Todd Porter: Buckeyes relish the underdog role

Football, by its very nature, is a secretive game. It is a sport born in trust and reliance on the guy occupying the next locker. The players gather in a huddle and in hushed tones share the play. Head coaches wear headphones, talking to their air support in the press box.

Athletes, especially the elite kind at places such as Ohio State, need an edge -- imagined or real. They'll create one if need be.