It seems to be a love/hate thing. Like the Yankees, USC, Notre Dame, etc.
I guess you have to be a non-Ohio State fan to understand

I think it all goes back to the Woody Hayes incident. Plus, for me I have just run into some pretty bad OSU fans. But then again I live in Tn and have to deal with UT fans too

And then again I'm a Steelers fan, so what right do I have to talk about such

Yes, I do have a Terrible Towel and a Hard Hat. No, I don't generally use/wear them.