THE TRADITION CONTINUES--Ohio State drum major Cory Thompson, a junior from Elyria Ohio, leads the band onto the field for the pre-game show at Ohio Stadium, in Columbus Ohio, on Saturday, September 7, 1996.

LETS GO BUCKS--Ohio State cheerleader Jennifer Ellsworth inspires the crowd at Ohio Stadium, in Columbus Ohio, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1996. Jennifer's favorite team beat Rice University 70-7.

FIRST TD OF '96--Ohio State University tight-end John Lumpkin, No. 85, runs past Rice University defensive back Warrick Franklin, No. 21, as he scores the first Buckeye touchdown on the 1996 season, during the 1st quarter of the teams home opener, played at Ohio Stadium, in Columbus Ohio, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1996. The Buckeyes trounced the Owls 70-7.

TOUCHDOWN BOUND--Ohio State University tailback Pepe Pearson heads for the end-zone during the first quarter of the Buckeye's 70-7 victory over the Rice Owls at Ohio Stadium, in Columbus Ohio, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1996.

SNAP, CRACKLE AND POP--Ohio State linebacker Rob Kelly wraps up Rice University quarterback Chad Nelson during the 2nd quarter of the Buckeye's 70-7 opening day victory at Ohio Stadium, in Columbus Ohio, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 1996.