Small Comes Up Big, Then Trash-Talks USC

Ray Small has been through a lot during his time in Columbus. From being the anointed successor to Teddy Ginn to being stripped of his #4, he's seen some major ups and down. Saturday was no different, as he sealed Ohio State's comeback win by returning a punt 69-yards against Ohio in the fourth quarter. Finally out of the doghouse? Not so fast.

After the game, Small went off the Jim Tressel cue cards and talked about the difference between USC and Ohio State. During his recruiting visit to USC, he was surprised at the crazy (enthusiastic?) way they approach game day. That's apparently much different from the more serious (professional?) manner in which the Buckeyes prepare. You can't really argue with the success on either side.

But the money quote was his comparison of the programs, in which he said, "It's more of a class thing." He was referring to Carson Palmer's boneheaded rant against Ohio State fans living in Ohio, but failed to mentioned Lendale White's mature "Ohio State sucks!" comment on the radio. Small took it a step further, saying that at Ohio State "they teach you to be a better man", but at USC "it's just all about football". Yikes.

Regardless of whether it's true, the comments were not really appropriate the week before the game. You can be sure USC's coaches will try to get some extra motivation from this. Terry Glenn, anyone?

(photo courtesy of TheOZone.net)