Saturday, August 24, 2002
Buckeyes plan to hit the ground running
Pass-happy Texas Tech will test DBs
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS - Quarterback Kliff Kingsbury divulged Texas Tech's game plan for No.13 Ohio State today in the Pigskin Classic.
“Plan A is throw it. Plan B is throw it,” Kingsbury said. Neither side is afraid to tip its hand when it comes to a game plan. The Buckeyes like to run the ball and rely on a solid defense led by strong safety Michael Doss.
The Red Raiders are smaller on the line but use the spread offense and take risks on defense to make up for that difference.
Kingsbury figures to pass at least 50 times against a defense that returns eight starters from last year's squad. The Buckeyes have their own plan for Kingsbury.
“If you don't
have time to sit there and eat a sandwich, you're going to make a bad throw every once in awhile,” free safety Donnie Nickey said.
Ohio State will be without flanker Chris Vance, suspended for the game for violating team rules. Also, projected starting fullback Jessie Kline left the team earlier this week for health reasons.
The Buckeyes still have plenty of firepower because all their receivers return. Quarterback Craig Krenzel was a backup the past two seasons but led Ohio State to a stunning win against Michigan in November.
Tech has more going for it than just Kingsbury. Nine starters are back on defense, including linebacker Lawrence Flugence and defensive end Aaron Hunt.
Ohio State has 14 freshmen and eight sophomores listed on its two-deep lineup. Coach Jim Tressel hopes to avoid any missteps while the young Buckeyes gain experience during the longest season - 13 regular-season games over 91 days - in school history.
“You know what? I'm sure we're a tad overrated,” Tressel said. “I hope by the end we're good. Where we are now is not significant.”
Sports Stories
Bengals QB should be decided tonight
Bengals Notebook: Dillon's turn tonight
Ravens 13, Eagles 12
Jaguars 24, Bears 16
Patriots 23, Panthers 3
Vikings 14, Titans 10
NFL Notebook: Simmons killed in crash
Astros 6, Reds 4
Reds Box, Runs
Griffey plays LF to ease injured hip
Reds Notebook: Testing day for pitchers
Astros pitcher rewards manager's faith
Hunter finds home with Astros
Phillies 5, Cardinals 4, 14 innings
Diamondbacks 3, Cubs 2
Dodgers 4, Braves 3
Expos 7, Giants 2
Padres 18, Marlins 2
Rockies 10, Mets 4
Athletics 9, Tigers 1
No big news from labor talks
Toledo 7, Louisville 4
UC needs better defense
Pacers to train at Xavier
Coach's role extends beyond X's and O's
Colerain-Moeller highlight Showdown
Mason upsets Lebanon 14-12
Roger Bacon rallies past Mt. Healthy
Top-ranked Highlands comes up short
Trojans, lightning strike
Weather plays havoc with openers
Another Smith lifts Thoroughbreds
Beechwood's Yeagle leaves coaching job
CovCath controls tempo, blanks Boone County
Kings batters 'Boro
Lexington Henry Clay 18, Highlands 13
McNick's Denton throws 4 TD passes vs. Turpin
Carroll County 27, Ludlow 0
Carroll County 27, Ludlow 0
CCD 34, Madeira 22
CHCA 56, Williamsburg 12
Conner 20, Corbin 6
Conner 20, Corbin 6
Glen Este 20, Goshen 9
Harmony Community 42, Lockland 0
Harmony Community 42, Lockland 0
Holmes 28, Simon Kenton 17
Lakota East 17, Wayne 7
Lou. Holy Cross 21, Holy Cross 0
Loveland 28, Northwest 14
Mariemont 27, Western Brown 0
Mercer Co. 35, Scott 14
Mercer Co. 35, Scott 14
Middletown 28, Withrow 0
Middletown 28, Withrow 0
Milford 33, Amelia 7
Norwood 28, Taylor 12
Purcell Marian 12, Walnut Hills 6
Reading 21, Clinton-Massie 20
Ross 33, Lemon-Monroe 8
Western Hills 29, Dayton Belmont 6
How Enquirer poll teams fared
Local Football Scores
Ohio prep football scores
Indiana prep football scores
Kentucky prep football scores
Boys golf results
Girls tennis results
Girls volleyball preview
Kentucky volleyball preview
PETA objects to Massillon Washington's mascot
Buckeyes plan to hit the ground running
