By: Adam Rittenberg (ESPN.com) —
COLUMBUS, Ohio — When Brian Hartline hears the coast-to-coast Buckeye bashing, the nearly nationwide desire not to have Ohio State return to the national championship game after back-to-back flops, the junior wide receiver laughs it off.

But he understands where the ire comes from.

“You’re in high school and you know that kid that keeps winning all the time?” Hartline said. “You kind of wish they don’t win because you’re sick of listening about them winning. But it doesn’t mean they’re not good.”

The Buckeyes know they’re good. They also know why they’re so disliked around the country.

Regardless of whether Ohio State wins a national title or drops two regular-season games, players have been impressive in handling the backlash. Rather than bristle, the Buckeyes are honest and rational about the situation.

“It’d be stupidity if you didn’t [understand] it,” Hartline said. “Though humility and not being so stock-standard, so narrow-minded, guys know where it’s coming from. There’s 115-plus Division I schools in the country. It’s not just Ohio State. Although people think the world revolves around us, it doesn’t.”

No related posts.