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Readers give Dispatch sports editor Brian White their takes on Ohio State football.

Have more comments, questions? Reach out to me at [email protected]. Letters are lightly edited for clarity.

On Ohio State football

Ohio State's Troy Smith rolls out against Michigan on Nov. 18, 2006.

To Brian: It's easy for me to choose Troy Smith as the best player because of those around him, especially toward winning three times against Michigan. A late hit in the '06 contest, No. 2 vs. No. 1, not only gave OSU another chance to score (a TD pass to Brian Robiske), but it also crowned Jim Tressel as the new rivalry king, dethroning Lloyd Carr minutes before fans flooded the Horseshoe.

In January 2001, addressing the crowd at St. John Arena, a newly hired Tressel had all but predicted a win in Ann Arbor some 300 days later. Now, in 2025, a rejuvenated national championship coach hopes to break the four-game losing spell in the rivalry. (Day wins the next two).

Back to the 2006 slugfest: Without the supporting cast of players like Antonio Pittman, Anthony Gonzalez, Ted Ginn Jr., James Laurinatis, A.J. Hawk and Beanie Wells, the hype and performance wouldn't have existed. Yet, without No. 10 on the field, no magic was in the night air.

Larry Cheek, Dublin

To Larry: Smith was great at Ohio State, but I'm not sure many will agree with you on that lofty status. Our vote that ended Aug. 19 ended with Archie Griffin as the all-time best, and in the final round he defeated Orlando Pace. The four finalists were Griffin, Pace, 1995 Heisman winner Eddie George and linebacker Chris Spielman. Pace outdistanced George and Griffin topped Spielman to reach the championship match.

Ohio State tackle Austin Siereveld takes the field during camp.

To Brian: I've always felt the most important unit of a football team is the offensive line, which is also the least recognized. Last year, untimely injuries just before that last game on the schedule caused the Buckeyes offense to stumble so terribly that day. But then they scrambled to create a cohesive unit again even with backups that stormed through the playoffs against much stronger competition. Those talented players at the so-called skill positions who get all the credit are important, but what matters more to me is how the offensive line looks going into the season.

Dennis Singleton, Dayton

To Dennis: It must be a relief for the Buckeyes to enter a season without the offensive line being mentioned as a weakness. They have experience and talent there. So the focus on what's questionable moves to quarterback, running back and interior defensive line.