String of big-game losses plagues Buckeyes

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor looks to lead the Buckeyes to a victory in Happy Valley today, Nov. 7.

Associated Press photo by Terry Gilliam Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor looks to lead the Buckeyes to a victory in Happy Valley today, Nov. 7.

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By Rusty Miller, Associated Press 12:35 AM Saturday, November 7, 2009

Ohio State is 40-8 over the past four seasons, a record that might have most fans of the 15th-ranked Buckeyes flush with confidence heading into today’s Nov. 7 game at No. 11 Penn State.

It shouldn’t.

The last six times the Buckeyes have played a team as good or better based on rankings, they’ve lost. No one has to tell the players, either.

“I haven’t led us to a big win yet,” said quarterback Terrelle Pryor, a central figure in the past three big-game losses. “The quarterback has to lead. And I haven’t led in a big game.”

Ohio State (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) has lost its only game this year against a ranked opponent, then-No. 3 Southern California. A year ago, the Buckeyes lost marquee matchups with No. 1 USC, No. 3 Penn State and No. 3 Texas, losing to the Longhorns in the last minute of the Fiesta Bowl. In 2007, the only top-20 team they played was No. 2 LSU, which rolled over the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes 38-24 in the Bowl Championship Series title game.

There has been plenty of grumbling from Ohio State fans about the failings in high-profile games. Coach Jim Tressel, who could seemingly do no wrong in big games early when he started in Columbus, now is questioned about every facet of his preparation, philosophy and play-calling.

“From a team standpoint, from inside the locker room, we’re confident about the offense,” wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher said. “Obviously, there’s always going to be talk about, ‘Oh, you guys play in spurts,’ or, ‘You don’t perform well in big games.’ But we are always a confident team and we know what we can do and we have the players to do it.”

It’s not as if Penn State has swept through its biggest games. In its only game against a top-tier opponent this season, then-unranked Iowa topped the Nittany Lions 21-10. Penn State closed out last season with a 38-24 loss to No. 5 USC in the Rose Bowl.

The stakes are high for both teams today, with the loser most likely eliminated from the Big Ten race and a BCS bowl.

“It’s not going to be an easy situation for us, because they are solid,” PSU coach Joe Paterno said. “We’ve got to just say, ‘Let’s play it. Let’s go out there and have a little fun.’ ”

Today’s game

Who: No. 15 Ohio State (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) at No. 11 Penn State (8-1, 4-1)

When: 3:30 p.m.

TV: ABC

FYI: Since October 2005, Buckeyes are 17-1 in Big Ten road games.

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