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Carmen Ohio in The Big House

Following Ohio State's 25-21 win over Michigan on Saturday the Ohio State football team joined the Ohio State marching band on the field in Michigan stadium where they sang Carmen Ohio to the OSU rooting section.

The recording that is playing was made on the field with the Buckeyes and the band. As the team sings, the voice nearest the recording device is that of defensive back and special teams demon Antonio Smith. It becomes more prevalent as the recording comes to an end.

The moment was a poignant one for the Buckeyes.

"To see the seniors crying with joy and sing Carmen Ohio here in the Big House is amazing," said freshman linebacker James Laurinaitis.

Brandon Mitchell

"You can't even express it, especially for the guys who were up here for the 2003 game," said safety Brandon Mitchell trying to verbalize how he felt at that moment.

"To lose that game (two years ago) with so much on the line, it was tough for us. Now to win at least a share of the Big Ten championship on their field is amazing. To celebrate out there on their field makes it all that much sweeter," said Mitchell.

Safety Donte Whitner said that memories of that less-happy moment in Ann Arbor two years ago played a big part in OSU's win, and the eventual singing of Carmen Ohio.

"It's awfully sweet," said Whitner.

"On friday night before a game we watch the previous game (with that opponent), highlights from the previous game.

Donte Whitner

"Last night we didn't watch highlights of the previous game, we watched highlights of the Michigan from 2003.

"At the end, there were Michigan guys running onto the field, and it showed the score, Ohio State ranked number two and Michigan number nine, and it showed them beating us, guys with roses in their mouths, guys taunting and things like that and their fans going crazy.

"It got real silent in the room last night. At that moment I knew guys were going to come out here and play hard."

How firm the friendship, O-HI-O.

Ohio State 25, Michigan 21.

November 19, 2005

Ann Arbor, Michigan