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''I think he's done a great job with his decision-making,'' coach Jim Tressel said of Smith. ''I'd say if we were playing Michigan State right now, obviously Troy, in my mind, would line up and be the guy. I don't know what exactly could change that.''
Told of Tressel's decision, fullback Branden Joe was hardly surprised.
''He's the man right now,'' Joe said. ''When you're talking about who's going to be under center, you're going to go with the guy who has the rhythm and has things moving in the right direction. Man, 2-0 after a three-game losing streak? If it ain't broke, we're going to go with Troy. I can guarantee that.''
Smith threw only eight passes yesterday, but more importantly he's turned the ball over once in two games. Zwick had nine turnovers in his six games as the starter.
Back on board
Lydell Ross dressed for yesterday's game, but did not play and did not serve as a captain. That should be the end of the suspension for his involvement in an incident at a Columbus strip club two weeks ago involving fake money. Tressel said he expects Ross to be part of the team again next week at Michigan State.
''He'll probably start this week eligible to play based upon what I know,'' Tressel said. ''I thought he handled it well this week and ran scout team and did what he had to do. Now it's time to go forward, just like we would with anyone else.''
Tressel said he conferred with some of the older players before deciding he should hang on to his captaincy.
''His peers really would prefer he remain a captain,'' he said.
Running again
Ross returns just as the running game is getting out of neutral. The Buckeyes followed up last week's 282 yards with 143 yesterday against a fairly strong defensive front.
Maurice Hall, who became Ohio State's all-time leader in kickoff return yardage, gained 65 yards on 14 carries. Antonio Pittman had 27 yards and Smith ran for 26.
''We always had faith we could run the ball,'' Joe said. ''We have a lot of positive people around here. We never doubted our ability to run.''
Retired and retired
Ohio State retired Chic Harley's No. 47 at halftime yesterday, shortly after his great-great-nephew was retired for the year.
Rob Harley was carried off the field on a punt return with a right knee injury. Tressel said he's likely done for the season.
''He was so looking forward to this game,'' Tressel said. ''He wore Chic's number all week in practice.''
Injury report
Donte Whitner missed yesterday's game with a leg injury, but should return next week. Nate Salley left with an injured shoulder and Rory Nicol twisted his ankle, but could've returned, Tressel said. None of the injuries are expected to be serious.
Extra points
Bobby Carpenter appeared for postgame interviews yesterday wearing an Iceman costume from the movie Top Gun. Harley was supposed to be Maverick for the team's Halloween party that followed the game ... A.J. Hawk led the defense with 13 tackles. Anthony Schlegel added 10 É Jeremy Kapinos' 78-yard punt in the third quarter was the longest for Penn State in 74 years É Ohio State is 5-3, meaning it needs one more win to become bowl eligible É Penn State is guaranteed a losing record for the fourth time in the last five years É Yesterday was the third time Ohio State scored on a punt return and interception in the same game. The last time was 1973 against Northwestern É Yesterday's attendance was 104,947.
jlloyd@morningjournal.com
