DaytonDailyNews.com

NEW ORLEANS — Ohio State is expecting to face two quarterbacks with different styles in the national title game, and LSU might want to start planning on facing multiple QBs, too.

Although offensive coordinator Jim Bollman said OSU intends to stick with junior Todd Boeckman the whole way, sophomore receiver Brian Hartline revealed the team has been preparing redshirt freshman Antonio Henton for a possible cameo.

"I'll be surprised if he doesn't play," Hartline said. "I think he's going to add one of those wrinkles ... something you have to game-plan for and have to respect."

Asked when he expects the athletic Henton to sub in, Hartline said: "I think on a goal-line package. It could be a play or two in a row. His arm is really coming along. He can definitely run the ball, too. If other teams want to throw that wrinkle in there with a dual-threat quarterback, Antonio can be one of them."

Henton was suspended for most of the season after his arrest Sept. 24 for misdemeanor loitering for prostitution. But the Buckeyes allowed him to practice, and he overtook sophomore Rob Schoenhoft for the No. 2 job.

When a reporter pointed out that many will be shocked to hear Henton is being considered for a key role, Hartline countered: "We're to the point where we've been developing that all year, so it won't be too much of a shock — at least for the team. And that's really all that matters."

Smith to speak

Former OSU star Will Smith, now a standout defensive end for the New Orleans Saints, will serve as honorary captain and will share some thoughts with the Buckeyes before the game — something he's been doing on a regular basis.

"I talk to most of the guys, especially Vernon (Gholston), to make sure they do what they're supposed to do," Smith said while watching the Buckeyes work out at the Saints' indoor practice field (a scheduled practice outdoors at Tulane University was canceled because of cold weather).

Gholston is one of a handful of OSU juniors pondering a jump to the pros. Smith probably passed up first-round money by deciding to return for his senior year in 2003, but he had an All-American season, earned his degree in criminal justice and still was a first-round pick.

"Everyone's situation is different," he said. "I didn't think I was ready for the NFL. I came back for an extra year, and it helped me out, got me here. And I'm glad about the way things turned out."

Robiskie has Tiger ties

OSU junior receiver Brian Robiskie is the son of a former LSU star, but there's no divided loyalties in his immediate family. Terry Robiskie, a native of Lucy, La., just west of New Orleans, was the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 1975, rushing for 1,117 yards.

"When he found out we were playing them, he jabbed me a little bit," Brian Robiskie said. "But at the end of the day, he's my dad, and he's going to be pulling for me. I don't think he'll show up for the game in one of his old jerseys."

Terry Robiskie is a longtime NFL assistant and was receivers coach this season with the Miami Dolphins.

TCU added to schedule

The Buckeyes will play Texas Christian in their 2009 home opener, giving the team a stout nonconference schedule with Southern Cal also coming to Columbus.

TCU filled a vacancy created when Army pulled out of a two-game series. OSU still has an opening in 2010 to fill.

Pelini speaks out

After giving up an average of just 6.4 points in its first five games, LSU surrendered 27.9 in its final eight contests. But defensive coordinator Bo Pelini is supremely confident in his unit.

"We feel we've got the best defense in the country, and we plan on going out there Monday night and proving it to the world," Pelini said.