DaytonDailyNews.com

NEW ORLEANS — Rob Schoenhoft never pictured himself playing tight end, and he hopes it's not a permanent move.

But the former Ohio State No. 2 quarterback has been lining up there on the scout team, and he's willing to practice in LSU colors if it will help the defense prepare for the national title game.

"Of course, it's disappointing. I came here to be a quarterback," Schoenhoft said Saturday at the Buckeyes' media event in the Superdome. "But there's no doubt about it — I'm going to give it my all. That's the type of player I am, and that's the type of person Coach Tressel coaches us to be.

"We've all worked way too hard for me to mope around."

The 6-foot-6, 244-pound sophomore battled junior Todd Boeckman for the starting QB job in the preseason, but had fallen to No. 3 on the depth chart behind redshirt freshman Antonio Henton, who is being groomed for a possible cameo in Monday's game.

"He's got a little more speed, and he's a little more agile than Todd and I," Schoenhoft said. "That's what LSU's defense suffered against — speed at the quarterback position."

The Cincinnati St. Xavier product was told he's free to move back to his old position in the spring, although another quarterback could be in the mix next season if OSU lands the top high school senior QB in the nation in Terrelle Pryor.

Schoenhoft would have two years of eligibility left if he transfers, but he insists that's not a consideration yet.

"That's something I'm going to have to address in the offseason, what the situation is," he said. "My best friend's here, my girlfriend's here, my family is an hour and a half away. I love Columbus. It would take a lot for me to leave."

Saine thrilled with year

Brandon Saine's freshman season has surpassed his expectations.

"It's been a great experience," said the former Ohio Mr. Football from Piqua. "I've been to states and cities I've never been before. I've gotten to see lots of things, play in some big games. And now I'm playing for the national championship — it's the best thing that ever happened to me."

Saine averaged 4.4 yards on 60 carries this season. He also caught nine passes for 91 yards.

OSU coaches say they expect Saine to see action in the national title game. He was a valuable asset against Michigan, replacing Chris Wells for a third-quarter series and promptly picking up a first down on three straight carries.

"It was really cool to get in the game," he said. "I'm glad I was able to contribute."

Miles questions spread

LSU coach Les Miles scoffed at the notion that his team is favored by four points over the No. 1 Buckeyes.

"You tell me who's the underdog, the No. 1 team or the No. 2 team?" he said. "All I know is there are two damn good football teams playing."

When he was reminded the national perception is that the Buckeyes are in over their heads, Miles suggested they might be looking for slights that aren't actually there.

"I don't know who's telling them that," Miles said. "Maybe they need to hear that."