OSU FOOTBALL Doss unfazed by 2000 game

It was Drew Brees late touchdown pass that beat him and the Buckeyes in 2000.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Mike Doss probably will leave Ohio State as the latest three-time All-American in the football program's tradition-rich history.
Yet if there is a play that has defined him as a strong safety with the Buckeyes, it might be Drew Brees' late long pass at Purdue two seasons ago.
The resulting 64-yard catch and run by Seth Morales with 1:55 remaining gave the Boilermakers a 31-27 victory, propelled Purdue to its first Rose Bowl in 34 years and effectively squelched the Buckeyes' dreams of a Big Ten or even a national title.
"Sometimes it's hard to read Mike about those things but I definitely think it eats at him," said free safety Donnie Nickey, who has played alongside Doss for his entire career.
Meet Saturday in West Lafayette
As No. 3 Ohio State prepares to return to West Lafayette on Saturday, Doss swears that he isn't haunted by memories of Brees' pass wafting over his head.
"That was kind of a split decision, for me to have two interceptions and a kind of coming-out for me personally -- and then at the end it's a learning experience," Doss said.
Brees has moved on to the NFL's San Diego Chargers. Morales is a backup wide receiver and punt returner for the Boilermakers (4-5, 2-3 Big Ten). Doss leads one of the nation's best defenses as the Buckeyes (10-0, 5-0) keep rolling right along.
"I think these guys, because of their intelligence and awareness and maturity level, certainly rank up there with as good a defense as I've ever seen," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said.
One of the biggest reasons is Doss, a big hitter who considered jumping to the NFL a year ago.
"I'm glad I did stay, to work hard and to do something you've been dreaming about doing since you got to college and to try to have an undefeated season and lead your team and be a senior," Doss said. "It's been a lot of fun, and I'm just enjoying it and trying to soak it all up these last couple of weeks."
Helped Buckeyes get lead
Doss picked off two passes by Brees, returning the second 33 yards to set up an Ohio State touchdown that gave the Buckeyes a 27-24 lead.
"My thought on the sideline was, this guy [Brees] deserves better than this with the great career he's had here and the great things he's done," Purdue coach Joe Tiller said. "I thought, 'Oh my God, this is a shame.' "
With a capacity crowd at Ross-Ade Stadium howling, the Boilermakers regrouped.
"After that interception my heart was in my throat," Morales said. "I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what to do."
It took just two plays for Brees to lead the Boilermakers back. Morales was Brees' fourth option on the play, called "Yellow 74XZ-pole."
When the pass dropped into Morales' outstretched hands, Nickey, who was on the other side of the field in pass coverage, had a sick feeling.
"Anytime you lose a game, it feels terrible," he said. "A roller-coaster like that game, it carries a little extra sting."
Led to Cooper's firing
Doss chased Morales to the end zone, then hung his head as he was consoled by teammates. The Buckeyes, with little left to play for, lost to Michigan and to South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, leading to the firing of coach John Cooper.
Doss said he tried to turn the negative into a positive. He worked harder. He recommitted himself. He became more of a team player.
"Drew Brees was a great quarterback and he still is now for San Diego," Doss said. "He just made one more play than I did on that Saturday. Looking up to that now, realizing that I'm a senior and what it takes to win ball games, it's helped me out as far as being a leader and stepping up when you have to."