Fill-in-the-blank Buckeyes

NEW ORLEANS -- Ohio State's starting quarterback was a no-show for the first day of media interviews advancing Monday night's national title game against Louisiana State.

No one seemed the least bit outraged.

People just sort of went about their business. Some may have even wondered: "Who is the Ohio State quarterback?"

Answer: Last season it was Heis-man, this season it's Boeck-man.

The 2006 Ohio State squad was loaded with loud-entrance leaders. The quarterback, Troy Smith, arrived in Arizona for the national title game fresh off the rubber-chicken, awards-banquet circuit.

The wide receivers, Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn Jr., were genuine stars.

What stories!

Gonzalez went by the nickname "Gonzo." His Cuban grandfather went to school with Fidel Castro and later helped overthrow Batista.

Ginn Jr. was a former national champion in the 110 high hurdles. He was so fast you might pay to see him race a horse.

Both of Ohio State's "G-men" became first-round NFL picks.

This season's Ohio State team has a star linebacker named James Laurinaitis, the Big Ten defensive player of the year, and a bunch of no-names and funny names.

As important to knowing Ohio State's depth chart is knowing their pronunciation guide.

Page eight of the Buckeyes' postseason media book is a big help:

* Quarterback, Todd Boeckman: BECK-man.

* Left guard, Steve Rehring: RARE-ing.

* Place kicker, Ryan Pretorius: preh-TORE-ree-us.

* Punter, A.J. Trapasso: tra-PASS-oh.

Did you know Ohio State has two tailbacks named Wells?

The starter is nicknamed "Beanie" and wears jersey No. 28. His backup, Maurice (no relation), is No. 34.

Last season Ohio State had blue-chip players and solid BCS backing. The Buckeyes were undefeated and favored to crush lucky-to-be-there Florida.

"Last year, everyone was like, 'Man, you guys are going to win,' " offensive tackle Alex Boone said this week. "You guys got Troy, you got Teddy, Gonzo, you have all these superstars, you can't lose."

Ohio State lost, 41-14.

Boone: "This year it's like, 'Who do you have?' You have Beanie and James, that's great, but who else?' "

Maybe that's enough.

Maybe anonymity, as opposed to acclaim, is the better way to make a title-game entrance.

You sense Ohio State players are very, very happy to have sneaked into the BCS back door.