their record-tying sixth straight Big Ten title, and more than likely earn a ninth trip to a BCS bowl game — also a record.

It would seem that the Buckeyes have a whole lot to lose this Saturday.

"Nobody wants to be the team that ends the streak, I mean, that's obvious," OSU senior receiver Dane Sanzenbacher said. "Not saying that the streak is the only thing motivating us to (win). Obviously, it's senior day, it's our last chance to play in the stadium and it's a huge game. It's a huge rivalry, so we have that motivation to play well."

DANE SANZENBACHER ON THE IMPORTANCE OF DONATING ORGANS

Below is a video parody of LeBron James' Nike commercial by Ohio State senior wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher about the importance of donating organs. Great stuff and a fun way to bring awareness!

MICHIGAN WEEK WITH OHIO STATE SENIOR LINEBACKER BRIAN ROLLE

COLUMBUS — Listed below is The Buckeye Times video footage of Ohio State senior linebacker Brian Rolle, during the "Michigan Week" media day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus.

In this video, Rolle talks about his incredible performance last week at Iowa, his responsibility of stopping Michigan's Denard Robinson, and which quarterback this Saturday — out of Robinson and Terrelle Pryor — he would want on his side ...

In this video, Rolle talks about Oregon's offense of 2009 compared to this season's Michigan unit, fighting off complacency after winning six straight against the Wolverines and more ...

TBT VIDEO: MICHIGAN WEEK WITH SENIOR WR DANE SANZENBACHER

COLUMBUS — Listed below is The Buckeye Times video footage of Ohio State senior wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, during the "Michigan Week" media day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus.

In this video, Sanzenbacher talks about everything that goes into Michigan Week, as well is Coach Jim Tressel's good fortunes against the Buckeyes' rival from the north ...

In this video, Sanzenbacher discusses the Buckeyes attitude this week, and the senior's responsibility to keep the winning streak going against Michigan ...

In this video, Sanzenbacher continues with more Michigan Week talk ...

MICHIGAN WEEK: JIM TRESSEL IS THE REASON FOR BUCKEYES' DOMINANCE

Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel. (The Buckeye Times/Joshua Stueve)

COLUMBUS — Some can say that Ohio State's recent dominance of Michigan — eight wins in the last nine meetings, including six straight — can be attributed to the Buckeyes simply having better personnel.

I say hogwash. (Actually I would like to say another word, but it wouldn't be fit for print.)

No, the very reason why the Buckeyes have made the series so one-sided the last decade is simple — head coach Jim Tressel.

BUCKEYES KNOW THAT TO WIN, THEY MUST SLOW QB DENARD ROBINSON

Michigan sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson has compiled more than 3,700 yards and 30 touchdowns this season for the Wolverines. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

COLUMBUS — If eighth-ranked Ohio State is to win its seventh straight game against arch-rival Michigan this Saturday afternoon in Columbus, they must be able to contain one of the most dangerous weapons in all of college football — Wolverines quarterback, Denard Robinson.

The 6-foot, 195-pound sophomore out of Deerfield Beach, Florida has taken the college football world by storm this season, compiling more than 3,700 total yards and 30 touchdowns for the Wolverines (7-4, 3-4 Big Ten), who are bowl eligible for the first time since 2007.

TBT VIDEO: OHIO STATE THROWBACK UNIFORM TO BE WORN VS. MICHIGAN

COLUMBUS — Below is The Buckeye Times video display of the Nike throwback uniform Ohio State will be sporting on Saturday against Michigan ...

TBT VIDEO: MICHIGAN WEEK WITH OHIO STATE DE CAMERON HEYWARD

COLUMBUS — Listed below is The Buckeye Times video footage of Ohio State senior defensive end Cameron Heyward, during Monday's "Michigan Week" media day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus.

In this video, Heyward looks back at his career at Ohio State, and also talks about Denard Robinson and the Michigan offense ...

In this video, Heyward speaks more about trying to slow down Robinson, and how the Michigan offense compares with Oregon's of last year ...

TBT VIDEO: MICHIGAN WEEK WITH OHIO STATE GUARD JUSTIN BOREN

COLUMBUS — Listed below is The Buckeye Times video footage of Ohio State senior guard Justin Boren, during Monday's "Michigan Week" media day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus ...

NEW BCS STANDINGS, BOWL PROJECTIONS (AS OF NOV. 22)

Ohio State looks to be in store for a record ninth trip to a BCS bowl game. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

After their 20-17 win at Iowa on Saturday, the Ohio State Buckeyes moved up one spot in the new Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings, released on Sunday night. The top seven remains the same as last week.

For the complete standings, click here.

Listed below is The Buckeye Times BCS bowl game projections (as of Nov. 22) ...

Tostitos BCS Championship Game

January 10, 2011 — Glendale, Ariz.

University of Phoenix Stadium

Oregon Ducks (BCS) vs. Boise State Broncos (BCS)

PRYOR WILLS BUCKEYES PAST HAWKEYES, 20-17, IN IOWA CITY

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor led his ninth-ranked Buckeyes past No. 20 Iowa, 20-17, in Iowa City on Saturday evening. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.

In Ohio State's "big-time game" at No. 20 Iowa on Saturday night, Buckeyes junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor was that "big-time player."

With the No. 9 Buckeyes trailing 17-13 late in the fourth quarter, and facing a fourth-and-10 at midfield, Pryor — who was having a very tough go of it up to that point — scrambled out of the intense Iowa pressure and zigzagged for 14 yards, picking up a critical first down for the visitors.

GAME PREVIEW: THIS TIME AROUND HAWKEYES HOPE TO PLAY SPOILER

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Ohio State senior place kicker Devin Barclay admits that he doesn't know much about the great state of Iowa.

"I honestly don't know anything about Iowa, the state or just anything to be honest," Barclay laughed.

Of course, everyone in the "Hawkeye State" certainly knows Barclay.

No, they're probably not up on the fact that he was a professional soccer player prior to playing at Ohio State, and they're probably not aware that the talented kicker leads the ninth-ranked Buckeyes in scoring this season.

OHIO HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO THE HAWKEYES; MOELLER BACK FOR 2011

Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi is one of 12 Hawkeye players from the state of Ohio. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Ohio is definitely known for its football.

The Buckeye State is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, coaching legends Woody Hayes, Paul Brown, Don Shula and Chuck Noll, NFL greats Roger Staubach, Jack Lambert and Lou "the Toe" Groza, and nine Heisman Trophy winners, including the only two-time receipient, Archie Griffin.

TRESSEL ON TROY SMITH'S SUCCESS IN SAN FRANCISCO; AWARD WINNERS

Troy Smith (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

COLUMBUS — Former Ohio State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith is starting to make a name for himself in the National Football League with the San Francisco 49ers.

After carrying the clipboard for two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, behind starter Joe Flacco, it was beginning to look as if the former Buckeye star wasn't going to get his opportunity to showcase his talents at the game's highest level. He was picked up by the Niners prior to this season in what seemed to be an after-thought move, being that the team already had quarterbacks Alex Smith and David Carr on the roster.

TUESDAY NOTES: TRESSEL GOES OFF; POSEY STAYING FOR SENIOR YEAR?

Jim Tressel (The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Don't let the calm demeanor of Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel fool you, when the Buckeye boss speaks, people listen.

When he gets angry, 300-pound men run for cover.

During the first half of Saturday's Big Ten showdown with Penn State, the ninth-ranked Buckeyes looked lethargic. It appeared as if they were disinterested in the game — like they were playing Eastern Michigan instead of the rival Nittany Lions — falling behind 14-3 at the break.

UPDATED BCS STANDINGS, BOWL PROJECTIONS (AS OF NOV. 15)

The Buckeye Times predicts that Texas Christian will bust the BCS and play for it all in Glendale. (AP Photo by Mike Fuentes)

Ohio State remains at No. 9 in the latest BCS standings, released on Sunday night. In fact, the entire top 10 remains the same.

Listed below is the complete BCS rankings (with the games still remaining on their respective schedules), as well as The Buckeye Times predictions for each school's final record and bowl projection.

1. OREGON

Record: 10-0. BCS Average: .9753. This Week: Bye. Games remaining: Nov. 26 vs. 22 Arizona, Dec. 4 at Oregon State. TBT Predicted final record: 12-0. TBT Bowl Projection: BCS Championship Game.

BUCKEYES USE BIG SECOND HALF TO DUST PENN STATE AT THE SHOE, 38-14

Ohio State cornerback Devon Torrence picks off a Penn State pass and returns it for the go ahead score. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

COLUMBUS — Penn State sophomore quarterback Matt McGloin went to the well one too many times on Saturday evening in Columbus.

After throwing two touchdowns passes in the first half and putting his underdog Nittany Lions ahead on the scoreboard at the break — mostly at the expense of Ohio State cornerback Devon Torrence — McGloin decided late in the third quarter to go back to what was working early on.

