Tressel plans to attend OSU's Final Four game



COLUMBUS (AP) -- Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel admits he has more on his mind than spring practice or how to replace Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith.
He had to figure out how to get to Atlanta for the Final Four Saturday night when the basketball Buckeyes play Georgetown in the semifinals.
"We've got practice in the morning, but I'm going to find a way to get there, even if I have to hitchhike," he said. "I can't wait to see the ball game."
Tressel, a big fan of the basketball team and coach Thad Matta, said Tuesday he plans to fly to Atlanta on the day of the game.
Tressel and Matta exchange text messages often, and Matta has asked him to speak to the team twice, including before the team started the NCAA tournament.
"Just like all the fans feel it is fun to be a part of it, I feel fun to be a part of it," he said.
The fan in Tressel would like the idea of Ohio State playing Florida for the championship -- a rematch of the football title game that the Gators won 41-14. The coach, though, would just like to see the Buckeyes play their best.
"To me, that's what it's all about. You're never disappointed when you play well," he said.
"I'm just so excited for them, and I've just really enjoyed watching their growth," Tressel said. "Thad outlined a vision to the kids that he recruited and said, 'Hey, here's what this place can become."'
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