A shocking home loss to Virginia Tech last September seemed to take Ohio State out of the national title picture, but Urban Meyer's team proved that to be untrue.
The Buckeyes do not want to have to take the same wait-and-see approach.
A favorite to repeat as national champion even with Meyer yet to name his starting quarterback, Ohio State hasn't lost since falling to the Hokies but getting revenge and protecting the No. 1 ranking could be a challenge Monday night with a short-handed team entering a hostile environment.
If the Buckeyes (14-1) survive the Labor Day spotlight at Lane Stadium, they have a fairly easy path to 10-0 before closing the regular season against No.