Record 95,722 show up to see Buckeyes, Pryor

COLUMBUS (AP) — There was a lot of yardwork left undone in the Buckeye state on Saturday.

A national spring game record crowd of 95,722 came out to enjoy the high temperatures and watch Terrelle Pryor throw two long touchdown passes in 30 seconds, leading the Gray over the Scarlet 23-3 at sun-drenched Ohio Stadium.

“It’s crazy — crazy,” tight end Jake Ballard said. “With the heat out there and they were out there sitting through it.”

The 80-degree weather played a big role in the attendance, which topped the 92,138 Alabama drew for Nick Saban’s coaching debut in 2007.

“First, kudos go out to our fans,” coach Jim Tressel said. “It was a beautiful day, and gives you a little bit of electricity and a little energy and a little reminder of how much interest there is in Ohio State football.”

Ohio fans paid $5 per ticket, with the bulk of the money going to local charities. Many showed up in tank tops and shorts to soak up the sun on the warmest day of the year while watching Pryor strut his stuff.

He broke open a close scrimmage with touchdown passes of 44 yards to Taurian Washington and 42 yards to Ray Small late in the second half. Pryor started as a freshman for last year’s 10-3 Buckeyes team.

It has grated on him that doubters have questioned his ability to throw the ball accurately on medium and longer pass routes.

“We don’t care about the critics and the analysts and people saying stuff about me,” said Pryor, who retired after three quarters after completing 13-of-18 passes for 191 yards and the two scores.