SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — No team has symbolized the Big Ten's recent national struggles more than Ohio State.

The Buckeyes fell hard in the national title games after the 2006 and '07 seasons. Earlier this season, Ohio State lost, 35-3, to Southern California. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins was asked Wednesday if his team had been unfairly criticized.

"I wouldn't say unfairly," Jenkins said. "If I wasn't in this conference, I would probably say the same thing about us. I guess that's one way to prove how your conference is, how you play in the postseason."

Linebacker James Laurinaitis said the Buckeyes and the Big Ten need big non-conference victories. A starting point could come Monday against Texas.

"Until things start changing in that realm, you can't go out in the media and say that's nonsense," Laurinaitis said.

Another honor:

After leading Texas to an 11-1 record, coach Mack Brown was named the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year on Wednesday. The award is named for the legendary former Georgia Tech coach.

One more year:

Texas receiver Jordan Shipley said his mindset changed after he received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA last month. "I feel like that weight is lifted off my shoulders and now I can relax and play and have an idea of what I'm doing after this bowl game is over," said Shipley said, who is already being teased about being the team's "old man," a role filled this year by former minor league baseball player Quan Cosby.