OSU alumni banquet has Fiesta on the table
The Buckeyes will focus on final exams and some strength and conditioning before heading to Arizona.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Ohio State coach Jim Tressel took a short break to enjoy what the Buckeyes' have already accomplished this season, with an eye on what still lies ahead for his team.
The Buckeyes earned a spot in the national championship game by beating Michigan 14-9 on Saturday and completing a 13-0 regular season.
Tressel and several players were honored by 600 Ohio State fans Tuesday night at an alumni banquet.
"Just watching our kids' faces, seeing those seniors, seeing all the Buckeye fans, listening to what that means to the people, it's fun to see everyone enjoy it," Tressel said.
Disappointment
Tressel was disappointed that fan violence following the win over Michigan took away from his team's accomplishments.
Columbus safety officials said fans set more than 100 fires, torched nine cars, broke windows of homes and stores and threw rocks at firefighters. More than 50 people were arrested, most on misdemeanor charges.
"I felt a little bit bad that it distracted from what our kids did on the field," Tressel said. "I felt bad for alumni and our administration and so forth that such a few number of people could create the negativity there, but that's reality."
Despite warnings from the university and public service announcements from people like two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin, the melee was the worst ever following a football game, officials said.
"We felt like we needed to compete as a first-class team and that our fans needed to compete as a first-class hosting stadium," Tressel said. "There was constant discussion of the importance of that. Who knows why it fell on some deaf ears."
Looking ahead
Tressel said the team will focus on final exams and some strength and conditioning before heading to the Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz. The Buckeyes probably won't travel until Dec. 26, one day before they are required to be there.
The game is not until Jan. 3.
Tressel is looking forward to having freshman running back Maurice Clarett in the lineup. He has missed games because of nerve damage in his left shoulder.
"I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure it will be better than if we played this Saturday simply because that's the way nerves are, nerves take time," he said.
The Buckeyes are chasing their first national championship since 1968.