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When he first came to OSU, receiver Anthony Gonzalez obviously had to wait his turn and climb the ladder at the wide receiver position for the Bucks. Gonzalez has had some success the last two seasons and is now the number two man behind Ted Ginn, Jr. However, he’s not completely satisfied.

“I never feel comfortable, ever, in anything,” Gonzalez said yesterday. “I’m the type of person that, no matter what, even in (Cleveland St. Ignatius) high school, when I was team captain and started both ways, I never felt secure.

“I don’t know if that’s part of being an athlete, or just something that goes on in my head, but in no way do I ever feel secure. And then when you look out there and see the guys that we have, the young guys coming up, you know you have to raise your game just that much higher to stay ahead of them and also for the sake of the team.”

Gonzalez should get his fair share of touches in 2006 and he will be leaned on heavily during the course of the season. The Bucks offense will be expected to carry most of the load considering the youth on defense. They may be under a lot of pressure early on to put up points as the defense continues to learn and grow. They have a wave of good, young receivers coming in this season but it will still be up to Gonzalez, Ginn, and Hall to make some big plays for Troy Smith and the offense.

Robert Smith, a former Buckeye star, is standing up for NFLPA head Gene Upshaw. Upshaw was verbally attacked by Bryant Gumbel yesterday. Gumbel ignorantly stated that Upshaw was being led around on a leash by the owners of the NFL. Smith is a very intelligent and successful former NFL player.

I agree with Smith’s assessment that Gumbel is seeking attention. I see Gumbel as a jealous personality that shows no class by making uninformed statements. The NFL is a model for professional sports, its popularity and revenue has passed baseball and continues to grow.

The fact that he is all over the news is exactly why Gumball made the statement. I guess when your show has sunk lower than re-runs of “The price is right” you will stoop to any level for attention. Gene Upshaw continues to show class and will not dignify Gumball with a response.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked number one in most preseason polls. Troy Smith, the Bucks quarterback, is one of the main reasons for this years predicted success. The Buckeye offense has more weapons this year than in the past. They have experience and speed that ranks above most teams in the nation.

Troy Smith has the ability to run or pass, which makes his presence even more dangerous. The first year Smith started at OSU quarterback, he looked to run the ball too much. Last year, he developed into a throwing quarterback with the ability to run. Smith has learned to let the game come to him, rather than force the issue.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have high expectations this season. Troy Smith’s ability to decide on whether to run or pass will play a large part in determining whether the Bucks make it back to the Championship Game.