O-line secret weapon for Buckeyes, Heisman winner

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- They average 6-foot-6, have shoulders as wide as door frames and a combined weight about half that of a new Corvette.

Yet somehow Ohio State's offensive linemen go about their business almost undetected.

Top-ranked Ohio State's massive front wall is the base of a 12-0 team that has averaged 36 points heading into the national championship game against No. 2 Florida on Jan. 8.

Fans don't know their names, but the players who pad their statistics because of them surely do.

"The offensive line really won the Heisman," wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. said.

Quarterback Troy Smith actually walked off with the bronze statuette, but even he's quick to pile praise on the five guys up front who protect him.

"Without them, there are no great plays that can be made," he said. "They do everything up front for me."

Most everyone knows Smith (a school-record 30 TD passes with only 5 interceptions) and Ginn (59 catches, 9 TDs), along with tailback Antonio Pittman (1,171 rushing yards) and wideout Anthony Gonzalez (49 catches, 8 TDs).

But the people who make those numbers possible require an introduction.

As Smith walks up to the line of scrimmage, from left to right, they are: Alex Boone (6-8, 325) at tackle, Steve Rehring (6-8, 329) at guard, Doug Datish (6-5, 295) at center, T.J. Downing (6-4, 305) at guard and Kirk Barton (6-6, 310) at tackle.

Datish is the cerebral history major. Downing, who wears a Mohawk haircut, and Barton, who smuggled Cuban cigars and champagne into the locker room after the 42-39 victory over Michigan, are the characters.

Sophomores Boone and Rehring are relative youngsters who have made great contributions after overcoming problems and doubts.

"They're a very physical, tough team," said Florida co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. "Whenever you see offensive linemen going after people downfield, sustaining their blocks, then you know they have that ingredient. I think we're going to face a real test with their offensive line."