DaytonDailyNews.com

What's brewing today with the Ohio State Buckeyes:

Buckeyes buzz

Ohio State is apparently stuck in neutral in the polls.

The Buckeyes remained at No. 12 for the second week in a row after Saturday's 16-3 win over Purdue.

Sure, fans are wondering how the team can win four in a row and move up only two spots while other teams lose games and remain ahead of them.

But there is also a plethora of reasons the Buckeyes are looking in from outside the top 10.

First, that 35-3 beating at Southern California was bad enough, but then the Trojans turned around and lost at Oregon State. So the argument the Buckeyes lost to a dominant, once-a-decade team is out.

Second, Ohio State hasn't beaten anybody. The Buckeyes went to the final 70 seconds to win at Wisconsin 20-17. A week later, Penn State lashes those same Badgers 48-7. Wisconsin has now lost three in a row. Honestly, what is the most impressive win for the Buckeyes? Answer: Minnesota, which is 6-1.

Weekly honors

The Ohio State coaching staff handed out awards Monday for the top players in the Purdue game.

CB Malcolm Jenkins, who blocked a punt, intercepted a pass and also had four tackles, was the Buckeyes' defensive player of the week.

LB Etienne Sabino, who returned the blocked punt 20 yards for a touchdown, was the top player on special teams.

It speaks volumes that no one was singled out on an offense. The Buckeyes managed only three field goals Saturday.

— Rusty Miller,

Associated Press