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COLUMBUS — Todd Boeckman was allowed to operate in a demilitarized zone during Ohio State's full-contact scrimmage Saturday, April 12, donning a black jersey instead of the scarlet worn by the rest of the offense, to indicate he wasn't supposed to be tackled.

But coach Jim Tressel's decision to keep his starting quarterback out of the line of fire didn't garner universal support.

"Kurt Coleman asked me, 'When is Todd going to have a red jersey on?'" Tressel said of the safety from Northmont. "You know Kurt, he always wants to hit someone. I said, 'The first time you'll see Todd in a red jersey is in the locker room on Aug. 30 (before the season-opener). If you want to hit him in the restroom, go ahead.'"

Boeckman showed why the Buckeyes are so bent on keeping him in one piece, firing picturesque touchdown passes of 53 and 25 yards to Brian Hartline while being pitted against the first-string defense.

"He came up with big throws," Tressel said. "And in a game, if you can come with up big plays as a quarterback and not have turnovers, we're going to have a chance to win. ... He had command of the situation, and that's important."

The competition for the No. 2 QB spot is tight (at least until Terrelle Pryor arrives). Backups Antonio Henton and Joe Bauserman did nothing noteworthy during the 125-play skirmish at Ohio Stadium.

"I thought Todd was pretty fair, and the other guys were pretty average," Tressel said.

Brandon Saine, a sophomore-to-be from Piqua, produced several highlights, including a tackle-breaking 23-yard TD run.

"He's becoming a real physical runner," linebacker James Laurinaitis said. "He's turned it up a notch."

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

Ohio State spring game

When: Saturday, April 19, at 1 or 1:30 p.m. (will follow men's lacrosse game, which begins at 11 a.m.) | Where: Ohio Stadium

Tickets: General admission is $5. Tickets are available at the stadium.

Comment: How do you think the Buckeyes will do this season?

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