ESPN Big Ten Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

	Hunter Martin/Getty Images
	Jim Tressel (above) said his "gentlemen" comment wasn't directed at Rich Rodriguez.

CHICAGO -- Ohio State coach Jim Tressel expects the rivalry with Michigan to have some added excitement and even "mystery" with a new coach prowling the Wolverines' sideline.

But Tressel doesn't think he added any fuel to the annual game with his comments this spring about Big Ten coaches pursuing recruits who are already verbally committed to other league schools. At Ohio State's spring preview luncheon, Tressel was asked if poaching a committed recruit violates a gentlemen's agreement between Big Ten coaches.

"I guess only between the gentlemen," he replied.

Many viewed the comment as a dig at new Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, who landed a wide receiver prospect (Roy Roundtree) who already had committed to Purdue.

"The discussion wasn't even about me," Tressel said Thursday. "I didn't have any involvement in that whole thing leading up to me. I've served with Rich on the American Football Coaches (Association) Board of Trustees long before he went to Michigan. He's going to be a great representative for Michigan and the Big Ten. So no, I wasn't trying to make a point."

Rodriguez is more concerned about beating Ohio State, something Michigan hasn't done since 2003. It didn't take long for him to become familiar with the rivalry -- he received a "Beat Ohio State" button on his desk during his first day on the job.

Though he has plenty to do in Ann Arbor before Nov. 22, Rodriguez senses the buzz around the game.

"You hear about it every day," he said. "It's fun."