Zwick is nervous in first action

The Ohio State coaches had an idea of getting Justin Zwick in the game.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBUS -- For lack of a more dramatic storyline, we'll start with a joke.
Q. What do Justin Zwick and Ohio State's offense have in common?
A. They both start with Zzzzzs.
The Buckeyes had little problem winning Saturday's Big Ten opener against Northwestern, but the offense continued its season-long struggles, managing just 311 yards against the woeful Wildcats.
"The offense is taking baby steps," tight end Ben Hartsock said.
But what the Buckeyes lacked in quality, they made up for in quantity, showcasing several freshmen -- including Zwick.
The redshirt freshman from Massillon High entered the game on Ohio State's third offensive series and finished 3-of-7 for 20 yards while splitting time with starter Scott McMullen.
"My hands were shaking when I stepped off the field," said Zwick, whose only other action came late in the opening win against Washington. "It was exciting. I have not been in front of a crowd since the spring game."
Ball dropped
Zwick nearly recorded his first career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but freshman tight end Louis Irizarry, an Ursuline High graduate, couldn't handle the pass.
"I thought [Zwick] had some good throws," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "I think Louis was a little off-balance as he was going, but if we would have been able to complete that, that would have been a good one."
Zwick, whose brother Jared played for Tressel at YSU, led Orrville to a state championship his freshman year before losing to eventual state-champion Poland his sophomore year. Zwick transferred to Massillon for his final two seasons and was one of Tressel's first recruits at Ohio State.
"We had it in our mind before the game that if there was an opportune time with good field position that we would like Justin to get some snaps," Tressel said. "We wanted to have him throw the ball and make some decisions and make some checks and all those kinds of things, and I thought that was very valuable for him."
Zwick and McMullen replaced starting quarterback Craig Krenzel, who has missed the last two games with an elbow injury.
"It is kind of a tease because Craig may be coming back next week," Zwick said, when asked about his playing time. "It was fun. I like to help out with the team whenever I can."
Slash also plays
Zwick is expected to battle redshirt freshman Troy Smith for the starting position next season. Smith also saw action on Saturday, running two quarterback draws for 12 yards.
Smith's versatility -- he also lined up as a receiver, dropping one pass -- has drawn comparisons to former Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart, whose nickname is "Slash."
"In fact, that's what we call him, Slash," Tressel said of Smith. "He was back on kickoff returns and had a couple little things designed in the offense to get him involved.
"We're trying to make everyone part of what we're trying to do."