Spring game highlights pass attack

By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBUS -- On an April day when football sprung up at a soccer stadium, one team decided to turn up the heat in Ohio State's Scarlet and Gray Game.
Just when Gray seemed on its way to victory, redshirt sophomore quarterback Craig Krenzel led Scarlet on a comeback mission that ended in their 22-21 victory Saturday at Crew Stadium.
Krenzel's 4-yard touchdown run with 1 minute, 5 seconds remaining provided Scarlet with the winning points and capped coach Jim Tressel's first spring season as coach of the Buckeyes.
Let it fly: On a day when coaches ordered each team to the air numerous times, Krenzel helped provide Scarlet's 15 fourth-quarter points that erased a 21-7 deficit through three quarters.
"I'm sure that makes Craig feel good about himself; it makes his teammates feel good about him," said Tressel, who added that Krenzel came on strong late in spring practice.
With 5:35 to play, Krenzel connected with junior split end Chris Vance for a 21-yard touchdown strike that brought Scarlet within 21-14.
Nearly two minutes later, it became 21-16 when redshirt sophomore punter B.J. Sander ran out of the end zone for a safety following a dropped snap.
It was one of several special teams mistakes throughout the game.
"They got one more good lesson that special teams make the difference in close games," Tressel said. "That will be a good teaching tool."
Botched punt: Scarlet gave Krenzel the opportunity for the final drive when it recovered a fumble on Gray's botched punt return with 2:38 remaining.
"When the special teams and defense make a big play to get us the ball back, we [the offense] feel obligated to come through," said Krenzel, who completed 4 of 11 passes for 91 yards.
Incumbent senior starter Steve Bellisari and challengers, redshirt sophomore Scott McMullen and redshirt freshman Rick McFadden of Struthers, along with Krenzel, went to the air often in front of the 22,000 fans.
They combined for 56 pass attempts (there were 32 rushes), with Gray's Bellisari completing 11 of 17 for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
"They had an opportunity to make decisions," Tressel said of the quarterbacks. "There weren't the number of coverages and rushes and stunts and blitzes they'll normally see, but you have to crawl before you walk."
Tressel was asked whether the Buckeyes will put the ball in the air that often in the fall.
"We'll throw that many in 2001," Tressel said, to some laughter.
QB rank: The spring game didn't influence the quarterback rank, Tressel said. It has been reported that Bellisari is still the favorite to start in the fall, with McMullen pushing him hard, Krenzel No. 3 and McFadden fourth.
"After 15 practices, with 29 more to go, the pecking order is about the same as it's been the last few days," Tressel said. "That doesn't mean the game is over by any means."
Redshirt freshman flanker John Hollins had a big day for Scarlet, catching six passes for 84 yards.
"We have to understand the importance of the lessons we've learned," Tressel said, "and we have to understand that May, June and July is what separates the guys who end up emerging on your own team and what separates the teams throughout the country."