DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State's Alex Boone threw a block in the open field that freed receiver Brian Hartline for a touchdown against Penn State on Saturday, but the burly offensive tackle showed even more athleticism by what he did after the play.

The 6-foot-8, 325-pound junior was so giddy that he jumped completely over the 6-3 Hartline during the end-zone celebration.

"We were impressed a 330-pound kid could do it and that Brian didn't collapse," tight end Rory Nicol said.

Although Boone put his hands on Hartline's shoulders for leverage, the receiver bent only slightly as his teammate sailed over his head.

It's not the first time Boone has jumped on a fellow player in exuberance, and Nicol believes coach Jim Tressel might have to intervene.

"In all honesty, not being funny, there is a line you can't cross," Nicol said. "We all saw that with what happened to Teddy. Maybe Tress will sit him down and say, 'Go hit their head or tap their butt.' "

Ted Ginn Jr. suffered a sprained foot when he was mobbed by teammates in the end zone after returning the opening kickoff in the national-title game last year.

Freeman gets award

Linebacker Marcus Freeman was named the team's defensive player of the week after a 14-tackle effort. But he modestly pointed out that his job was made easier because Penn State's offense was sending multiple blockers toward middle linebacker James Laurinaitis.

And Freeman can understand that strategy.

"When you have somebody of his caliber, you have to," Freeman said. "That's something you see on film that teams are doing. He's a great football player, and a lot of times he beats blocks one-on-one. I tell him, 'Hey, thanks for taking the double team. I'll make the play for you.' "

Is overconfidence going to be a factor?

Tressel isn't concerned about complacency creeping in after a dominant win over the Nittany Lions, although he admitted for the first time that it became a factor in the BCS championship loss last year.

"I think if you really analyzed it ... we might not have been as focused on the task at hand every second as we could have been," Tressel said. "I never want to detract from what your opponent does. Florida did a good job. The way sport is, it's not a one-way deal. But we did not do as well as we could do. That typically to me is a little bit of a lack of focus on the moment."

Record in sight

The Buckeyes have set a school record with 27 consecutive regular-season wins and are one short of the all-time Big Ten record set by Michigan from 1901-03.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com