The first-team All-Big Ten honors and the All-American mention could have occupied Michael Doss' mind in the offseason, but the Ohio State safety had something else to think about.

For all his success as a first-year starter last season, Doss couldn't shake the lingering frustration over being beaten deep for the game-winning touchdown pass at Purdue in the loss that took OSU out of the Rose Bowl race.

"Once a mistake is made, you move on,'' Doss said.

"I could have hung my head because of that one play, but I'm a competitor. Definitely, that made a lasting impression on me ... because I had never been beaten on the last play to lose a game."

Resolved to be better in deep coverage, Doss spent the spring working on that aspect of his game and was so successful he will be the Buckeyes' nickel back in pass coverage situations this year.

New OSU defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio challenged Doss with that assignment and was pleased with the results.

"Mike Doss is enthusiastic. I think he can be one of our leaders," Dantonio said.

"What did he do last year? He ran down in the box, he blitzed and he made plays near the line of scrimmage. He wants to get up there and make the tackle. He has to be more disciplined. You have to understand your role as a deep defender."

Doss doesn't want to hear about last year any more -- not only because of being victimized at Purdue, but also because his team-high 94 tackles and three interceptions no longer serve a purpose.

"Last year is last year," Doss said. "That doesn't help me this year. The only thing last year does for me now is give me something to use to measure by. ...

"I want to at least -- at least -- meet the standards I set last year. Hopefully, I can be the best safety in the country."

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