Sunday, October 17, 1999
OHIO STATE NOTEBOOK
Linebackers make game's best plays
BY SCOTT MacGREGOR
The Cincinnati Enquirer
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — In a game that featured few big plays, the two much-hyped outside linebackers provided two of the best.
Ohio State's Na'il Diggs helped the Buckeyes get their only touchdown in a 23-10 loss by slamming Penn State quarterback Kevin Thompson to the ground in the end zone and forcing a fumble, which OSU recovered for a touchdown. The hit put Thompson out of the game — and possibly longer — with a separated shoulder.
Penn State's LaVar Arrington, called by many the best linebacker in the country, was even flashier, leap-frogging OSU tailback Jonathan Wells on a blind-side blitz and crushing Buckeyes quarterback Steve Bellisari on a spectacular sack.
“That was not a leap. That was just beating a block,” said Arrington, a confident soul who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated'scollege football preview issue. “They were cutting (blocking low) all game. I recognized their tendencies and ad justed to it.”
BACKING BELLISARI: OSU offensive coordinator Mike Jacobs was asked after the game whether the Bucks will stick with the struggling Bellisari at quarterback no matter what.
“We're not going to stick with anybody at this point,” Jacobs said. “But Steve made some big plays today. He didn't get much help up front. It's hard for a fan to evaluate it when he's not getting the protection.”
Don't confuse Jacobs' first statement for hesitation. Bellisari remains the Buckeyes' man. Even after he was hit hard late and had to come out for a play, they sent him back in to finish up.
BUCKEYE BITES: Senior fullback Matt Keller did not play for the third consecutive week with a sprained ankle. ... Penn State tailback Eric McCoo's 211 yards were the most OSU has given up on the ground to a single back in two seasons. ... OSU's 10 points were its fewest since losing 13-9 to Michigan in 1996.
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