Jim Tressel Reacts to Carson Palmer

Speaking to reporters at the Big Ten football media day, Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel took a moment to weigh in on the Carson Palmer controversy.

It was only a few days ago that the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback talked smack about the Buckeyes. Palmer, a Heisman Trophy winner in his days at USC, said he was sick of hearing about Ohio State and wants to see the Trojans kick butt when the teams play at the Coliseum on Sept. 13. His comments were not well-received in the heart of scarlet-and-gray country.

"It just tells you one thing, he's proud of the place he played and he lives with us in Ohio and I'm sure he gets to hear a lot about the Buckeyes," Tressel said. "And I'm sure he's excited about the fact that we get to play against his alma mater and you know Woody used to always say, 'whether they're talking good or talking bad, keep them talking.' "

Columbus Dispatch sportswriter Ken Gordon, blogging on his newspaper's website, also came to Palmer's defense, calling him "a great guy."

"The guy is a USC alum, and let's face it, it's tough to live in Ohio if you're not an Ohio State fan," Gordon wrote. "The same passion that makes Buckeye fans some of the best around also tends to drive fans of other teams crazy. Nothing wrong with that, it's just the way it is."

-- David Wharton

Comments

[Correy]

It seems like the writers from Ohio are a class act on the way they are handling their team's name get smeared. However, as a College Football Fan that can agree on the fact that their are a lot better teams than mine I have to say that I would love to see Ohio State play a little tougher schedule each year. First and foremost, the Big Ten needs to get with the times and play a full schedule instead of this round robin crap. No ones asking for a Big Ten Championship, although I think that all conferences should have one but at least play a full conference schedule. But what I would love to see more than that is for them to stop scheduling High Schools for non-conference games. Let's be honest, they play a few High Schools, then a very weak (of late) Big Ten schedule, beat Michigan and then go back to the National Championship game only to get their butts kicked by a real talented team. Something needs to give!

[Vision]

OSU fans have nothing to get bent out of shape about. Palmer is just speakin the truth.

There's nothing more frustrating than watching the past 2 "title" games. USC would have beaten both Florida and LSU and instead we have to watch an overmatched, overhyped team get trounced.

Actually it was pretty funny.

The Buckeyes will get their 3rd dose of reality. And what a joy it will be.

[Ke7in11]

Carson's just proud of where he came from. Maybe he likes Cincinatti now, but let's be fair - chances are still good that he won't finish his career there. I mean, look at Favre.

How about LeBron James who grew up in Ohio, and can't seem to wait to get out?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3578795

[Matthew]

Well I love Ohio state but what can I say we just can't compete with the SEC or the Big 12 or USC. Ohio State needs to have a tougher scheadule and the Big Ten should catch up with the other conferences look look at Michigan it's not just the Bickeyes it's the Big Ten (little ten) in general.