DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State running back Chris Wells likes to credit his offensive linemen for his success, saying he just rambles through the holes they create.

But the sophomore from Akron has noticed those openings getting a bit bigger. Wells ran

for 221 yards against Michigan State last

week — the most by a Buckeye in five years and the ninth-highest total in OSU history.

"Their attitude and whole approach has changed," Wells said of his line. "They went from being so-so to getting it done. They're concentrating on getting it done every game."

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound Wells has rushed for 863 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games with a 5.8-yard average.

PSU QB Morelli earns respect

OSU cornerback Malcolm Jenkins knows he wouldn't have gotten a complete picture of Penn State's Anthony Morelli by just watching tape of losses at Michigan and Illinois.

The senior quarterback had just one TD pass and three interceptions in those games. But he's been sharp at home, throwing for 10 scores and just three picks.

"When he's at home, he's a whole different quarterback," Jenkins said. "He's comfortable in the pocket. He throws it a little better."

Tressel eyed PSU assistant job

After finishing his playing days at Baldwin-Wallace, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel had an offer to be a grad assistant at Akron, but he had his sights set on a more glamorous school.

Penn State also had an opening for him, but his father, the late Baldwin-Wallace coach Lee Tressel, nixed it.

"He thought I would just get more experience at Akron," Tressel said. "He was right — again."