The Nittany Lions are 0-6 in Columbus since joining the Big Ten. And frankly, most of the games have not been close.

But the Buckeyes have a lot of respect for Penn State, the team they shared the Big Ten championship with last season.

“Well, this is what you come here for,” said OSU junior wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez. “You come here to hopefully win the conference and this is a big game for us and them. It’s the Big Ten opener and it’s something that we look forward to. It’s refreshing to get into the Big Ten finally. It really is. It’s not that you know what to expect, but you know the brand of football and you know you have to raise your game that much more for a Big Ten opponent, and especially one as good as Penn State.”

Ohio State tailback Antonio Pittman was held to 58 yards on 15 carries in last year’s game. Penn State’s defense contained him about as well as anyone.

“That’s going to be a big game,” Pittman said. “It’s the first Big Ten game and we went to their house last year and they put a whopping on us. They are coming in here and we’ve got to take it to them. It’s going to be a battle up front and one of the hardest-hitting games of the year probably and we’ve got to go out there and play four quarters.”

Pittman was honest when asked if the revenge factor will be on his mind.

“It’s a lot of motivation,” he said. “We took a beating out there bad and that was something that stuck with us all year. We don’t want to feel like that. We feel like we’re on a mission to get something done and we’re taking it one game at a time.”

Senior defensive end Richardson is another OSU player that wants to erase the bad memory from last year.

“It’s a big game for a couple of reasons,” Richardson said. “One, it’s the Big Ten opener and you want to come out and make a statement right away that this is our conference and we feel like we want to dominate this conference.

“And two, because of what happened last year. That was a tough loss up there in Happy Valley. They played a great game and took us out and really killed our title hopes. And I think now, looking back on that, all we can do is really learn from that and get ready to give them a great game here next week.”

Ohio State sophomore tight end Rory Nicol is from Beaver, Pa. and is looking forward to getting his first start in an OSU-PSU matchup.

“Well, I’m excited just to be able to play in the game,” he said. “I didn’t get to go to the game last year because I was sitting out with my foot injury. But I’m excited. They are the co-champs right with us right now, so it’s a big game. It’s the start of the Big Ten and it will be fun.”

Nicol did not grow up rooting for the Nittany Lions.

“I was more of a Pitt fan than Penn State, I guess,” he said. “But, I always liked the Buckeyes to be honest. I have some people back home who have some ties out here in Ohio and I always liked Ohio State.”

Sophomore defensive end Vernon Gholston didn’t play in last year’s game (medical redshirt) and doesn’t buy into the revenge factor.

“They beat us last year, but it’s a new season,” he said. “Penn State was co-champs with us last year and it’s something that we have to get ready for. They’re going to be ready and I know we will be ready.”

Added sophomore linebacker Marcus Freeman: “It’s going to be a big game. Any time you play in the Big Ten, it’s going to be a tough game. We’re excited. We just want to go out there and perform.

“It’s a new season, but that is still going to be in people’s minds: going to Happy Valley last year and the way they took it to us. We have to make sure we don’t forget that.”

Junior linebacker Curtis Terry still feels the sting when asked about last year’s game.

“A lot of us who traveled there last year still remember what happened,” he said. “A lot of the guys still remember the loss to Penn State, so we are focused for that game. “It’s always a great atmosphere at Big Ten games. I am always just happy to have a chance to play and be there when the team needs me.”

Ohio State’s four captains also chimed in about the Big Ten opener during Saturday’s post-game press conference.

“From my experience, the Big Ten is a tough conference and a tough road,” center Doug Datish said. “You get into Big Ten play and every team is tough. If you go somewhere on the road, their fans are crazy. And when they come here, our fans are crazy. Great environment, great schedule. Our goal every year is to win the conference, because if you win the conference you will get to go to a big-time bowl game and stuff.

Added quarterback Troy Smith: “I’m kind of biased when I say it, but I think Big Ten football is the best conference in the nation. And just like Doug said, there are crazy fans. Great teams and it’s unparalleled across the nation. I think it’s the best football around.”

Smith had a rough outing in last year’s contest. He was 13 of 25 passing for 139 yards and one interception. He added 19 carries for 15 yards and one rushing touchdown (the rushing yards are including sacks).

But a lot has changed in a year and Penn State will be seeing a different Smith on Saturday.

“This is one of the reasons you want to play big-time football and Penn State is probably one of the top teams in the nation every year when you’re talking about toughness amongst guys, offensively and defensively,” Smith said. “Within the game-plan, we’re going to have to be able to do all the things we set out to do and hopefully get a win.”

A big key for Ohio State will be slowing down Tony Hunt and PSU’s running game. And that’s where senior defensive tackles David Patterson and Quinn Pitcock come in.

“I’m looking forward to the physical play of Big Ten football,” Patterson said. “I think preparing for Big Ten games makes us better and better each week.”

“I feel it is one of the best leagues there is,” Pitcock said. “Very physical. All the teams are good and they kind of beat each other up during the race. There is definitely great football in the Big Ten.”

Ohio State has not won an outright Big Ten championship since 1984. The players are ready for the streak to end.

“It’s one of our goals,” Smith said. “Right along with winning a national championship.”