Tressel’s words were similar last season.

Things didn’t go their way. It didn’t make the pain go down easier.

Welcome to the Things-Didn’t-Go-Our-Way-Bowl — The Sequel.

The Buffalo Bills can look back at those four Super Bowl appearances, maybe point out a play here, a play there. Maybe things would’ve been different.

Ohio State can do the same thing — if its players can stand that kind of torture.

“I’m proud of what our players did in 2007,’’ Tressel said.

Remember this: Ohio State wasn’t supposed to be in the BCS Championship Game. Truth be told, the Buckeyes weren’t even supposed to win the Big Ten. That was Michigan’s preseason distinction — until we learned about that phenomenon known as Appalachian State.

The Buckeyes mowed through their schedule, rebounded from an inexplicable home loss against Illinois, then defeated Michigan for the fourth consecutive time. It looked like a wait until their official call from the Rose Bowl.

Not so fast.

Missouri fell.

So did West Virginia.

Suddenly, the Buckeyes, home watching from the couch, were back in the national-championship game. They were presented with the type of opportunity that rarely comes around once, let alone twice.

That shouldn’t be forgotten.

At least Ohio State made the Big Game. What was West Virginia’s excuse?

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more. more photos

“People somehow need to remember about the days when Ohio State wasn’t beating Michigan every year,’’ Buckeyes offensive tackle Kirk Barton said before the game. “We’ve done some things around here.’’

Just not enough, not for a program with the pedigree of the Buckeyes.

Ohio State was a very, very good team.

Not a great one.

Sort of like the other program that kept coming close.

You know.

The Buffalo Bills.

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands