No doubt about it, Ohio State knows glory and winning.

But there is also no disputing the fact that Ohio State knows disappointment and losing.

For coach John Cooper, the letdown of last year's 6-6 record lingered into the summer.

"We had a disappointing team last year," Cooper said. "Sometimes it's not how good you are, it's how good you are in comparison to the teams you are playing. On that particular day when we played those six teams, they were definitely better than us."

Those six teams went on to bowl games and won the matchups. But that was no consolation to disgruntled Buckeyes fans. All they knew was that their men in the red and silver were nowhere to be found on the bowl circuit.

Word circulated that the team's unusually dismal season stemmed from a lack of chemistry and players in academic trouble. Regardless of the problem, Cooper believes it is repaired.

"I think our chemistry's back," Cooper said. "I don't think we ever lost our chemistry. I think we've had some good chemistry, good work ethic. I think one of the best things about our program is the work ethic of our players."

Team members also noticed some dissension, but after successful offseason workouts and a 3-0 start, the No. 12 Buckeyes are

"We had chemistry," senior defensive end Rodney Bailey said, "but sometimes you can be a little more spread out as a team than you'd like to be. You have to put everyone together in a tight ball and make sure that ball is solid. I see that happening on this team with a great senior class of leaders."

One senior player who has worked doggedly since his collegiate career began is quarterback Steve Bellisari. After several rocky games as a Buckeye, Bellisari said he finally feels comfortable.

After three games, Bellisari completed 33 passes on 64 attempts for four touchdowns and one interception.

"As a group offensively, we came together," Bellisari said. "We took advantage of a lot of our speedy guys. It makes my job a lot easier."

That's because Bellisari has the luxury of throwing to Ken-Yon Rambo and Reggie Germany. Both wideouts received profuse preseason praise and have produced the expected results.

Rambo is the team's leading receiver with 16 catches and 206 yards, and Germany has four receptions for 84 yards. Surprise senior receiver Chad Cacchio also has four catches, three of which were for touchdowns.

Despite the loss of All-America linebacker Na'il Diggs, Cooper said he is optimistic about this year's corps, which consists of Joe Cooper, Jason Ott and Courtland Bullard.

Bailey is expected to anchor the defensive line and the talented secondary will be led by David Mitchell and Nate Clements, in spite of the loss of cornerback Ahmed Plummer.

The talent is present in Columbus. It's just a matter of overcoming last season's downfalls.

"If some guys don't have the right mindset," Bailey said, "there are a lot of guys on this team who really care and who are ready to show some guys the way and how focused you can be. We need leaders all over this team, and I think that's what we have."