BUCKEYE BUZZ | Ohio State notes

Future opponents: As if Saturday night's thrilling 24-7 victory over Texas wasn't enough, there was plenty of good news for Buckeyes fans as they surveyed the scores list. Ohio State's remaining opponents went a dismal 5-5. Next week's foe, Cincinnati, was pounded by Pittsburgh 33-15 on Friday night. Penn State looked miserable in a 41-17 loss to Notre Dame, and Minnesota (42-7 to California), Illinois (33-0 at Rutgers) and Northwestern (34-17 at home to I-AA New Hampshire) were all embarrassed. Even some of the winners didn't acquit themselves. Iowa won at Syracuse 20-13 in overtime because the Orangemen inexplicably ran between the tackles on eight consecutive plays from the 2, the Hawkeyes stopping them every time. Bowling Green barely eked by Buffalo, 48-40 in triple overtime, and Indiana topped Ball State 24-23. Michigan State (52-20 over Eastern Michigan) and Michigan (41-17 over Central Michigan) were the only upcoming opponents to actually play well and win convincingly.
Understatement: Coach Jim Tressel, on QB Troy Smith who was in complete control of the game from the outset: "When you've got a guy like Troy back there, you feel really good about your chances."
Quick-hitters: Ohio State is now 3-0 in No. 1 vs. No. 2 games. ... Player of the game? Had to be LB James Laurinaitis, who forced a key fumble that prevented a touchdown, and also intercepted a pass. ... Right behind Smith in terms of being an offensive star was wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez with a career-high eight catches for 142 yards and a TD.
Associated Press