The intensity was palpable in Terrelle Pryor's voice.
As an early candidate for the Heisman Trophy, Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor is expected to lead the Buckeyes to at least a sixth consecutive Big Ten title.
"I can't even explain how badly I want to win," the Ohio State quarterback said earlier this week.
"I hate losing. Hate it. Hate it. Hate it."
That desire is with him, he said, in every practice, in the weight room and every time he walks past a board memorializing champions of the past. He sees it every day on the way to the team's meeting room.
Pryor and his teammates sense Ohio State is on the cusp of something big. The second-ranked Buckeyes have reached the Bowl Championship Series title game in two of the last four years. Their last national championship came in 2002.
"Another Rose Bowl this year wouldn't be very satisfying," center Mike Brewster said. "(Fans) want us to make the next jump. We're expected to get to the title (game). It's pressure but, when you're at Ohio State, you're always under pressure. If you lose one game, people aren't going to be happy. ... We definitely have high expectations this year."
Ohio State's Jan. 1 Rose Bowl victory against Oregon was described as a turning point for Pryor. He was named the game's most valuable player after completing 23 of 37 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns. He piled up 338 yards of total offense.
Pryor had not thrown more than 17 passes in his previous three starts, all wins that helped secure Ohio State's fifth consecutive Big Ten championship.
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SOURCE: USA Today
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