However, this time, Torrence made him pay as the veteran Buckeye defender picked off the Penn State walk-on's pass in Nittany Lions territory and raced 34 yards to the end zone for the go ahead touchdown.

GAME PREVIEW: NINTH-RANKED BUCKEYES WANT TO KEEP JOE AT 400

COLUMBUS — Penn State head coach Joe Paterno is coming off his 400th victory last Saturday against Northwestern, the first FBS mentor to ever reach that many wins.

But of all those 400 victories, 24 bowl wins and two national championships, only once has Paterno claimed a Big Ten triumph at Ohio Stadium.

"I'm hoping we can get to 401, for crying out loud," Paterno laughed. "I mean, we've really got a job to do."

Paterno — whose Nittany Lions have won three straight games and are currently 6-3 overall (3-2 Big Ten) — certainly knows how difficult it can be coming away with a win at Ohio Stadium. He also knows that the experience for his Nittany Lions playing in such a hostile environment is invaluable to their growth as a team.

COACH PATERNO PRAISES PRYOR; JOE DANIELS BEGAN PA SUCCESS

Joe Paterno photo by the Associated Press

COLUMBUS — It wasn't long ago that Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was the most sought after high school football prospect in America. Maybe the most coveted prep player of all time.

Coming out of Jeannette High School in western Pennsylvania, Pryor's every move was under a microscope, every word documented, every decision scrutinized. His recruitment was an absolute media frenzy. I'm surprised Fox News or MSNBC wasn't on hand with 24 hour coverage of Pryor: Decision '08.

TRESSEL RECEIVES GREAT HONOR; HOMAN, BELL ARE BACK AND MORE ...

Jim Tressel (The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Winning the Heisman Trophy or the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award are about as big an honor as a college football player and head coach could achieve.

However, during Tuesday's Ohio State press luncheon at the Fawcett Center in Columbus, Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel received an honor that some could say is even more momentous than the aforementioned accolades — the Patrick Henry award.

BCS RANKINGS, WHAT'S REMAINING AND HOW IT WILL ALL PLAY OUT

Oregon is No. 1 and looking mighty strong. (AP Photo/Steven Nehl)

Ohio State has moved up two spots to No. 9 in the latest BCS standings, released on Sunday night.

Listed below is the complete BCS rankings (with the games still remaining on their respective schedules), as well as The Buckeye Times predictions for each school's final record and bowl projection.

1. OREGON

Record: 9-0. BCS Average: .9638. This Week: at California. Games remaining: Saturday at California, Nov. 26 vs. 18 Arizona, Dec. 4 at Oregon State. TBT Predicted final record: 12-0. TBT Bowl Projection: BCS Championship Game.

ELECTION DAY IS BEHIND US, TIME FOR SOME CHANGES ... BCS CHANGES

(The Buckeye Times/Joshua Stueve)

With the elections now clearly in the rearview it's got me thinking about change.

As in changing the current Bowl Championship Series to a playoff format.

University presidents are very much opposed to a playoff system because let's face it, staying status quo means easy money. "Wait, wait, wait ... all we have to do is win six measly games and we get to go to a bowl and be paid a mill or two? Awesome, sign us up!" University Prez says.

OSU'S CHIMDI CHEKWA NAMED A SEMIFINALIST FOR THORPE AWARD

Chimdi Chekwa
(The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State senior cornerback Chimdi Chekwa has been named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, an honor given to the nation's best collegiate defensive back.

Chekwa has recorded three interceptions (tied for Big Ten lead), 28 total tackles (four for loss), two forced fumbles, five pass break-ups and a sack this season for the No. 11 Buckeyes (8-1, 4-1 Big Ten).

MONDAY NOTES: NITPICKING OHIO STATE'S 52-10 WIN OVER MINNESOTA

(AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

COLUMBUS — Whenever a team dominates an opponent like Ohio State did to Minnesota on Saturday night, it's difficult to find something to criticize or look at and say 'hey, this problem needs to be addressed.'

But as we all know this is Ohio State football and whenever the Buckeyes steamroll an opponent we always have to nitpick a little, and during Saturday night's 52-10 thrashing of the Golden Gophers there was one play that some can't let go of — especially OSU head coach Jim Tressel.

OSU-PENN STATE TO KICK AT 3:30 P.M.

(The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell)

COLUMBUS — The Ohio State home football game against Penn State on Saturday, November 13 will be a 3:30 p.m. kickoff, according to OSU football SID Shelly Poe.

The No. 11 Buckeyes (8-1, 4-1 Big Ten) are idle this week.