COLUMBUS - The usual bang-up game-day party thrown in The Ohio State University Athletic Director's box bounced right along on Saturday, even with some key parties missing. The leftover Buckeyes VIP boosters and administrators slapped backs, whooped and celebrated touchdowns. They snacked on fistfuls of crimson and cream M&M's placed in two giant jars on a shelf.
This was like old times, even without suspended coach Urban Meyer on the field and athletic director Gene Smith around to host. The final score: Buckeyes 77, Oregon State 31.
My takeaways: Oregon State offense will help sell tickets. Oregon State defense will help sell beers.