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OSU ready for the night shift; QB needs work
Friday, August 24, 2007
COLUMBUS — Ohio State treated its fans to an open practice under portable lights at Ohio Stadium on Thursday night, but coach Jim Tressel admitted his motive for staging the event wasn't entirely altruistic.
"It's a little bit of a monoto-
Extras
ny-breaker (from preseason camp)," he said. "And two, we're going to play some evening games, and it raises the awareness of that."
The Buckeyes play three night games on the road this season — at Minnesota, Purdue and Penn State. The home teams and TV networks decide kickoff times, giving OSU no say.
"It's just a reminder that our partners in the television business want us in prime time," Tressel said. "I feel kind of proud they want us there. Do I love night games? No, but I don't love them at home, necessarily. I like waking up and playing ball."
Boeckman spotty
Quarterback Todd Boeckman has had flashes of brilliance in practice, but his position coach would rather see sustained excellence.
"He has to be more consistent — and that's somewhat typical for someone who hasn't played too much," quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels said. "He's got to get more consistent with his reads. He sees the field very well, and I'm happy with that. But he has to be more consistent in his decisions."
Spitler making move
Middle linebacker Austin Spitler, a third-year sophomore from Bellbrook, has been getting some snaps with the first-team defense and could supply star James Laurinaitis with a few breathers.
"He's a great kid — and tough," defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said. "He's the kind of guy you want on the field because of his toughness."
The 6-foot-3, 242-pound Spitler appeared in all 13 games last season, primarily on special teams.
"He's kind of a throwback because of his toughness," Heacock said. "He's so competitive and just a winner. You want him involved in your defense as much as you can."
Junior Marcus Freeman and senior Larry Grant are starting at outside linebacker, while sophomore Ross Homan also is in the mix.
Senior Curtis Terry will complete the rotation at linebacker when he returns from an ankle injury.
Freshman cracks lineup
With sophomore Ray Small sidelined with an ankle injury, true freshman Dane Sanzenbacher has become the team's third receiver behind Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline.
"Dane has done an unbelievable job," receivers coach Darrell Hazell said. "I think what's propelled him past some other guys is he's able to learn, retain and apply. Those are his special qualities."
Two injured
A pair of projected starters, cornerback Donald Washington and defensive tackle Doug Worthington, didn't practice because of undisclosed injuries.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.
