OHIO STATE Pittman, Joe to get more carries

Senior starter Lydell Ross has had an inconsistent season at running back.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- Just like when he takes a pitch-out, Tony Pittman doesn't hesitate and sprints straight ahead.
"Clinton Portis. Enough said," Pittman said quickly when asked to describe his style of running. "That's my favorite back. He's just so shifty. I have to move my number up one next year, trying to be like Clinton Portis."
Before Pittman can switch his current jersey number to Portis' No. 26, Pittman will try to rejuvenate No. 7 Ohio State's running attack.
Both he and Branden Joe, one of the leaders of the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl win in January, are healthy and ready to lend some help to starter Lydell Ross.
"I change the game because I'm a shifty runner," Pittman said. "When I get in, the tempo changes and they've got to look for cutbacks. When Lydell gets in, he's more of a power back."
Mr. Inside, Mr. Outside
Joe, a senior who has spent most of his time at fullback, could be the guy to energize an offense that ranks ninth in the Big Ten in yards on the ground per game.
"Nothing against Lydell but I'm more of an inside type of guy and Tony's more of a speed guy," Joe said. "I definitely think it will help us get this running game where we want it."
The Buckeyes take on Northwestern in their Big Ten opener tonight. It could be exquisite timing, since Ohio State would like nothing better than regaining its balance on offense against a team that is giving up 440 yards a game.
Ross has taken the heat while the Buckeyes (3-0) have lost their way but haven't lost any games. Ohio State ran for just 64 yards in a 22-14 win at North Carolina State two weeks ago after netting just 79 yards on the ground the week before in a 24-21 victory against Marshall.
"I'm my toughest critic," said Ross, a senior who ran for a team-best 826 yards in 2003. "I don't listen to all the propaganda out there and all the fans out there. I decide what I'm doing wrong and what I'm doing right."
Ross said the offensive line is getting better, and the continuing maturation of quarterback Justin Zwick and improvement in the passing game will make the running game even better.
"I'm not frustrated at all. I feel like I can be doing a lot better," said Ross, a senior.